So if ML releases in 2024, does this mean KH4 will release in 2025? Or can we still hope for late 2024 release?
I think early 2025 is most likely. SE hasn’t really been releasing any of their AAA games in the latter half of the year recently. I think it just tends to be such a crowded space for gaming that they’d rather avoid it for their bigger releases. They still release games, but typically more niche titles like Dragon Quest Adventure of Dai or Star Ocean this year.
Let’s take at look at SE’s console game slate next year.
February 24: FFVII Rebirth
Spring 24: FFXVI DLC
Summer 24: FFXIV Dawntrail
TBD 24: Foamstars (this game already had its open beta, so I suspect it’ll be out by end of summer.)
TBD 24: SaGa: Emerald Beyond
TBD 24: Visions of Mana
I could see those last two releasing around September and November respectively. We could see VoM could get a bigger marketing push. The trailer looks gorgeous and it could be an opportunity to bring that franchise more into the mainstream. I’ve never played a Mana game but it has me intrigued.
The only other confirmed titles in development are DQ3 Remake, DQXII, and KH4. We could see the DQ3 Remake sometime next year too. Maybe July?
That would be 6-7 titles for SE next year not counting Missing Link and any other smaller projects that might pop up. I think that’s a pretty good line up for the year.
With the latter half of 2024 being lighter on major releases, it would give them plenty of time to focus on KH4’s marketing at all the big gaming events. Just like they’re doing for Rebirth now. I think we’ll get a release window around March/April next year and then steady marketing leading up to a January 2025 release. That’s a good eight months of steady promotion.