RPG creators in Japan share their aspirations and plans for 2026

In what has been an established tradition in Japan's gaming scene, 4Gamer and Famitsu have published new end-of-year summaries that gather comments from numerous game creators. Parts of the comments also include aspirations and resolutions that the creators have for the upcoming year in 2026.

Among the 194 people contacted by 4Gamer and 171 by Famitsu, over 80 of them have been involved in RPG titles that fit our scope. We have gathered most of the important messages and translated them below. But since the whole article will be very long, here is a brief summary of the highly notable messages:

• CyberConnect2, the development company behind Bandai Namco's .hack series, which also recently completed their own self-published Fuga: Melodies of Steel trilogy, will have their 30th anniversary in 2026 and hold a party that includes a new title reveal on February 16.
• Nihon Falcom will also similarly have their 45th anniversary in 2026, and Toshihiro Kondo teased that the company will try to step up from their usual pace of one new game per year, with another new game announcement (besides Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter) teased early in the year.
• Major anniversary milestones in 2026 are expected to come with new reveals for the following franchises: Square Enix's Dragon Quest (40th), Atlus' Persona (30th), and Marvelous' Story of Seasons (30th).
• While the following franchises already had their major anniversaries in 2025, new reveals are also still being teased for Bandai Namco's Tales Of (30th), Sega's Yakuza/Like A Dragon (20th), and Compile Heart's Hyperdimension Neptunia (15th).
• Level-5 revealed their renewed company policy of focusing on promoting and updating one game at a time, while teasing that they will next focus on DecaPolice, which was delayed to 2026.
• The 3 remaining co-founders of Rabbit & Bear Studios of Eiyuden Chronicle fame appear to be working on another new game even after the passing of Yoshitaka Murayama, although it's yet to be known when they would be ready to reveal it.

If you still want to check out our translations of the 2026 aspiration messages from RPG creators, you can find them right below.

ArtPlay

Shutaro Iida

(Famitsu)

I'm continuing my fight against an illness by repeating admissions to and discharges from the hospital. I used to cover the work assigned to me by myself, so now it's being split with several people. But looking at the work situation, today I feel like I may have overworked. I haven't given a lot of instructions yet, but I want to release Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement while I'm still alive.

Koji "IGA" Igarashi

(Famitsu)

Aspiration: Aiming to release the new game Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement is an obvious thing; in 2025 I visited the hospital a lot, so I'd also like to keep my health in mind by altering my lifestyle.

Recent Situation: Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement is currently under development. We're doing our best and joining our forces so that the creative director SHUTARO—who is laying down from an illness—can rest assured, so please look forward to the future reveals.

Aquaplus

Naoya Shimokawa

(Famitsu)

Right now we're in the interesting part of the production for the Utawarerumono series' newest entry, Utawarerumono: Shiro he no Michishirube. Everyone has been waiting ever since we announced the production, but we will deliver it as a title that lives up to everyone's expectations. Please wait just a bit more.

Idea Factory

Kei Nanameda

(4Gamer)

In 2025, we released Calamity Angels: Special Delivery. Contrary to the dark themes in recent times, I did a challenge by changing the design ambience a bit more towards pop. The characters and world settings were received well, and I'm grateful for that.
Right now I'm diligently working on illustrations for a new game, so I'd be glad if you kindly look forward to it too!

Hikaru Yasui

(4Gamer)

Thank you very much to all the fans who have been supporting the Neptunia series!
The 15th anniversary year in 2025 showed hype that vastly exceeded the assumptions of us in the staff team. Making it the best year was all due to all the fans who have continued sending support and love, and we are very "grateful" from the bottom of our hearts! The power we received has unmistakenably become a major encouragement for the next step.
And, it's finally 2026.
The hot air will accelerate even further in this celebratory year, and we strongly hope to deliver a new numbered Neptunia entry everyone have been waiting for.
With a "prayer" of delivering the best game held on our chests, Tsunako-san and the whole staff team are currently hard at development work, aiming for a game that surpasses everyone's expectations!
Please look forward to a new story in the Hyperdimension in 2026! Please keep on supporting us!

Atlus

Atsushi Kitajoh

(4Gamer)

Persona 3 Reload, where I was also involved, now has a Switch 2 edition released. And other companies also have or will release many titles around the New Year. There is also an influenza outbreak this winter, and the outside [weather] is also cold. In such a time, wouldn't playing games inside your home be a good thing to do? Just make sure to have enough exercise, though.

Yoshihiro Komori

(4Gamer)

The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Persona 3 Reload was safely released, and I'm having a sigh of relief.
I hope you can play it with various kinds of play styles, such as playing while comfortably lying on your bed, leveling up during free time in the midst of a commute, or enjoying the hype moments with a large television in the living room.

As for the next title, exactly right now I am in the midst of imagining what kind of game I'll create inside my head and having heated debates with my colleagues.
It is a hectic but very fun period!

Yohsuke Uda

(4Gamer)

To continue hyping up the operations of Persona 5: The Phantom X which has reached a half-anniversary, and to further hype up the Persona series... All members of the Persona studio are doing our best together to make both possible! I hope everyone will keep on with unchanged patronages in 2026 as well!

Atsushi Nomura

(4Gamer)

Counting from Revelations: Persona that came out in 1996, 2026 will have the Persona series reach the 30th anniversary year. While sending gratitude to those who have supported for long and those who just newly learned of Persona, I want to make it a year where we can also propagate it to those who still don't know about Persona yet. I hope we can hype it up together with everyone. We are also receiving a lot of support for Persona 4 Revival. We are also looking forward to the moment we can make an announcement, so please keep on supporting us.

Kazuhisa Wada

(4Gamer)

2026 will be the 30th anniversary year of Persona. With gratitude to everyone, we are preparing a whole lot of measures on a worldwide scale, so please look forward to them...!
Also, I think there will be a timing in 2026 where I can talk about the series' expansion.
The various preparations are steadily ramping up, and the whole Atlus staff team is going full force to hype up Persona, so please kindly support us...!

Shinjiro Takada

(4Gamer)

Raidou Remastered came out in June 2025, and the Switch 2 Edition of Persona 3 Reload was out in October. We can now take a breather after releasing demos and patches.... or that's how it's supposed to be.
It will take a bit more time until I can make the next announcement.

Kazuyuki Yamai

(4Gamer)

As a member of Atlus, timing-wise we are getting packed with various "anniversaries", so I hope I can somehow celebrate them together with everyone.
As a single developer, thankfully we could release Raidou Remastered in 2025, and things have settled down. But even so, Raidou is still a title I want to hype up more. The demo is also available, so please kindly check it out!
And right now I am working on project planning for the future; it's like a period of sowing seeds.

Inti Creates

Takuya Aizu

(4Gamer)

[...] For the first half of 2026, we will start by releasing Card-en-Ciel Nintendo Switch 2 Edition on January 29, and then we will release the new game Kingdom's Return on April 23.
By upgrading Card-en-Ciel to the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, it will let you play it comfortably with mouse controls, 4K resolution, and an improved frame rate. We have also prepared physical packages for the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, so please kindly enjoy the broken and exciting card battles!
Kingdom's Return will be a new action RPG for consoles, which is also a complete remake of "Bokura no Kingdom" and "Motto Bokura no Kingdom" that were released by Mobage and GREE around 2011-2012. This is an ambitious title where you can gather materials with 2D side scrolling action adventures, rebuild the kingdom in the Simulation part, and raise the characters rapidly, so please kindly look forward to it!

Finally, for the latter half of 2026, other than preparing to announce a new expansion to the Luminous Avenger iX series, we are also working on developing new games I still can't talk about under the surface.
We are pushing towards developments daily with the hope of being able to make surprising announcements in 2026, so please look forward to future information batches!

Vic Game Studios

Lee Dongkyo

(4Gamer)

In 2026, we'll finally be able to release Limit Zero Breakers. While I'm also worried that the current game market is filled with many kinds of good games, we will do our best to provide a game service that will remain in all gamers' memories. Please look forward to it.

Lee Dongjun

(4Gamer)

The release of Limit Zero Breakers is planned in 2026.
I want to send words of gratitude from the bottom of my heart to everyone who have been interested since long ago and waiting for its release.
We will make our best efforts to provide the game to both people who already know about Limit Zero Breakers and to those who just know from this interview.
I'd be glad if you certainly enjoy Limit Zero Breakers once it's released.

Experience

Hajime Chikami

(4Gamer)

Next year, we will release the new dungeon RPG, Demon Kill Demon. Its world will take place 5 years after Undernauts: Labyrinth of Yomi. It's a title for core fans and it'll also have very dark content, but we are planning challenging measures to make them even more satisfied. There are also movements for Monkarufanta and the Psychological Horror ADV series, so please support us next year as well.

Capcom

Akihito Kadowaki

(4Gamer)

Next year will finally be the year Onimusha: Way of the Sword gets released! This year we showcased it at numerous events worldwide including Tokyo Game Show, but next year we will create places where even more people can test-play the game. You will have to wait a bit more until the next new information comes up, but until then Capcom will release numerous new games like Resident Evil [Requiem], Monster Hunter Stories 3, and Mega Man Star Force [Legacy Collection], so I'd be glad if you can wait while playing those. Please keep on supporting us next year in 2026!

Satoru Nihei

(4Gamer)

Right now we are working full force to have Onimusha: Way of the Sword enjoyed by as many people as possible. 2026 will be its release year, and we're also pouring our power into promotions so that many people will get to know this game and "want to play it". We're also considering an opportunity where everyone can try it before release, so please kindly look forward to it. I'd be glad if you decide to support us! And in 2026, along with the game's release, I personally will also step onto a new challenge, and I want to make it a year where I can open a path I couldn't walk on beforehand.

Koei Tecmo

Kohei Shibata

(4Gamer)

We will release Nioh 3 on 6 February 2026!
A demo version will also be released on both PlayStation 5 and Steam, and the save data—including character creation—can be transferred as-is to the full release, so please kindly try playing it.
The demo will start from the game's beginning with the same content as the full release, and you can play through the early parts, so it's pretty much like a free early access (laughs). Please excuse me for a self-flattery, but it's so interesting that even when I played it during work it was difficult for me to determine a stopping point...! Please look forward to it!!

Fumihiko Yasuda

(4Gamer)

This year, Team Ninja titles will be continuously released, such as Nioh 3 on February 6 and Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake on March 12, so please kindly play these!
Also, I feel like we can deliver news about new games and series that will please all our fans, so I hope you will look forward to those as well.

Tomohiko Sho

(4Gamer)

In 2026, we will first release the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Dynasty Warriors Origins, and I want as many people as possible to play Dynasty Warriors Origins' major DLC "Visions of Four Heroes". and on March 5, Pokemon Pokopia—which we worked together with The Pokemon Company and Game Freak—will be released. Since it's a slow-life sandbox, I'd be glad if you can leisurely play with the Pokemon everyday. And furthermore, on the 19th in the same March, we will release our first remaster title: Dynasty Warriors 3 Complete Edition Remastered. Having the game I created with all my might when I was still young honestly feels unpleasant, or rather embarrassing... but the whole development team is working with all their might, so please look forward to it as well.

It's already crowded like that until March, But we have also planned other things that will please everyone, And this year we are doing all our best to develop various titles for 2027 and beyond, so I'd be glad if you continue keeping an eye on Omega Force!

Akihiro Suzuki

(4Gamer)

In 2025, Dynasty Warriors Origins—which was released in an aim to reboot the series—was able to contribute great results.
In 2026, we will largely hype up the series by releasing a major DLC for this Origins on January 22, and furthermore the DW3 remaster title Dynasty Warriors 3 Complete Edition Remastered on March 19. And from there, I want to start moving towards a further leap for the series. I'd be glad if you keep on supporting us!

Yosuke Hayashi

(4Gamer)

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, the Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive game, is now on sale. The title was done to to let one experience the new hardware's performances, so to those who have obtained a Nintendo Switch 2, please kindly try it out.

Ryota Matsushita

(4Gamer)

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is now on sale.
Please kindly experience the untold history of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
We made this game so that even those who are not good with action games can also perform in an unrivaled (Musou/Warriors) way from the start.
I'd be glad if everyone gets to enter the New Year together with a Nintendo Switch 2 and Age of Imprisonment.

Junzo Hosoi

(4Gamer)

The Gust brand will also do various challenges in 2026. The Atelier series is an obvious one, but we are also working on new titles so please kindly look forward to them as well.

Konami

Rui Naito

(4Gamer)

Suikoden Star Leap is the series' brand-new title and the first title for mobile currently under production. Please look forward to the story of the 108 stars that still keeps the [elements] that define Suikoden. The story here is part of the series' canon saga in the Solar Year timeline.
Furthermore, we will also air a TV anime based on Suikoden II. It will thoroughly depict the story of the protagonist Riliu and Jowy, and it will not end in just 1 cour/season.
Please look forward to the new expansions and challenges in Suikoden, which has reached its 30th anniversary.

Cygames

Tetsuya Fukuhara

(Famitsu)

Granblue Fantasy's 12th anniversary will fall in March. The main quest (story) had a large break point in 2025, but we started a new chapter in December, so please keep on looking after it!

CyberConnect2

Hiroshi Matsuyama

(Famitsu)

It will be a milestone year where we celebrate the 30th anniversary of our establishment. We are also planning to hold a party to celebrate the 30th anniversary on 16 February 2026. Although the party will be intended for related business people, we will announce a "title to celebrate the 30th anniversary of CyberConnect2." I believe everyone around the world will be pleased with it.

GPTRACK50

Hiroyuki Kobayashi

(4Gamer)

We were able to announce a new title at The Game Awards 2025 held in LA on 11 December 2025! The genre is Explosive Speed Growth Action RPG, so what kind of game it will be like is still shrouded in mystery.
In 2026, we will publish a lot of information for the game "Stupid Never Dies" (PS5, PC), so please look forward to it!!

SuperNiche

Sohei Niikawa

(4Gamer)

In 2026, I will release the sushi lane action adventure Etrange Overlord and Demons' Night Fever, the growth RTA strategy RPG where both allies and enemies can get stronger the more they kill or die.
Space Galaxy Wars, the system-hack shooting RPG with level supremacism and overwhelming replayability made by my sworn friend Yoshitsuna Kobayashi as his return title, will maybe also be released.
Other than that, I am also preparing a whole lot of uniquely surprising games. Please look forward to them.

JP Universe

Hajime Tabata

(4Gamer)

Ryugukoku, which is planned to have a beta test in 2026, will be an online RPG taking place in a fantasy Japan filled with UGC [User-Generated Content], where you will fight with the victors of history.
I look forward to seeing you all next year as well.

Square Enix

Yoshinori Kitase

(4Gamer)

Final Fantasy VII Intergrade, the starting point of the Final Fantasy VII Remake series, will be released for Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S on January 22!
I hope as many people as possible will get to play Final Fantasy VII ahead of the upcoming conclusion.

Naoki Hamaguchi

(4Gamer)

In 2026, we will maximize the value of the FFVII franchise and further enhance the multiplatform expansions. We pour all our might on the production so that the franchise is long-loved and played by even more players, ahead of the culmination of the Remake series. While continuing new challenges, I will also strive to make the FFVII world enjoyable with even more breadth and depth.

Yoji Fujito

(4Gamer)

In May 2026, Final Fantasy XI will finally reach its 24th anniversary. While this game had a premise of forming a party, now you can also enjoy the story solo while using the Faith (Trust Magic) feature to call up friends. This year we will further enhance this feature, and plan to make the then-unbeatable semi-end content to be also easily challengeable solo.
Please kindly use this opportunity to try the things you couldn't in the past!

Naoki Yoshida

(4Gamer)

First of all to all gamers and all Warriors of Light, thank you for your patronage and support for Square Enix and the Final Fantasy series in 2025!
In 2026, FFXIV will be the lead towards a further leap, and the development & operation teams are uniting to push forward. We plan to publish various information starting from this spring, so I'd be glad if you kindly look forward to that!!

Masayoshi Soken

(4Gamer)

When this article goes up, I think it'll be around the time when I'm running around in the International Forum for Final Fantasy XIV's orchestra concert, but while I hope I don't have to run around like this next year, it might not look anything like that from what I've seen in next year's plans!
I feel like I'll get to meet everyone around the world again, so I'm looking forward to it now!

Toshio Murouchi

(4Gamer)

2025, which is a No Fan Fest Year for Final Fantasy XIV, has ended, and the turn of the Fan Fest Year is finally coming here. It will be held respectively in April, July, and October; there will be 3 events lined up enough to fill a whole year and make it a Fan Fest Year in both name and substance. Rush Recklessly! Push Forward! I'm doing nothing but charging forward now!!

I'd be glad if both people who attend the event and those who watch online can hype up the game together.

Hiroshi Takai

(4Gamer)

I am not working! Well that's certainly not the case though (laughs) but unfortunately I don't have anything I can talk about in public yet.
As Square Enix, we will release various kinds of titles from here on, so I hope you can wait while playing those for the time being.
Looking forward to 2026 too!

Hiroshi Takai most recently worked as the main director of Final Fantasy XVI.

Kazuhiro Maetoyo

(4Gamer)

In 2025, we released Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles on September 30 and Logos - The World of Final Fantasy on December 16.
The approaches between games and books are different, but we worked on both content with all our might so that people who get either of them can get to think "Games are so fun" even for just a bit.
And the next "thing" I'm working on right now will also be a content with another different approach.
We are proceeding with preparations to provide a new gaming experience to everyone, so please wait for a while until the day we can reveal it!

Shoichi Matsuzawa

(4Gamer)

In 2025, Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles went gold and got released, and along with Final Fantasy XIV's operations, I felt like a whole year went through very quickly.
I do reflect that it ended up becoming a whole year with inevitably few inputs, so in 2026 I want to add a few more inputs to gain more knowledge, while properly attaching power to face the next challenge.
I'm looking forward to 2026 as well!

Ayako Yokoyama

(4Gamer)

Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles was released in September 2025.
A lot of hectic things happened during development, but seeing many people playing it made me feel from the bottom of my heart that it was worth doing our best.
For me personally, this was the first time I got involved in game development with a position with a big responsibility, so 2025 became a year where I learned and absorbed a lot of things.
Heading towards 2026, I will give my all to work everyday, make use of this experience, and make myself leap further as a creator.
And we have also begun preparing development to release the next game that will please everyone, so I hope you will look forward to that with excitement!

Yosuke Saito

(4Gamer)

Dragon Quest will finally reach its 40th anniversary next year! If everyone gets to celebrate it in a very grand scale, I'll be extremely glad. Ah, for NieR Automata's 9th anniversary we are also preparing "just a bit of something..." Please wait for that without stretching your neck too long...! Well then, hope you have 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!

Takashi Anzai has been very much focused on the online game Dragon Quest X ever since he joined Square Enix in 2012.

Masanori Ichikawa

(4Gamer)

[...] Please keep on supporting the SaGa series from hereafter too, including obviously Romancing SaGa Re;univerSe, which had reached its 7th anniversary.

Shinichi Tatsuke

(4Gamer)

I am working on [game] development everyday, and I am also continuing a new challenge towards 2026.
It's still not on a phase where I can talk about it in detail yet, but I'd be glad if you continue looking forward to my future development.

Shinichi Tatsuke most recently worked as the producer of Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven.

Spike Chunsoft

Shohei Sakakibara

(4Gamer)

Super Danganronpa 2x2, Which was announced this year, will be released next year. Right now it's still under earnest development, but I think we want to deliver it to everyone by finishing it as a properly good product. Other than that, We are also working on a number of unannounced titles. So starting with Super Danganronpa 2x2, I want to deliver exciting and fun titles to everyone!

Kazuya Yamada

(4Gamer)

First of all... No Sleep For Kaname Date will be released for PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S on Thursday, 26 February 2026! Please use this opportunity! To play it! Word on the street says that it's interesting!
That being said, first of all my 2026 aspiration is to do my best to have it delivered safely to everyone. (Most of the things I do are already done though...) From February onwards, I'd like to work in a carthorse-like pace to produce the next thing with a moderately comfortable pace, while doing various preparations for the next thing even after that.

Smilegate

Baek Young-hoon

(4Gamer)

2025 was a very big year where we fully deployed game services in the Japanese market via Smilegate Megaport.
In Tokyo Game Show we unveiled Chaos Zero Nightmare and Miresi. And Chaos Zero Nightmare, which launched in October, was valued for its unique gameplay elements. We are able to grow the service while gradually building trust with all the users in Japan.

Also, by pursuing "new fun factors" and delivering unique games to the Japanese market, it also became a year where the Smilegate Megaport steadily expanded as a corporate brand.

In 2026, we plan to continue unveiling Smilegate's new titles. Through Miresi and Dead Account—which was already revealed via social media, we want to deliver new experiences and fun factors to everyone in Japan next year as well.

I'd be glad if you continue keeping an eye and looking forward to Smilegate's new games from here on.

Sega

Hiroyuki Sakamoto

(4Gamer)

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties will be released on 12 February 2026, so I hope you will certainly enjoy that.
I believe we will be able to make a surprising and pleasant announcement in 2026, so please look forward to that too.

Yutaka Ito

(4Gamer)

The series' newest entry Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties will be released next year in February. But as the studio's PIC of Technology, I want as many people as possible to play Yakuza 0 Director's Cut that came out this year and the new versions of Yakuza Kiwami 1 & 2.
These 3 titles are reborn with technological powers like high frame rate, 4K resolution, and Nintendo Switch 2 support, and I believe they were done well enough to satisfy everyone. From here on, we will do our best to deliver better games while always including new technologies. Please keep an eye on Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio in next year too.

Takayuki Sorimachi

(4Gamer)

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties will be released on 12 February 2026.
This game has been evolved to let not only those who have played Yakuza 3 in the past but also those who enjoy the story via gameplay videos among others to taste further depths. I'd be glad if you can certainly get it.
Also, the Yakuza/Like A Dragon series reached its 20th anniversary on 8 December 2025.
Being able to continue running this far is all thanks to all the users who have supported us. Thank you very much. Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio will hereafter continue to do challenges and deliver hype experiences to everyone. Please support us from here on!

Daisuke Fukagawa

(4Gamer)

February 2026 will have the release of Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties.
Its content will be enjoyable to both those who have previously played Yakuza 3 and those who have never even played a Yakuza game. The movies looking more beautiful are an obvious thing, but we have also added new scenes and battle styles, so I think it will feel like a different game from Yakuza 3. Please kindly play it.
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio will evolve even further in 2026, so please look forward to it!

Ryosuke Horii

(4Gamer)

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties will be released on 12 February 2026.
Kiwami 3 is a massive remake of Yakuza 3 that was released 15 years ago, and Dark Ties is a side story starring the popular character Yoshitaka Mine; you will be able to enjoy both of them in a single package that contains a large volume.
Kiwami 3 in particular will have detailed workings from the story to game design on a level that will change the common sense level of a remake; you can enjoy it with the same freshness as a new game.
Both newcomers and those who have already played the original game should please kindly try playing it. If you think it's just Yakuza stuffs, you can also use a sewing machine and listen to Akko-san's (Akiko Wada) songs. It's really that interesting.

In 2026, we will first focus on delivering this game to as many people as possible.
...at the same time, I'm looking forward to the release of goods based on the Chiikawa rabbit with more hair in 2026. If it does come out, I will fight will all my might to secure one. That would be my aspiration.

Nobuaki Mitake

(4Gamer)

In 2025 we did various kinds of projects for Yakuza/Like A Dragon's 20th anniversary; games are obvious, but we also held events. In 2026, we will release Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, which will bundle Yakuza Kiwami 3 with the Dark Ties side story! The game will let you thoroughly enjoy the appeals of the highly popular character Mine! And Stranger Than Heaven is also under earnest production. I hope in 2026 you will get to enjoy the various challenges Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio will do, with a focus on games. Please look forward to it!

Jun Matsunaga

(4Gamer)

Persona 5: The Phantom X, which we released in 2025, is reaching its half anniversary. Seems like you can get a lot! People who have played the original P5 will get very hyped, and newcomers can also enjoy it as a high-quality school RPG. Those who haven't played it should definitely [get in] too!

And Chain Chronicle, which is in its 13th year, is still having its main story updated every month even though it's in its 13th year. I'm confident that this is the most interesting one of all times. Those who have already left should definitely [come back] too!
Both titles had multiple occasions this year where I felt like they could come this far due to support from truly amazing people; I fully realize how I can really meet someone and work together with them. I hope next year I can again meet someone with a heated spirit and do further challenges!

Daiki Hamazaki

(4Gamer)

Phantasy Star Online has thankfully reached its 25th anniversary in December 2025. New Genesis will have its 5th anniversary in June next year, and in February we will start the 5!GO!!BEYOND!!! anniversary campaign.
There are a whole lot of things planned throughout the whole year, such as new content, new story, new song for that certain character, and crossovers. The whole team will unite to raise the hype to another level, so please kindly keep on supporting the Phantasy Star series and New Genesis!

Digital Extremes

Rebecca Ford

(4Gamer)

We are giving our all to further grow Warframe on every aspect desired by all the players. Higher accessibilities, broader customizations, and obviously, more Warframes. In Q1 next year, we plan for a rather small-scale updates that adds a new Warframe, but that is all I can talk about for now. After that, we are also still reserving a new story episode where you'll finally head to the long-forgotten star system as part of a narrative chapter related to the long-depicted "Tau". This will take place beyond the story that has piled up with the latest chapter "The Old Peace" that was released this month.
We are proceeding on even more projects as we head towards 2026. We are truly looking forward to the day we can reveal them to everyone.

Tookyo Games

Kotaro Uchikoshi

(4Gamer)

The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy is now on sale with favorable receptions! Thank you very much to everyone who have played it! I'd be glad if those who haven't played can also check it out!

By the way, before you face a boss in an RPG, do you diligently level up? Or are you the type who just rushes in with a barely winnable level? In 2026, I might be part of the former type. I hope I can find a Liquid Metal Slime somewhere out there though...

Kazutaka Kodaka

(4Gamer)

Super Danganronpa 2x2 will be released next year.
Please keep an eye on it.

Takumi Nakazawa

(4Gamer)

2025 was a year with a break point, as there was a [flow] from the announcement to release of Shuten Order, which took 5 years to produce. In 2026, I'll refresh my mood to seriously start working on the new next title.
Up until now I kept on creating easy adventure games that "anyone can clear", so this time I'm on a trial-and-error process to create a challenging adventure game that could "make someone proud if they can clear it". It's still in the works and will take very long until it's released, but please look forward to it.

As for Tookyo Games' newest title, Super Danganronpa 2x2 will be released by Spike Chunsoft in 2026. I helped just a bit on the scenario direction. The parts added here are "very" insteresting, so people who have played the original version should definitely play this too.

Nagoshi Studio

Toshihiro Nagoshi

(4Gamer)

2026 will still be a year where we focus on the development of Gang of Dragon. We are entering the phase where we polish the things we have piled up throughout all these times into definite shapes, one by one. We will work full force to be able to deliver a game that lives up to everyone's expectations, so please kindly wait for the next information batch with excitement.

Nippon Ichi Software

Mio Katsumata

(4Gamer)

Hono-gurashi no Niwa will be released in July 2026.
This game will let you enjoy a free life in a village with a Japanese rural-like scenery, so I'd be glad if everyone can definitely get a hold of this!

Yu Mizokami

(4Gamer)

Right now we are developing Hono-gurashi no Niwa, a heartwarming country life simulation game that people said "Isn't this Yomawari!?" at Nintendo Direct. It will be released on 30 July 2026, so in order to make next year more interesting, we want to make it a year where we run full force at once until it's finished. Pre-orders have also already opened, so if you have even a bit of curiosity, please kindly check it out.

Nihon Falcom

Toshihiro Kondo

(4Gamer)

Falcom has been definitely releasing new games with the pace of a title per year, but as more friends have joined up, we have set up a structure where we might be able to pace up a bit or do a new challenge. I hope this year we can show that result to some extent. We have already announced Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter, but the company is also reaching the 45th anniversary so we intend to hype it up by publishing new information throughout the whole year. Please look forward to it.

(Famitsu)

Besides releasing Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter, which is a sequel to Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter that was released last year, I also want to release another new game. It will be announced soon, so please stay tuned!

Nekcom Games

Luo Xiangyu

(4Gamer)

We will definitely finish Showa American Story in 2026! We also plan to show more of the game's new content to everyone before release!

Bandai Namco

Yusuke Tomizawa

(4Gamer)

2026 is the 30th anniversary year of the Tales Of series, so I want to be able to provide more information on the already-deployed Remastered series, and I'd also like to work properly on hyping up the IP and future game creations as we face a farther future for the series.

Kota Toma

(4Gamer)

Super Robot Wars Y, which was released in October 2025, is the first title where I worked as a producer, so I will never forget my first experiences of the delight at the moment [the game] was released and the feel when I was moved by the support I received from all users, and I'd also like to do my best in 2026 as well.

Exactly right now, we are preparing the 2nd DLC batch for Super Robot Wars Y, so I hope you will kindly look forward to that.

Shogo Kojima

(4Gamer)

We have released SD Gundam G Generation Eternal in 2025.
I'm glad we might be able to safely reach the new year with support from the development team and all the fans!

In 2026, while there is the 1st anniversary for G Gen Eternal, the whole development team will confront together to make it even better and more enjoyingly playable, so please keep on supporting us!
Also, if you have even a bit of interest, you can start anytime so please kindly check it out.

Ryosuke Hara

(4Gamer)

In 2025 we released Digimon Story: Time Stranger; I felt like it became a year full of stimulation and gratitude as there are so many people playing it, ranging from those who have supported Digimon up until now to those who are just checking Digimon for the first time.
In 2026, we will first strive everyday to release the 2nd and 3rd Season Pass DLC packs for this game! Please continue looking forward to the Digimon game team!

24Frame

Yusuke Tomono

(4Gamer)

This year saw the release of Digimon Story: Time Stranger, which had its development took so much time. During this period, I also think my own self has undergone a massive growth and change throughout my job as a director. I hope I can use this experience to deliver even better games to more customers in 2026 and beyond.

Bukkoro

Yoko Taro

(Famitsu)

Aspirations: I changed my residence in 2024, but I almost did not progress at all on tidying up, so I'd like to somehow do it within 2026. Work is kind of a second priority. No, maybe third. I feel like I might end up no longer getting called into this corner... Well, it can't be helped. That's also part of life.

Recent Situation: In these recent years, I had been doing the Bakuken stage plays at year-ends, but I have a hunch we'll do it in 2026 too. Maybe.

(4Gamer)

My comments are the same as last year.
I hope the wars will end quickly, and the adults who kill children will be gone.

Additional context: For the 2024 aspiration message on 4Gamer at the end of 2023, Yoko Taro lamented at UNICEF's report that many children were killed in wars that broke out in Ukraine and Gaza. The following year (aspirations for 2025 at the end of 2024), he added that the wars still have not ended yet.

Marvelous

Shiro Maekawa

(Famitsu)

Aspiration: I was pressed by the production of Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, and my condition ended up looking almost completely drained, so I want 2026 to be a year where I absorb good things like a sponge. First of all I want to pick up a random game that's been in the talks in recent years and play it.

Recent Situation: Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma has thankfully received favorable receptions. Thank you very much to everyone who have played it. [Rune Factory] 6 is also currently under earnest development.

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)

Supported by many staff and customers, the Bokujou Monogatari (Story of Seasons) series is reaching its 30th anniversary. I want to make it a memorial year where we thank [the past] up until now and fix our gaze towards the future.

Mistwalker

Hironobu Sakaguchi

(Famitsu)

Aspiration: A period to omit unnecessary things in both professional and personal lives. I'd like to go back to zero for once, and find a new "craftsmanship".

Recent Situation: The shock incident happened in September 2025, and I'm finally getting back on my feet. Can I pull out a restart...

Yostar

Li Hengda

(4Gamer)

Thank you for always supporting us. In 2025 we have released our self-developed title Stella Sora. There are many people who have already known, but Yostar is a company keeps on holding a strong fixation and passion towards Bishojo games.

We shall endeavor to deliver entertainment that can be enjoyed by everyone who have supported such a company like us. That is our objective in 2026.
We are looking forward to next year as well.

Lasengle

Kimihiko Miyamae

(4Gamer)

Fate/Grand Order reached its 10th anniversary in 2025, and the final chapter of Part 2 came out on December 20.
I want to send gratitude from the bottom of my heart to all the players who have continued supporting and playing this far.
And as a company, we feel proud to be involved in this whole long path.

In 2026, we will have a challenge in a new initiative.
Recently, I personally have been focusing my work towards organizational management, but I still want to continue staying as a creator who still has room for growth.
Together with my friends, I hope this will be a year where I can grow up. I want to carefully pile up various things.
I will see you all in 2026 too.

Rabbit & Bear Studios

Junko Kawano

(Famitsu)

Aspiration: Regarding Eiyuden Chronicle, we're finally seeing a path to respond to the Kickstarter backers. (I apologize for having to wait!) For the release's 2nd anniversary in April, I'm hoping we can hold some kind of event for the fans. And personally speaking, I also want to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Konami's Shadow of Memories, which was my first title as a producer.

Recent Situation: Regarding the stuff Rabbit & Bear Studios are preparing right now, it's frustrating that I cannot say in much detail at this point... but a lot of things are moving around!

Osamu Komuta

(Famitsu)

Aspiration: This year was a run-up for the next deployment. Next year will also still be a whole year of preparations. It's anything but smoothly ongoing, so I think it'll take a while until we can reveal it, but we're moving forward one step at a time. Please look forward to the new deployment by Rabbit & Bear Studios.

Recent Situation: The IP rights for Kleissis and Arca Last, the app which had its service ended this April, are now 100% owned by the original author. Right now I'm thinking of a new deployment, though I still don't know what kind of shape it will take.

Junichi Murakami

(Famitsu)

Keyword: Establishing a new original title

Aspiration: Establishing a new title has been a difficult thing to do, but I feel like doing challenges on new things are really what define a game creator. I'd like to put a bit more effort towards realizing the game project I originally want to create.

Recent Situation: It's a period where I prepare a lot of things, so there is nothing to announce, but I'll do my best so I can make a good announcement next year.

Level-5

Akihiro Hino

(4Gamer)

In 2026, we will restart the challenge towards a new thing that has been put on hold until now!
Please take a deep look at it.

And from here on, I think I'd like to preciously raise the titles one by one. There was a past where we rampantly released titles and their appeals could not be utilized well, so we intend to deal with creating titles by taking good care of voices from all the users who have properly accepted the titles.

Please keep on supporting Level-5 in 2026!

Ken Motomura

(4Gamer)

2025 was a year where the whole company united to work full force on producing titles like Fantasy Life and Inazuma Eleven. Level-5 as usual put an emphasis on piling up to the details without any compromise, as well as a posture of taking good care of users' voices post-release while swiftly dealing with issues that must be fixed; I feel like it was a year where those could be shared with the whole company. There were also many points of reflection, but those were also included into a big experience.
Based on such experience, in 2026 we will continue to prioritize the degree of finishing of the title itself, and I think we want to provide games that properly confronts the content and playfeel aspects.
As for Decapolice, which I'm in charge of, at this point there is a limit to the information I can convey, but its development is still steadily ongoing. We also have a challenge on new gameplay elements, including features unique to this game like the stories and reasonings. I think I'll want to announce those appeals with a proper timing and method, so I'd be glad if you look forward to that.