February Square Enix Event Expected to Showcase Kingdom Hearts IV and Other Upcoming Titles

Anticipation Builds for Kingdom Hearts IV Updates

Since its announcement during the 20th anniversary celebration of the franchise back in April 2022, news about Kingdom Hearts IV has been alarmingly sparse. This fourth installment in the beloved action RPG series, collaboratively developed by Square Enix and Disney, has left many fans eager for more information, particularly following its absence at significant gaming events such as The Game Awards 2024.

Rumors of a Square Enix Showcase

Recent speculation from prominent Kingdom Hearts YouTuber, TheGamersJoint, suggests that a Square Enix event may be on the horizon. This potential showcase, reportedly scheduled for February, is hinted to clarify the company’s roadmap for 2025:

Recently, I have actually heard a little tidbit of information. Take this with a grain of salt, but this has come from a source of mine. I’ll keep them anonymous, but I have heard the reason why Square Enix were absent from Summer Games Fest along with The Game Awards is because they are planning to start doing their own showcases, with one happening in February.

With fans understandably anxious for updates, Square Enix’s return to hosting their own presentations seems timely. The last event branded as Square Enix Presents was on June 13, 2021, during E3 2021.

Need for Information on Upcoming Titles

As excitement for Kingdom Hearts IV builds, it’s worth noting that Square Enix has other titles, like Dragon Quest XII: The Flames of Fate, that are also overdue for updates. Initially revealed in January 2020, the game has not had significant news since 2021, raising questions among fans about its development status. Dragon Quest XII is set to utilize the powerful Unreal Engine 5 and is co-developed by Orca, the studio behind the previous entry in the franchise.

What We Know About Kingdom Hearts IV

Despite the silence, a few key features about Kingdom Hearts IV were shared during its announcement:

Visual Enhancements: The game is built on Unreal Engine 5, ensuring a visually stunning experience.
Playable Worlds: According to Tetsuya Nomura, the director, this engine could limit the number of worlds players can explore.
New Mechanics: The iconic Keyblade will have a new ability to transform into a grappling hook, enhancing traversal options.
Character Development: The life of protagonist Sora will be explored in greater detail than in previous games.

Earlier rumors suggested that the final product may differ from what was shown in the reveal trailer and might incorporate online functionality. Additionally, speculation about a potential port for the Nintendo Switch 2 has emerged.

The Future of Kingdom Hearts and Dragon Quest

Regardless of whether updates come during the rumored February showcase or at later events in 2025, fans can remain hopeful for a closer look at both Kingdom Hearts IV and Dragon Quest XII. As expectations mount, the community eagerly awaits more official news from Square Enix.

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