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Gaming website 4Gamer.net has released its annual series of interviews with Japanese game developers, featuring responses from 194 developers about their goals and projects for 2026. Several studios have revealed details about upcoming titles and anniversary celebrations.
Major Anniversary Celebrations
Atlus is preparing to celebrate the Persona series’ 30th anniversary throughout 2026. Multiple developers from the studio confirmed they’re working on global initiatives to mark the occasion. Kazuhisa Wada mentioned that 2026 will bring opportunities to discuss future developments for the series, including updates on Persona 4 Revival. Atsushi Nomura expressed hope that the anniversary will help Persona reach new players who haven’t experienced the series yet.
Square Enix producer Yosuke Saito announced that Dragon Quest will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026. Saito, who returned to lead Dragon Quest projects in April 2024, stated he’s currently developing various projects and expects to share more information during the anniversary year.
Bandai Namco’s Tales of series will also mark 30 years in 2026. Producer Yusuke Tomizawa said the team plans to share updates on the remaster series currently in development while continuing work on new titles.
New Game Announcements and Updates
Idea Factory confirmed that the next numbered entry in the Neptunia series is in active development. The game is described as featuring “a story of new goddesses that goes beyond the ‘norms’ of Gamindustri, transcends ‘time,’ and reaches far beyond the ‘sky.'” Developer Naoto Tominaga expects to announce the title soon.
Team NINJA’s Fumihiko Yasuda confirmed that Nioh 3 will release on February 6, 2026, followed by FATAL FRAME II: Crimson Butterfly REMAKE on March 12. The studio also plans to announce additional new titles and series during the year.
Nihon Falcom director Toshihiro Kondo revealed the studio will release two titles in 2026—Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter and an unannounced new game. This increased output comes after the studio expanded its team. The company will also celebrate its 45th anniversary in 2026.
Continuing Series and Remakes
Sega confirmed that Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties will launch on February 12, 2026. Meanwhile, Konami’s Motoi Okamoto stated the Silent Hill series is “back on track” after releasing Silent Hill 2 in October 2024 and Silent Hill f in September 2025. The studio aims to release one Silent Hill title per year.
Marvelous confirmed Rune Factory 6 is currently in development. Experience announced Demon Kill Demon, a new dungeon RPG set five years after Undernauts: Labyrinth of Yomi, along with plans for the Monkarufanta and Spirit Hunter series.
Other Notable Projects
- CyberConnect2 will celebrate its 30th anniversary on February 16, 2026, with an anniversary party where a new title will be announced
- Inti Creates is preparing announcements for the Gunvolt Chronicles: Luminous Avenger iX series in the second half of 2026
- M2ShotTriggers will mark its 10th anniversary and plans to release multiple titles from its backlog
- COLOPL is developing its first console game in collaboration with artist Kazuma Kaneko
- GungHo Online Entertainment expects to release multiple titles in 2026 after a period of development
The interviews suggest 2026 will be a busy year for Japanese game developers, with several long-running franchises reaching milestone anniversaries alongside the reveal of new projects.
