So, like every year, 4Gamer and Famitsu just dropped their big end-of-year interviews with a ton of game devs. It’s a cool tradition in Japan – they get everyone’s thoughts on the past year and, even better, what they’re hoping to achieve in 2026. I always love reading what these creators are planning for the future!
ArtPlay
Shutaro Iida
(Famitsu)
I’m still battling health issues, and it keeps meaning I’m in and out of the hospital. I used to handle everything myself, but now I’m having to share the workload with others. Honestly, looking at everything, I’m starting to think I pushed myself too hard. I haven’t been able to delegate much yet, but my biggest goal is to get Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement finished and released while I’m still around to see it happen.
Koji “IGA” Igarashi
(Famitsu)
I’m focused on releasing the new game, Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement. I also want to prioritize my health, as I had several hospital visits in 2025, and plan to make some positive lifestyle changes to do so.
We’re working hard on Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement, and the entire team is focused on supporting our creative director, SHUTARO, who is currently unwell. We want him to be able to rest and recover, and we’re excited to share more updates soon.
Aquaplus
Naoya Shimokawa
(Famitsu)
We’re currently making great progress on the latest Utawarerumono game, Utawarerumono: Shiro he no Michishirube. We know everyone’s been eagerly awaiting its release since we first announced it, and we’re working hard to make sure it meets – and even exceeds – your expectations. Please be patient, it’s coming soon!
Idea Factory
Kei Nanameda
(4Gamer)
In 2025, I released Calamity Angels: Special Delivery. I decided to try something different from the generally darker themes we’ve been seeing, and went with a more upbeat, pop-inspired design. I’m really happy people enjoyed the characters and world!
Currently, I’m hard at work on the artwork for a new game, and I hope you’ll be excited to see it when it’s ready!
Hikaru Yasui
(4Gamer)
We’re incredibly thankful to all the Neptunia fans for your amazing support! 2025, the series’ 15th anniversary year, exceeded all our expectations, and that’s entirely thanks to you. Your continued love and encouragement mean the world to us and are driving us forward.
Now that it’s 2026, we’re excited to announce we’re working hard on a brand-new numbered Neptunia game! The whole team, led by Tsunako, is dedicated to making this the best entry yet, and we’re aiming to surpass everyone’s expectations.
We can’t wait to share a new story with you in the Hyperdimension this year. Thank you for your continued support!
Atlus
Atsushi Kitajoh
(4Gamer)
As a big fan, I’m so excited to see Persona 3 Reload – I actually helped work on it! – now available on the Switch 2! It feels like everyone’s releasing new games around the New Year, which is awesome. It’s also been a rough winter with the flu going around and the weather being so cold, so what better way to spend time than cozying up at home with a new game? Just remember to get up and move around a bit too!
Yoshihiro Komori
(4Gamer)
I’m so relieved that Persona 3 Reload is now available on the Nintendo Switch! I hope players can enjoy it in lots of different ways – whether they’re relaxing in bed, leveling up on their commute, or experiencing the exciting parts on a big TV with friends and family.
I’m currently brainstorming ideas for my next game, bouncing them off my colleagues, and we’re having some lively discussions. It’s a busy time, but we’re all really enjoying the process!
Yohsuke Uda
(4Gamer)
We’re thrilled Persona 5: The Phantom X is celebrating its half-anniversary and continuing the legacy of the Persona series! The entire Persona team is working hard to make both a success. We hope you’ll continue to support us in 2026 and beyond!
Atsushi Nomura
(4Gamer)
With the first Persona game released in 1996, 2026 will mark the 30th anniversary of the series. We’re incredibly grateful for the long-time fans and those who are new to Persona, and we want to use this milestone year to introduce the series to even more people. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating! We’re also thrilled by the positive response to Persona 4 Golden’s revival and look forward to sharing news about that soon – thank you for your continued support.
Kazuhisa Wada
(4Gamer)
2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the Persona series, and we’re incredibly grateful for all the support over the years. We’re planning a big global celebration, so stay tuned for more details! We also anticipate being able to share exciting news about the future of the series sometime in 2026. The entire Atlus team is working hard to make this a special year for Persona fans, and we appreciate your continued enthusiasm!
Shinjiro Takada
(4Gamer)
Raidou Remastered launched in June 2025, and the Switch 2 version of Persona 3 Reload followed in October. After releasing demos and updates, we were hoping to have a moment to rest… but it looks like we need a little more time before we can share our next announcement.
Kazuyuki Yamai
(4Gamer)
We at Atlus have a lot of anniversaries coming up, and I’m excited to celebrate them with everyone. I’m happy we were able to release the remastered version of Raidou in 2025, and things are calming down a bit. I’m still really passionate about Raidou, so please try out the demo if you haven’t already! Currently, I’m focused on planning future projects – it’s a time for laying the groundwork for what’s to come.
Inti Creates
Takuya Aizu
(4Gamer)
We have two exciting releases planned for the first half of 2026. First, on January 29th, we’ll launch Card-en-Ciel for the Nintendo Switch 2, offering a better experience with mouse controls, 4K resolution, and smoother gameplay. We’re also creating physical editions for fans to enjoy! Then, on April 23rd, we’re releasing Kingdom’s Return, a brand new action RPG for consoles. This game is a complete remake of the popular mobile titles “Bokura no Kingdom” and “Motto Bokura no Kingdom” (originally released around 2011-2012). Kingdom’s Return combines exciting 2D action adventure gameplay with kingdom-building simulation and character progression, so we hope you’ll look forward to it!
So, looking ahead to late 2026, we’re getting ready to announce a new expansion for Luminous Avenger iX, which I’m super excited about! But that’s not all – we’re also secretly working on some completely new games that I can’t reveal just yet. We’re making progress every day, and I’m hoping we’ll be able to share some awesome surprises with you all in 2026. Keep an eye out for more info as we get closer!
Vic Game Studios
Lee Dongkyo
(4Gamer)
We’re excited to announce that Limit Zero Breakers will launch in 2026! We know there are a lot of great games out there right now, but we’re committed to delivering an experience that gamers will remember for a long time. Stay tuned!
Lee Dongjun
(4Gamer)
Limit Zero Breakers is scheduled to launch in 2026. We sincerely thank everyone who has shown interest and patiently waited for its release. We’ll do everything we can to deliver a great experience, both for longtime fans and those who are just learning about the game. We hope you all enjoy playing Limit Zero Breakers when it comes out!
Experience
Hajime Chikami
(4Gamer)
We’re excited to announce Demon Kill Demon, a new dungeon RPG coming next year! The game is set five years after the events of Undernauts: Labyrinth of Yomi and is designed for our dedicated fans. It will feature a dark and challenging experience, and we’re working hard to exceed expectations. We also have plans for more Monkarufanta and Psychological Horror ADV games, so please look forward to what we create next year!
Capcom
Akihito Kadowaki
(4Gamer)
We’re excited to announce that Onimusha: Way of the Sword will finally launch next year! We showed it off at events like Tokyo Game Show this year, and we’re planning even more opportunities for hands-on play in the coming months. While you wait for more news about Onimusha, Capcom will be releasing several new titles, including Resident Evil [Requiem], Monster Hunter Stories 3, and Mega Man Star Force [Legacy Collection]. We appreciate your patience and hope you’ll enjoy these other games while you wait! Thank you for your continued support in 2026!
Satoru Nihei
(4Gamer)
We’re working hard to make sure as many people as possible can enjoy Onimusha: Way of the Sword when it releases in 2026. We’re also focusing on promoting the game to build excitement and get people interested in playing. We’re even exploring options for a pre-release demo so everyone can try it out. We hope you’ll support us! 2026 will be a big year for me personally, as I’m also embarking on a new challenge and hoping to achieve things I haven’t been able to before.
Koei Tecmo
Kohei Shibata
(4Gamer)
Nioh 3 will be available on February 6, 2026! We’re also releasing a demo on both PlayStation 5 and Steam. You’ll be able to carry over your save data – including any characters you create – to the full game, so please give it a try. The demo lets you play the beginning of the game with the same content as the final version, essentially offering a free early access experience. I may be biased, but even while testing, I found it hard to stop playing – it’s that engaging! We hope you enjoy it!
Fumihiko Yasuda
(4Gamer)
Team Ninja has a lot planned for this year! We’re releasing several games, starting with Nioh 3 on February 6th and Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake on March 12th – we hope you enjoy them! We’re also excited about the possibility of announcing some brand new games and series soon that we think our fans will love, so stay tuned for more news.
Tomohiko Sho
(4Gamer)
Next year, in 2026, we’re launching Dynasty Warriors Origins for the Nintendo Switch 2, and we really hope everyone will enjoy the major DLC, “Visions of Four Heroes.” Then, on March 5th, we’re releasing Pokemon Pokopia, a relaxing sandbox game developed in collaboration with The Pokemon Company and Game Freak—we hope you’ll enjoy spending time with Pokemon every day! And finally, on March 19th, we’ll release our first remastered title, Dynasty Warriors 3 Complete Edition Remastered. It’s a little strange revisiting a game I made when I was younger, but the whole team is working hard on it, so we’re excited for you to experience it!
Things are quite busy until March, but we have lots of exciting plans in the works for everyone. We’re working hard on new games for 2027 and the years ahead, so please continue to follow Omega Force for updates!
Akihiro Suzuki
(4Gamer)
Dynasty Warriors Origins, released in 2025 as a fresh start for the series, performed very well. In 2026, we’re planning a big boost for the series with a major downloadable expansion for Origins on January 22nd, followed by the remastered Dynasty Warriors 3 Complete Edition Remastered on March 19th. We hope to build on this momentum and take the series to new heights, and we appreciate your continued support!
Yosuke Hayashi
(4Gamer)
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is now available for purchase, exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2. This game was created to showcase the new capabilities of the hardware, so we encourage all Nintendo Switch 2 owners to give it a try.
Ryota Matsushita
(4Gamer)
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is currently on sale! Discover a new story set in the world of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. We designed this game to be accessible for everyone, even if you’re not usually a fan of action games, so you can jump right in and enjoy the exciting, large-scale battles. We hope you’ll celebrate the New Year with a Nintendo Switch 2 and Age of Imprisonment!
Junzo Hosoi
(4Gamer)
In 2026, Gust plans to release several new games and challenges. While we’ll definitely be continuing the Atelier series, we’re also developing exciting new titles, so stay tuned for more details!
Konami
Rui Naito
(4Gamer)
We’re excited to announce Suikoden Star Leap, a brand-new mobile game and the first of its kind for the series! It continues the epic Suikoden story with the familiar concept of the 108 Stars, and takes place within the established Solar Year timeline.
Plus, a TV anime adaptation of Suikoden II is in the works! It will tell the complete story of Riliu and Jowy, spanning beyond a single season.
With the series celebrating its 30th anniversary, get ready for more exciting developments and challenges in the world of Suikoden!
Cygames
Tetsuya Fukuhara
(Famitsu)
Granblue Fantasy will celebrate its 12th anniversary in March! While the main story had a significant pause in 2025, we launched a new chapter in December, and we hope you continue to enjoy the game!
CyberConnect2
Hiroshi Matsuyama
(Famitsu)
Next year will be a big one for us as we mark our 30th anniversary! We’re planning a celebration on February 16, 2026, primarily for our business partners. Along with the event, we’ll be announcing a special initiative to commemorate 30 years of CyberConnect2, and we think people worldwide will be excited about it.
GPTRACK50
Hiroyuki Kobayashi
(4Gamer)
We revealed a new game at The Game Awards 2025 in Los Angeles on December 11, 2025! It’s an action RPG with fast-paced growth and explosive gameplay – we’re keeping the details under wraps for now.
Keep an eye out in 2026 for lots more information about “Stupid Never Dies,” coming to PS5 and PC! We can’t wait to share it with you!
SuperNiche
Sohei Niikawa
(4Gamer)
I’m so excited to share that in 2026, I’m releasing my action adventure game, Etrange Overlord and Demons’ Night Fever! It’s a really unique RPG where everyone – your allies and your enemies – get stronger based on how much they fight and even how often they fall. I’m also hoping my friend Yoshitsuna Kobayashi will finally release Space Galaxy Wars, his big comeback title. It’s a shooting RPG with a really cool system and tons of replay value. And that’s not all – I’ve got a whole bunch of other totally unexpected games in the works, so please stay tuned!
JP Universe
Hajime Tabata
(4Gamer)
Ryugukoku is an online RPG set in a fantastical version of Japan, and it will feature content created by players. You’ll battle alongside historical heroes in this game, which is currently scheduled for a beta test in 2026. We hope to see you at next year’s events!
Square Enix
Yoshinori Kitase
(4Gamer)
Final Fantasy VII Intergrade, the first game in the Final Fantasy VII Remake series, is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S on January 22nd! The developers hope lots of players will experience it before the final chapter is released.
Naoki Hamaguchi
(4Gamer)
By 2026, our goal is to make the most of the Final Fantasy VII franchise and expand its reach to more platforms. We’re fully committed to creating high-quality experiences that will keep fans engaged for years to come, especially as we approach the end of the Remake series. We’ll continue to push boundaries and aim to make the world of Final Fantasy VII even richer and more immersive for all players.
Yoji Fujito
(4Gamer)
Final Fantasy XI will celebrate its 24th anniversary in May 2026! Originally designed as a team game, you can now experience the story on your own thanks to the Trust Magic feature, which lets you call on friends for help. This year, we’re improving this feature even further, making previously difficult endgame content accessible for solo players. We encourage you to revisit challenges you might have missed and enjoy the game in a new way!
Naoki Yoshida
(4Gamer)
To all our Final Fantasy XIV players, thank you for your continued support of Square Enix and the Final Fantasy series as we move into 2026! The development and operations teams are working together to take the game to the next level. We’ll be sharing more information starting this spring, so please stay tuned!
Masayoshi Soken
(4Gamer)
I expect this article will be published around the time I’m busy with the Final Fantasy XIV orchestra concert at the International Forum. Hopefully, things will be calmer next year, but early plans suggest it might be just as hectic! I’m really excited about the possibility of meeting fans from all over the world again soon.
Toshio Murouchi
(4Gamer)
2025 is a big year for Final Fantasy XIV fans! After a year without Fan Fest events, we’re excited to announce three events happening in April, July, and October. It’s going to be a full year of celebrations, truly living up to the name ‘Fan Fest Year’! We’re going all-in and moving forward with everything we’ve got!
I hope everyone – both those at the event and those watching online – can get excited about the game together.
Hiroshi Takai
(4Gamer)
Just to clarify, I am working! I just don’t have any projects I can share details about publicly right now. But Square Enix has a lot of exciting titles coming soon, so please look forward to those! And we’re also excited about what 2026 will bring!
Hiroshi Takai most recently worked as the main director of Final Fantasy XVI.
Kazuhiro Maetoyo
(4Gamer)
In 2025, we launched two games: Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles on September 30th, and Logos – The World of Final Fantasy on December 16th. While games and books require different methods, we put our full effort into both to ensure players and readers could enjoy them. I’m currently working on another project that will take a completely new approach. We’re preparing to deliver a fresh gaming experience and hope you’ll stay tuned for its reveal!
Shoichi Matsuzawa
(4Gamer)
2025 was a whirlwind year! Between the release of Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles and working on Final Fantasy XIV, it felt like time flew by. Looking back, I realize I didn’t have as much time to explore new ideas as I’d hoped. For 2026, I’m planning to dedicate more time to learning and building my skills so I’m well-prepared for whatever comes next. I’m excited to see what 2026 brings!
Ayako Yokoyama
(4Gamer)
Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles launched in September 2025. Despite a challenging development process, seeing so many people enjoy the game made all our hard work worthwhile. Personally, 2025 was my first experience with a major role in game development, and I learned a tremendous amount. As we move into 2026, I’m committed to building on this experience and growing as a creator. We’ve also started working on our next game, and we’re excited to share it with you soon – please stay tuned!
Yosuke Saito
(4Gamer)
Next year marks the 40th anniversary of Dragon Quest, and I’d be thrilled if we could all celebrate it in a big way! We’re also working on a small celebration for the 9th anniversary of NieR:Automata, so please be patient and we’ll share details soon. Wishing you a happy New Year!
Takashi Anzai
(4Gamer)
I am challenging a lot of new things. I plan to announce them in 2026, so look forward to them!
Since joining Square Enix in 2012, Takashi Anzai has primarily worked on the online game Dragon Quest X.
Masanori Ichikawa
(4Gamer)
We appreciate your continued support of the SaGa series, and we hope you’ll continue to enjoy Romancing SaGa Re;univerSe, which recently celebrated its 7th anniversary!
Shinichi Tatsuke
(4Gamer)
I’m consistently working on game development and also pursuing a new, long-term project with a goal of completion by 2026. While I can’t share many details just yet, I hope you’ll continue to follow my progress and look forward to what’s coming!
Shinichi Tatsuke most recently worked as the producer of Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven.
Spike Chunsoft
Shohei Sakakibara
(4Gamer)
I’m so excited! They just announced Super Danganronpa 2×2 this year, and it’s coming out next year! The team is working really hard on it right now, and they want to make sure it’s a fantastic game when it’s finally released. Plus, they’re already cooking up some other surprise titles! I can’t wait to see what they come up with, starting with Super Danganronpa 2×2 – I’m hoping for a lot of fun and exciting games!
Kazuya Yamada
(4Gamer)
Great news! No Sleep For Kaname Date is coming to PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S on February 26, 2026! I hope you’ll check it out – I’ve heard it’s really good!
My main goal for 2026 is to make sure the game gets delivered to everyone smoothly. I’ve already completed most of the work, but starting in February, I plan to work steadily on the next project. I’ll also be preparing for what comes after that, all at a sustainable pace.
Smilegate
Baek Young-hoon
(4Gamer)
2025 marked a significant expansion for us as we launched our game services in Japan through Smilegate Megaport. At the Tokyo Game Show, we introduced two new games: Chaos Zero Nightmare and Miresi. Chaos Zero Nightmare, released in October, received positive feedback for its innovative gameplay, and we’re steadily building a loyal player base in Japan.
Smilegate Megaport also made progress as a company by focusing on innovative and entertaining games specifically for Japanese players.
Next year, in 2026, Smilegate plans to release several new games, including Miresi and Dead Account (previously announced on social media). We’re excited to bring fresh and enjoyable gaming experiences to players in Japan.
I hope you’ll continue to follow and enjoy Smilegate’s future games.
Sega
Hiroyuki Sakamoto
(4Gamer)
Okay, so mark your calendars! Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is dropping on February 12, 2026, and I really think you’re gonna love it. Plus, we’re working on something else awesome that we’ll be able to share with you all sometime in 2026, so stay tuned for that too! I’m super excited about both of these releases and can’t wait for you to experience them.
Yutaka Ito
(4Gamer)
Our latest game, Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, will be available next February. As the technology lead here at Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, I really encourage everyone to check out Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut, which launched this year, as well as the updated versions of Yakuza Kiwami 1 & 2.
These three games have been significantly improved with features like high frame rates, 4K resolution, and compatibility with the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. We’re confident you’ll be impressed. Moving forward, we’ll continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with new technology in all our games. Stay tuned for more from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio next year!
Takayuki Sorimachi
(4Gamer)
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties will launch on February 12, 2026. We’ve revamped the game to offer a deeper experience for both longtime fans of Yakuza 3 and newcomers discovering the story through gameplay videos. We hope you enjoy it!
The Yakuza/Like A Dragon series recently celebrated its 20th anniversary on December 8, 2025. We couldn’t have reached this milestone without the incredible support of our players, so thank you! Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is committed to continuing to push boundaries and deliver exciting games. We appreciate your continued support!
Daisuke Fukagawa
(4Gamer)
In February 2026, Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties will be released. This version is designed for both longtime fans of the Yakuza series and newcomers alike. While the visuals have been significantly enhanced, we’ve also included new scenes and combat styles, creating an experience that feels fresh even if you’re familiar with the original Yakuza 3. We hope you enjoy it! The team at Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is continuing to grow and improve, so stay tuned for more exciting developments in 2026!
Ryosuke Horii
(4Gamer)
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties will launch on February 12, 2026. Kiwami 3 is a complete remake of the 15-year-old Yakuza 3, and Dark Ties is a new story featuring the beloved character Yoshitaka Mine. Both games are included in one large package. Kiwami 3 has been meticulously rebuilt from the story to the gameplay, raising the bar for remakes and offering a fresh experience for everyone. Whether you’re new to the series or a longtime fan, this is a must-play. It’s so engaging, you might even find yourself sewing and listening to Akiko Wada’s music!
Our priority in 2026 is getting the game into the hands of as many players as possible. I’m also really excited about the potential release of merchandise featuring the fluffier version of Chiikawa in 2026, and I’ll definitely do everything I can to get some if it comes out – that’s something I’m hoping for!
Nobuaki Mitake
(4Gamer)
In 2025, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Yakuza/Like A Dragon series with both new games and special events. Looking ahead to 2026, we’re excited to release a bundle featuring Yakuza Kiwami 3 and the side story, Dark Ties, allowing players to fully experience the popular character Mine. We’re also diligently working on Stranger Than Heaven. We hope you’ll enjoy the many challenges Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has planned for 2026, with a strong focus on delivering great games. Stay tuned!
Jun Matsunaga
(4Gamer)
It’s almost been six months since we launched Persona 5: The Phantom X in 2025, and there’s a lot to celebrate! Fans of the original Persona 5 will love it, and it’s a great entry point for new players looking for a fantastic school-based RPG. If you haven’t tried it yet, now’s the perfect time to jump in!
I’m still completely blown away by Chain Chronicle! After 13 years, they still update the main story monthly – it’s honestly the most captivating it’s ever been. If you ever took a break, you seriously need to come back! Both Chain Chronicle and another game I follow have really impressed me this year, and it’s all thanks to the incredible support from the community. It’s made me realize how much I value meeting and collaborating with passionate people. I’m really hoping to connect with someone equally enthusiastic next year and tackle even bigger challenges together!
Daiki Hamazaki
(4Gamer)
December 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of Phantasy Star Online! Next year, in June, New Genesis will celebrate its 5th anniversary, and we’re kicking off the festivities early with the 5!GO!!BEYOND!!! campaign in February.
We have a year packed with exciting plans, including new stories, content, music, and collaborations. The entire team is working hard to make this year amazing, so thank you for your continued support of the Phantasy Star series and New Genesis!
Digital Extremes
Rebecca Ford
(4Gamer)
We’re dedicated to improving Warframe in all the ways players want, including making it more accessible, offering greater customization options, and, of course, adding new Warframes. Early next year, we’re planning a smaller update that will introduce a new Warframe, but that’s all we can share for now. Following that, we’re working on a new story episode that will take you to a long-lost star system as part of a chapter focusing on the “Tau” storyline. This will continue the narrative beyond the events of our recent release, “The Old Peace.”
Looking ahead to 2026, we have even more exciting projects in development, and we can’t wait to reveal them to you all when the time is right.
Tookyo Games
Kotaro Uchikoshi
(4Gamer)
I’m so excited to share that The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy is officially out and people are really enjoying it! I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who’s already given it a try. If you haven’t had a chance to play yet, I really hope you’ll check it out – I think you’ll love it!
When playing RPGs, do you usually spend time leveling up before fighting a boss, or do you prefer to jump right in, even if you’re underprepared? I’m hoping to be a careful player in 2026, but I’m also secretly hoping to find a rare Liquid Metal Slime!
Kazutaka Kodaka
(4Gamer)
Super Danganronpa 2×2 will be released next year.
Please keep an eye on it.
Takumi Nakazawa
(4Gamer)
2025 marked a turning point with the release of Shuten Order, a project five years in the making. I’m planning to start work on a new game in 2026. I’ve focused on making simple, accessible adventure games so far, but now I’m experimenting with a more difficult game – one that will be truly rewarding to complete. It’s still early in development and will take a considerable amount of time, but I hope you’ll be excited to see what comes next.
Spike Chunsoft will release Super Danganronpa 2×2, the latest game from Tookyo Games, in 2026. I contributed a small amount to the story development, and I think the new additions are really exciting – fans of the original game won’t want to miss it!
Nagoshi Studio
Toshihiro Nagoshi
(4Gamer)
We’ll continue developing Gang of Dragon throughout 2026. We’re now moving into a phase of refining everything we’ve built so far, bringing all our ideas to life one step at a time. We’re working hard to deliver a game that meets everyone’s expectations, so stay tuned for more updates!
Nippon Ichi Software
Mio Katsumata
(4Gamer)
Hono-gurashi no Niwa is scheduled to come out in July 2026. The game lets you live a relaxing, free-form life in a beautiful Japanese countryside village, and I hope everyone will check it out!
Yu Mizokami
(4Gamer)
We’re currently working on Hono-gurashi no Niwa, a cozy country life simulation game that some viewers thought resembled Yomawari during its reveal at Nintendo Direct. It’s scheduled to release on July 30, 2026, and we’re dedicating the next year to fully completing the game. Pre-orders are now available, so if you’re interested, please take a look!
Nihon Falcom
Toshihiro Kondo
(4Gamer)
As a big Falcom fan, I’ve noticed they’ve been consistently releasing a new game each year, which is amazing! But it sounds like they’re growing the team and setting up a system that might let them speed things up a bit and even try some new things. They’re hoping to show off the results of that this year, and with their 45th anniversary coming up, they’ve promised lots of exciting announcements all year long. I’m really looking forward to seeing what they have in store, especially with the already announced Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter!
(Famitsu)
I’m so excited to share that after releasing Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter, a continuation of last year’s Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter, we’ve got another brand new game in the works! We’ll be announcing it soon, so keep an eye out – I can’t wait to tell you all about it!
Nekcom Games
Luo Xiangyu
(4Gamer)
We’re on track to release Showa American Story in 2026! Plus, we’ll be sharing more of the new features and content with you all before it comes out.
Bandai Namco
Yusuke Tomizawa
(4Gamer)
2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the Tales Of series. I’m planning to share more details about the recently released Remastered games, and I also want to build excitement for future Tales Of titles and the series as a whole.
Kota Toma
(4Gamer)
Super Robot Wars Y came out in October 2025, and it was my first project as a producer. I’ll always remember how exciting it was to see the game released and how touched I was by the amazing support from players. I’m looking forward to continuing to work hard in 2026.
We’re currently working on the second set of downloadable content for Super Robot Wars Y, and we hope you’ll look forward to it!
Shogo Kojima
(4Gamer)
SD Gundam G Generation Eternal will be released in 2025. We’re happy to be moving forward into the new year with the help of our development team and all of our fans!
We’re celebrating the first anniversary of G Gen Eternal in 2026, and the entire development team is committed to making the game even better and more fun! Thank you for your continued support. If you’re curious, feel free to check it out anytime!
Ryosuke Hara
(4Gamer)
2025 was a fantastic year with the release of Digimon Story: Time Stranger! We’re incredibly grateful for the support, seeing both longtime Digimon fans and new players enjoying the game.
In 2026, our priority is releasing the 2nd and 3rd Season Pass DLC packs for the game. Thanks for continuing to support the Digimon team!
24Frame
Yusuke Tomono
(4Gamer)
Digimon Story: Time Stranger finally launched this year after a long development process. Working on it has been a huge learning experience for me as a director, and I’ve grown a lot. I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned to create even better games for our players starting in 2026.
Bukkoro
Yoko Taro
(Famitsu)
I moved in 2024, but I haven’t made much progress on getting settled. I’m hoping to have things organized by 2026. Work isn’t my main focus right now, actually it’s probably further down the list. I’m starting to feel like my current role might not last, but I’m accepting that’s just part of life.
I’ve been performing in the Bakuken stage plays around the end of each year, and I expect we’ll likely do it again in 2026.
(4Gamer)
I’m sharing the same feedback as I did last year. I sincerely hope the ongoing conflicts resolve soon and those responsible for harming children are held accountable.
In his New Year’s messages on 4Gamer, Yoko Taro expressed sadness over the tragic loss of children in the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. He first mentioned this in late 2023, and reiterated his concern at the end of 2024, noting that these conflicts were still ongoing.
Marvelous
Shiro Maekawa
(Famitsu)
I felt really burnt out after working on Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, so I’m hoping to recharge in 2026 by focusing on things that bring me joy. I want to start by finally trying out a popular game I’ve been hearing about.
We’re happy to see Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma has been well-received! Thank you to everyone who’s been playing. Development on Rune Factory 6 is also actively underway.
Hisashi Fujii
(Famitsu)
I am working on Rune Factory 6. I’ll do my best so that everyone will take a liking to it.
Hikaru Nakano
(Famitsu)
The Bokujou Monogatari (Story of Seasons) series is celebrating its 30th anniversary with strong support from both our staff and fans. We want to make this a special year to acknowledge everything we’ve achieved so far and look forward to what’s next.
Mistwalker
Hironobu Sakaguchi
(Famitsu)
I’m aiming for a fresh start, a time to simplify both my work and personal life. I want to strip things back to the essentials and rediscover what truly matters – a renewed sense of purpose and dedication to meaningful work.
After a difficult event in September 2025, I’m starting to recover and wondering if now is a good time to begin something new.
Yostar
Li Hengda
(4Gamer)
We appreciate your continued support! In 2025, we released Stella Sora, a game developed in-house. Many of you may already know this, but Yostar has a long-standing love for Bishojo games and continues to be passionate about them.
Our goal for 2026 is to create entertainment that all of our supporters will enjoy. We’re also excited about what next year holds.
Lasengle
Kimihiko Miyamae
(4Gamer)
In 2025, Fate/Grand Order celebrated its 10th anniversary, and the story of Part 2 concluded on December 20th. We are incredibly grateful to all our players for their continued support over the years, and as a team, we’re proud to have been a part of this journey.
I’m looking forward to a new challenge in 2026. While I’ve been concentrating on management recently, I still want to keep creating and developing my skills. I hope this year will be a time of growth for me, and I plan to work hard to achieve that. I hope to see you all again in 2026!
Rabbit & Bear Studios
Junko Kawano
(Famitsu)
We’re making progress on fulfilling our promises to the backers of Eiyuden Chronicle, and I apologize for the delay! We’re aiming to host an event for fans around the game’s second anniversary in April. On a personal note, I’d also like to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Shadow of Memories, the first game I ever produced at Konami.
I can’t share many details just yet about what Rabbit & Bear Studios is working on, which is frustrating, but things are definitely progressing!
Osamu Komuta
(Famitsu)
This year focused on getting ready for our next big release, and next year will be dedicated to further preparations. Things aren’t going perfectly smoothly, so it will likely take some time before we can fully announce it, but we are making steady progress. Stay tuned for the new release from Rabbit & Bear Studios!
The creator now fully owns the rights to Kleissis and Arca Last, the app that stopped running in April. I’m considering bringing it back in some form, but I haven’t decided exactly what that will look like yet.
Junichi Murakami
(Famitsu)
Keyword: Establishing a new original title
As a fan, it’s awesome to see the creator pushing themselves! They’ve said starting a new game is tough, but they really believe tackling those big challenges is what makes a game creator great. They’re determined to put more energy into making the game they’ve always dreamed of, and I’m really excited to see it happen!
Things are pretty busy behind the scenes right now – I’m working on a lot, but don’t have anything concrete to share just yet. I’m really putting in the effort so I can have some exciting news to announce next year, though! I’m hoping it’ll be worth the wait.
Level-5
Akihiro Hino
(4Gamer)
We’re excited to announce that in 2026, we’ll be revisiting a project we’ve paused. Please review the details when they become available.
Moving forward, I’d like to focus on releasing titles carefully, one at a time. We previously released too many titles too quickly, which didn’t allow us to fully showcase their strengths. Now, we plan to develop titles thoughtfully, taking into account feedback from players who have enjoyed them.
Please keep on supporting Level-5 in 2026!
Ken Motomura
(4Gamer)
2025 was a year of strong collaboration for the entire company as we focused on creating games like Fantasy Life and Inazuma Eleven. As always, Level-5 prioritized meticulous detail and quickly addressed user feedback after release – and I believe we successfully shared that commitment across the team. We definitely learned a lot along the way, and those lessons will be valuable going forward.
Building on that experience, in 2026 we’ll continue to focus on delivering polished games with strong content and satisfying gameplay.
Regarding Decapolice, the game I’m working on, I can’t share too many details just yet, but development is progressing well. We’re also exploring innovative gameplay features, including unique stories and investigative elements. I’ll be sure to share more information when the time is right, so please stay tuned!
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2025-12-28 23:50