2019 has been an eventful year for Dragon Quest fans, especially for the Nintendo Switch. Not only has Dragon Quest XI S released on the Switch but also multiple classic Dragon Quest games and Dragon Quest Builders 2. Additionally, Super Smash Bros Ultimate received a new fighter, Hero from the Dragon Quest series. During Jump Festa ’20, a Dragon Quest anime revealed to broadcast in fall of 2020.

Square Enix announced mid-December of 2019 that Dragon Quest XI shipped over 5.5 million copies worldwide. This includes copies from multiple consoles: PlayStation 4, Nintendo 3DS (Japan), Nintendo Switch, and Steam. Creator and game designer of Dragon Quest, Yuji Horii made the following comment on the latest milestone:

I strongly believe that this figure has only been achieved thanks to our fans who have always loved the DRAGON QUEST series and also the new players who discovered DRAGON QUEST or JRPGs through this title. If I could ever go back in time to meet myself when I was still making the very first DRAGON QUEST, I would love to tell him, ‘In 30 years’ time, DRAGON QUEST XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age has been released and loved by international fans beyond seas and languages.’ I will carry on doing my very best to deliver further DRAGON QUEST titles to our fans worldwide. Thank you very much to all the fans who have enjoyed the title!

To make Dragon Quest fans squeal, Yuji Horii’s New Year’s message confirmed that Dragon Quest XII in development since 2019. Making it 33 years since he made the first Dragon Quest game on the Famicom (NES). Below is the translated thanks to @BlackKite:

Happy New Year.

Last year we started with publishing the movie Dragon Quest: Your Story, then releasing the Switch version of Dragon Quest 11, the mobile version of DQ Walk, the announcement of The Adventure of Dai anime along with its game adaptation, the production of [DQ]12 and more; even now after 33 years have passed since I made the 1st game, I feel very glad that I can do new challenges like these. Thank you very much to all users who have cheered on Dragon Quest until now, and also to all of the many staff members who have supported me. I don’t know how long I can go on, but I feel like I want to do my best just a little bit more. I hope this year will be an amazing year to everyone. I’m looking forward to work together in this year.

No other news regarding release date and what consoles the game to be released on. Could the next Dragon Quest game release on the PlayStation 5 or PlayStation 4? We can at least be sure a Nintendo Switch release looks promising. Dragon Quest XII in development and stay tuned for more news this year.

Source: Square Enix PR, Japan Nintendo