Dragon Quest fans finally have a date to circle. Series creator Yuji Horii has confirmed that Square Enix will host a 40th anniversary livestream on May 27, 2026, and the broadcast will include news about the next entry in the franchise. After years of near-silence on the long-rumored sequel, the announcement is shaping up as one of the biggest JRPG events of the year.
What Yuji Horii Confirmed
Horii dropped the news on a recent episode of the KosoKoso Broadcast podcast. “We’ll be doing a live stream on May 27,” he said. “I think we’ll be able to make an announcement about the next game.” He also teased “various other things besides the next game,” telling fans to look forward to the stream. The comments were translated by Gematsu and picked up across the Western gaming press over the following days.
All Eyes on Dragon Quest XII
The most likely candidate for the “next game” is Dragon Quest XII: The Flames of Fate. That title was originally revealed during the franchise’s 35th anniversary stream in May 2021, and it has barely been mentioned in the five years since. Horii has only offered vague reassurances about development, while teasing a darker tone and a revamped command-battle system. May 27, 2026, marks exactly five years from the original teaser, which makes the anniversary stream the natural moment for a real gameplay reveal and platform list.
Why the Date Matters
May 27 is not a random pick. The original Dragon Quest launched in Japan on May 27, 1986, on the Famicom, and the date has been officially recognized as “Dragon Quest Day” by the Japan Anniversary Association. The series has since grown into one of the most successful JRPG franchises in history, with 12 mainline titles, dozens of spin-offs, and over 90 million units sold worldwide. The 40th anniversary is the biggest milestone the series has hit since its recent induction into the World Video Game Hall of Fame.
What Else Could Show Up
Horii’s “various other things” line has the rumor mill running. A Nintendo Switch 2 version of Dragon Quest XI S has reportedly been rated by a classifications board, fueling expectations of a re-release announcement. Other possibilities floated by fans and outlets include a remake of Dragon Quest IV and fresh news on a Dragon Quest Builders sequel. Whatever lands on May 27, the stream is the franchise’s first real chance in years to give fans something concrete.