Yuji Horii, the legendary creator of the Dragon Quest series, recently gave an insightful interview revealing his deep commitment to the franchise and his creative philosophy. At 71 years old, Horii still oversees key aspects of Dragon Quest development, saying, “I do think I will work on it until I die,” highlighting how personal and important the series is to him.
A Personal Connection to Dragon Quest
Horii describes Dragon Quest as his child and maintains an active role in development even while delegating responsibilities to trusted partner developers like Level-5. He views his continued involvement as essential to preserving the spirit and quality of the series. His ultimate goal is to celebrate Dragon Quest’s 50th anniversary in 2036, continuing to evolve the games with care and love.
Development Philosophy and Game Design
Horii emphasizes simplicity and player immersion. He wants players to feel like the hero themselves by minimizing the protagonist’s spoken dialogue and making player choice central. Players interact with an immersive world where every character in a village has a part in the story, enriching the experience far beyond just the main plot.
He also shares how turn-based combat remains core to the games after experimenting with action-oriented systems. Feedback and tradition guide design decisions to keep Dragon Quest’s essence intact while refining gameplay for modern audiences.
Future of Dragon Quest
The next installment, Dragon Quest XII: The Flames of Fate, is well into development. Horii hints at a darker, more mature narrative with branching player choices impacting the world significantly, aiming to offer a fresh yet familiar experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yuji Horii still working on Dragon Quest games?
Yes, Horii remains deeply involved and plans to work on the series until he no longer can.
What is Horii’s approach to game design?
He focuses on player immersion, simple controls, rich storytelling through world interactions, and maintaining the beloved turn-based battle system.
Who are Horii’s developer partners?
He collaborates with studios like Level-5, Chunsoft, and Heartbeat to leverage their strengths for each game installment.
What can fans expect from Dragon Quest XII?
A darker story, more adult themes, and impactful player choices, while retaining the core Dragon Quest gameplay elements.
When is Dragon Quest VII Reimagined releasing?
It’s scheduled for February 5, 2026, across multiple platforms, bringing a fresh take on a classic installment.
Conclusion
Yuji Horii’s dedication to Dragon Quest is unwavering, blending tradition with thoughtful innovation. His personal connection fuels the franchise’s continued success, assuring fans that their beloved series remains in passionate and capable hands for years to come.