Square Enix’s 2026 hints: Dragon Quest turns 40, NieR gets a tease, and more

4 January 2026
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Square Enix’s 2026 hints: Dragon Quest turns 40, NieR gets a tease, and more

Summary:

We’re heading into one of those calendar years that feels like it has a sticky note on it. For Square Enix, 2026 is shaping up to be that kind of year, not because a single blockbuster has been shouted from the rooftops, but because multiple creators have pointed at the future in the careful, teasing way that game developers love. In a set of end-of-year comments collected by 4Gamer and translated and summarized elsewhere, three names stand out for Square Enix watchers: Takashi Anzai, Yosuke Saito, and Kazutoyo Maehiro.

The clearest anchor is Dragon Quest. The first Dragon Quest released in Japan on May 27, 1986, which makes 2026 the franchise’s 40th anniversary. Saito openly acknowledges that milestone and says he’d be happy if everyone could celebrate in a big way. That line matters because Dragon Quest anniversaries tend to bring coordinated messaging, collaborations, and announcements across games, events, and merchandise. It doesn’t lock in one specific reveal, but it does raise the odds that Square Enix will want the year to feel busy and celebratory.

We also get a smaller, deliberately restrained tease for NieR: Automata, which hits its ninth anniversary in 2026. Saito says something is being prepared, then immediately taps the brakes and asks fans not to get too excited. That push and pull is classic producer energy: yes, there’s something, but no, don’t sprint ahead of the facts. Finally, Maehiro hints at another “different approach” project, while Anzai says he’s taking on new challenges and plans to announce them in 2026. Put it together and the message is simple: we should keep our eyes open, keep expectations reasonable, and be ready for a year where Square Enix likes talking about what’s next.

Square Enix looking toward 2026: why these comments matter

When developers and producers talk about the next year, we’re not getting a full schedule or a neat checklist. We’re getting a weather report. Is it sunny, cloudy, or are they hinting at thunder in the distance? In this case, the signals point to a year shaped by milestones, especially Dragon Quest’s 40th anniversary, and smaller but meaningful beats like NieR: Automata’s ninth anniversary. What makes these comments worth your time is that they come from people tied to long-running series with loyal audiences, where anniversaries are not just trivia. They’re marketing moments, planning deadlines, and a reason to line up announcements so fans feel like the year has a theme. If you’ve ever watched a publisher celebrate a big birthday, you know the rhythm: a few early hints, a splashy centerpiece, and then a steady stream of “and also this” surprises. We can’t promise what each surprise will be, but we can talk about what their words make more likely and what they definitely do not confirm.

What 4Gamer asked and what we can safely take from it

The key is to treat these comments like signposts, not contracts. 4Gamer’s annual creator roundups are designed to capture forward-looking ambition, and creators often keep things broad because unannounced projects can be fragile. Plans shift, partnerships change, and sometimes the most exciting idea ends up parked for later. So what can we safely take from these quotes? First, Dragon Quest’s 40th anniversary is acknowledged directly, which means Square Enix is aware of the moment and wants fans thinking about it now. Second, there’s an explicit tease for a NieR: Automata ninth anniversary “something,” which confirms some form of activity around the brand in 2026. Third, two separate creators mention “new challenges” or a project with a “different approach,” which suggests experimentation in format or presentation, even if we don’t know what it looks like yet. The safe move is to watch for official announcements and enjoy the hints for what they are: a reason to pay attention, not a reason to declare victory laps.

How we read developer hints without turning them into promises

We’ve all seen it happen. One carefully worded sentence becomes a thousand hot takes, a rumor snowball, and then disappointment when reality shows up wearing sensible shoes. The trick is to separate three buckets: confirmed facts, stated intentions, and fan-made interpretations. Confirmed facts here include the anniversaries and the fact that these creators said what they said. Stated intentions include Anzai planning to announce new challenges in 2026 and Maehiro working toward something that aims to deliver a new experience. Interpretations are everything else, like assuming a brand-new mainline NieR game is guaranteed. Saito’s tone, especially, is a gentle reality check: yes, there’s something, but don’t let anticipation run away with you. If we keep our feet on the ground, we can enjoy the build-up without setting ourselves up for a faceplant. Think of it like smelling food from the kitchen. It’s exciting, but you don’t yell “dessert is served” until it’s actually on the table.

Dragon Quest at 40: why 2026 is a franchise milestone

Dragon Quest turning 40 is not a small thing. The first game launched on May 27, 1986, and that date has become a recognizable anniversary marker for the series. A 40th anniversary is the kind of round number that publishers love because it’s easy to communicate and easy to celebrate across multiple products. Even if you’ve never played a Dragon Quest game, you’ve probably felt its influence on JRPG design, party-based adventures, and that particular feeling of cozy heroism mixed with looming danger. For Square Enix, it’s also a chance to bring different generations of fans together. Veterans remember where they were when the early games landed, while newer players might be discovering the series through modern releases, remakes, or spin-offs. A 40th anniversary year is a bridge: it gives the company a reason to honor the past while nudging the audience toward the future. And if you’re the kind of fan who loves a good celebration, 2026 is basically the series sending you a party invite with a wink.

Yosuke Saito’s “grand celebration” hint and what it signals

Saito’s wording matters because it’s not just “happy anniversary.” He frames it as something he’d love everyone to join in on at a big scale. That suggests coordinated planning, not a single tweet and a cake emoji. In practice, “grand celebration” can cover many lanes: game announcements, live events, collaborations, campaigns, and branded initiatives across Japan and beyond. It also hints at community participation, which usually means something that fans can actively engage with rather than passively read about. That could be a special broadcast, a series of anniversary showcases, limited-time events in existing titles, or collaborations with other brands that turn the anniversary into a cultural moment. The important part is the intent: Square Enix wants the anniversary to feel shared. If you’ve been waiting for a reason to see Dragon Quest in the spotlight again, this is the most direct nudge we’ve got from a major figure attached to the franchise.

Dragon Quest announcements: realistic buckets to watch

Instead of guessing one specific reveal, we can watch categories where anniversary years usually get busy. First is games: new entries, remakes, remasters, ports, or expansions. Second is events: livestreams, concerts, pop-up experiences, and exhibitions that celebrate art, music, and history. Third is collaborations: tie-ins with other games, brands, or media that put Dragon Quest imagery in new places. Fourth is merchandise and collectibles, which often ramp up because fans love owning a piece of the celebration. Finally, there’s messaging: timeline recaps, developer interviews, and curated “here’s why this series matters” moments that invite newcomers in. If you want a simple mental model, imagine a festival. There’s the main stage, but there are also side stages, food stalls, and little surprises hidden around the grounds. A 40th anniversary year is built to feel like that.

Takashi Anzai and the “new challenges” promise

Anzai’s comment is short, but it’s the kind of short sentence that can carry a lot of weight: he says he’s taking on various new challenges and plans to announce them in 2026. The key word is “announce.” That implies there’s something concrete enough to talk about publicly, not just a vague wish. At the same time, “new challenges” is broad on purpose, which gives Square Enix flexibility. It could mean a new role, a new project, a new direction within an existing team, or a move into a different type of development responsibility. If you’re a Dragon Quest X watcher, it’s also a reminder that online titles live on long timelines, where leadership decisions and project shifts can matter as much as big game reveals. The practical takeaway is simple: Anzai is someone to keep on your radar in 2026 because he’s explicitly tying himself to future announcements.

Why “new challenges” is exciting but still safely vague

Here’s the funny thing about developer hints: the more exciting they might be, the more carefully they’re phrased. “New challenges” can be anything from a new game to a new workflow to a new team structure. That’s not a flaw, it’s how the business works. Projects often can’t be discussed until timing, partners, and internal milestones line up. So we can be excited without forcing the words to mean more than they do. If you want to keep your expectations in the right lane, treat Anzai’s statement as confirmation that something is in motion and intended for public reveal in 2026. Then wait for the follow-up: what is it, when will we see it, and how does it connect to the work he’s known for? Anticipation is great, but it’s even better when it’s paired with patience. Think of it like hearing the first notes of a song through a wall. You know something’s playing, but you’ll enjoy it more when you actually open the door.

NieR: Automata at nine: the tease and the tight-lipped tone

NieR: Automata released in Japan on February 23, 2017, which makes its ninth anniversary land in 2026. That matters because anniversaries are an easy, natural moment to re-engage the audience, and this franchise has a strong identity that people still talk about years later. Saito says they’re preparing “just a little something,” then immediately asks fans not to get too excited. That combination is both exciting and grounding. It confirms activity around the brand, but it also signals that whatever is planned might not match the biggest, wildest fan hopes. And honestly, that’s fine. Not every anniversary has to be a brand-new flagship release. Sometimes the smartest move is a celebration that strengthens the brand, supports existing projects, and gives fans something fresh to enjoy without pretending it’s the start of a whole new era. The win here is clarity: there’s something coming, and the producer is setting the tone early so expectations don’t sprint off a cliff.

Why anniversaries drive reveals without guaranteeing a new mainline game

Anniversaries are like magnets for attention. They pull fans together, they make timelines feel meaningful, and they give companies a reason to talk about a series in a focused way. But they’re not automatic proof of a brand-new mainline game, especially in a world where franchises can expand in many directions. An anniversary “something” can be a collaboration, a special event, a limited release, a new product line, a concert, a new version of existing material, or a media project. Saito’s caution suggests we should keep the range broad. If you’re hoping for a huge reveal, it’s better to treat that as one possibility among many rather than the default outcome. The good news is that even smaller announcements can be meaningful when they’re done well. A thoughtful celebration can feel like a love letter to the fanbase, and sometimes that hits harder than a flashy teaser that tells you nothing. So yes, we can be excited, but we should be the kind of excited that still sleeps нормально and drinks water.

A quick note on translation nuance and reading between lines

Because these comments travel through translation and summaries, tiny differences in wording can change how they feel. A phrase that reads like a playful tease in Japanese can look like a dramatic hint in English, and vice versa. That’s why it helps to focus on the core meaning rather than the exact flavor of a single sentence. The core meaning here is straightforward: Dragon Quest’s 40th is acknowledged as a major celebration target, NieR: Automata has a planned anniversary beat, and at least two creators have projects they want to reveal in 2026. Everything beyond that is a guess. If you’re the kind of person who loves theory crafting, go for it, just keep it in the fun zone. The moment theory turns into “this is confirmed,” we’re building a house on sand. And sand is great at the beach, not so great under your living room.

Kazutoyo Maehiro and the “different approach” tease

Maehiro’s comment is the one that feels most like a door left slightly open. He points to recent work and then says the next thing they’re preparing will take a different approach again, with the goal of delivering a new gaming experience. That kind of phrasing suggests experimentation, not just “more of the same.” It might be a different format, a different medium, or a different structure for how players engage with the work. What’s especially interesting is that he frames it around the feeling of “games are fun,” which is almost disarmingly human. It’s not corporate hype language. It’s the kind of sentiment you hear from someone who cares about how the audience feels, not just what the product is. So while we can’t name the project, we can understand the intent: Maehiro is working toward something that aims to feel fresh, and he wants people to be patient until it can be shown properly.

Why “different approach” can mean format, not just genre

When creators say they’re taking a different approach, our brains often jump straight to genre changes: “Is it an action game now?” But “approach” can be broader than that. It can mean how a story is delivered, how a world is presented, how players progress, or even how a project is packaged alongside other media. Maehiro’s own history across multiple Final Fantasy projects shows comfort with big systems, big worlds, and big expectations. So a “different approach” could be a deliberate attempt to surprise the audience with structure rather than surface-level changes. Maybe it’s more experimental, maybe it’s more focused, maybe it’s designed to be experienced in a way that doesn’t fit the usual boxes. The healthy mindset is curiosity without assumption. If you keep your expectations flexible, you’ll be ready to appreciate what it is, not just what you imagined it might be.

How we follow Square Enix news without getting burned by rumors

Let’s be real: rumor culture can be fun, but it can also be exhausting. One day you’re calmly sipping coffee, the next day your feed is yelling that three unannounced games are “definitely” coming next month. If you want to enjoy 2026 without that stress, a simple approach helps. First, anchor yourself in what’s been actually said: Dragon Quest 40th celebration desire, a NieR: Automata anniversary tease, and plans to announce or reveal new work. Second, decide what kind of fan you want to be: the “I read everything” fan or the “tell me when it’s official” fan. Both are valid. Third, keep a short list of trustworthy places where announcements show up, and let everything else be background noise until confirmed. The goal is not to kill hype, it’s to keep hype from turning into disappointment. Think of it like holding a balloon. You want it in the air, not popped against the ceiling fan.

Where official updates usually land first

Square Enix tends to use a mix of official channels and coordinated media coverage. That means you’ll often see announcements through official social accounts, official websites, and branded livestreams, followed quickly by reputable outlets summarizing the details. For Dragon Quest specifically, official franchise channels and anniversary-related messaging around May 27 can be especially meaningful because that date is already recognized as Dragon Quest Day. For larger reveals, keep an eye on the usual event windows where publishers like to speak loudly: major showcases, industry events, and platform-holder presentations. The good habit is to look for primary confirmation: a trailer on an official channel, a post on an official site, or a statement from a known spokesperson. If a claim can’t point to any of those, it’s not a fact yet. It might become one later, but you don’t need to treat it like one today.

A simple checklist for separating real updates from noise

If you want a quick, repeatable way to sanity-check what you’re seeing, here’s a mindset that works. Ask: is there a primary source? Is there a date, a platform, or a named project, or is it all vibes and adjectives? Does the wording match how official announcements are usually written, or does it read like someone trying to sell you excitement? Then ask the most important question: what happens if this is wrong? If believing a rumor will make you angry later, don’t believe it. Save your emotional energy for the real thing. Meanwhile, enjoy the parts we do know. Dragon Quest is turning 40 in 2026, and a key producer wants a big celebration. NieR: Automata is hitting nine years, and something is planned. Two creators say they intend to reveal new work. That’s plenty to look forward to without inventing extra details. We can be excited and still be smart about it.

Conclusion

Square Enix’s comments paint a clear picture without spoiling the surprise. 2026 is positioned as a celebration year for Dragon Quest, anchored by a 40th anniversary that a major producer explicitly wants fans to share in a big way. At the same time, NieR: Automata’s ninth anniversary is getting some form of planned attention, with a cautious tone that encourages excitement without overreach. Add in Anzai’s promise of announcements tied to new challenges and Maehiro’s tease about a project built around a different approach, and we’ve got a year that looks busy in spirit, even if the specifics are still under wraps. The best way to enjoy this runway is to keep expectations flexible and your sources solid. If you do that, every official reveal will feel like a win instead of a correction. And honestly, that’s the fun version of waiting: not anxious, not cynical, just ready.

FAQs
  • Why is 2026 such a big year for Dragon Quest?
    • The original Dragon Quest released in Japan on May 27, 1986, which makes 2026 the franchise’s 40th anniversary. That kind of milestone often brings coordinated celebrations and announcements.
  • Did Square Enix confirm new Dragon Quest games for 2026?
    • No specific new game was confirmed in these comments. What we have is a clear statement that key staff want a major celebration for the 40th anniversary, which often comes with news, events, and collaborations.
  • What did Yosuke Saito say about NieR: Automata in 2026?
    • He acknowledged the ninth anniversary in 2026 and said they’re preparing “a little something,” while also telling fans not to get overly excited. That confirms planned activity, but not exactly what form it takes.
  • What does Takashi Anzai’s “new challenges” line actually mean?
    • He said he’s taking on various new challenges and plans to announce them in 2026. It signals a future reveal, but the phrase is intentionally broad, so it’s best to wait for official details.
  • How can we track real announcements without getting pulled into rumor chaos?
    • Stick to official channels and reputable reporting, look for primary confirmation like official posts or trailers, and treat anything without a clear source as unconfirmed until proven otherwise.
Sources
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