The Dragon Quest series will have exciting reveals during 2021, according to franchise creator Yuji Horii. Given that Dragon Quest has many sub-franchises, there are some exciting possibilities for what the reveals might be.
Originally known in the West as Dragon Warrior, the Dragon Quest series is viewed as one of the most influential Japanese role-playing game series of all time. The series is often compared to Final Fantasy, but the two franchises are actually quite different. For example, Dragon Quest typically emphasizes simple turn-based combat systems, traditional fantasy tales set in medieval kingdoms, and the artistic stylings of Akira Toriyama.
Speaking in a broadcast for the Japan-exclusive MMO Dragon Quest 10, Horii states that the series will be able to make "all sorts of announcements" for its 35th anniversary in 2021, according to a translation from Gematsu. Although he promised continued support for Dragon Quest 10, Horii didn't elaborate on what the future of the series will hold. As it stands, the only future mainline series content confirmed for Western audiences is the upcoming multi-platform release of Dragon Quest 11 S, an enhanced version of Dragon Quest 11.Â
Of course, the first announcement that fans might expect is a new mainline game. After all, Horii has confirmed that Dragon Quest 12 is in development. Alternately, popular sub-series such as Dragon Quest Monsters and Dragon Quest Builders may be due for new games in 2021. In particular, the Monsters sub-series has not received a new game since 2016's Japan-exclusive Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 3. It's also possible that one of the series' more obscure spin-offs, such as Dragon Quest Swords or Dragon Quest Heroes, will make a return.
Western fans may have to prepare themselves to receive less series content in 2021 as compared to Japanese fans. Although the series is decently well-known in the West, it is extremely prominent in Japan. For example, a highly popular Japan-only mobile game known as Dragon Quest Walk recently trended on global Twitter. It is possible that many of the anniversary announcements will either concern Japan-only spinoffs or content updates for Dragon Quest 10. Given that Dragon Quest 10 has not been localized in the eight years since its launch, it is unlikely it will be localized any time soon.
To be fair, global fans can find all sorts of Dragon Quest content outside of Dragon Quest games. For example, Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai, an anime based on a classic Dragon Quest manga, is currently airing. Plus, the appearance of Dragon Quest protagonists in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has helped to raise the prominence of the Dragon Quest series in the West, making it more likely spin-offs will release globally in the future.
Source: Gematsu