Dragon Quest XII Confirmed Active Despite Development Silence

Series creator Yuji Horii has reaffirmed that Dragon Quest XII: The Flames of Fate remains in active development, dismissing cancellation rumors. The highly anticipated sequel was initially unveiled during the franchise's 35th anniversary celebration in 2021 - marking the first mainline installment since 2017's critically acclaimed Dragon Quest XI.

Cautious Updates From the Development Team

Speaking recently with Gamereactor, Horii maintained his characteristically reserved approach to sharing progress. "While I deeply regret being unable to share specific details at this time," Horii stated, "I can confirm our development team continues working passionately to create another exceptional experience. We appreciate your continued patience and enthusiasm."

Organizational Changes Raise Questions

The development landscape has shifted significantly since the game's announcement. Square Enix underwent major restructuring in 2023, followed by the tragic passing of legendary character designer Akira Toriyama and composer Koichi Sugiyama in May 2024. Compounding these challenges was lead producer Yu Miyake's transition to overseeing Square Enix's mobile division.

While these circumstances naturally prompted fan concerns, Horii's latest statements confirm the project persists despite external challenges. Industry analysts suggest Square Enix may be withholding details until all key replacement talent is solidified and production reaches showcase-ready milestones.