Team Asano, the creative force behind beloved Square Enix titles like Bravely Default and Octopath Traveler, has big plans for 2025. In a recent conversation about the studio’s future endeavors, Tomoya Asano, head of the division, teased several upcoming releases. Known for their pioneering work with the HD-2D graphics engine, which revamped classic games like Dragon Quest 3, Team Asano could potentially be working on a blend of new projects and remakes of old favorites for the upcoming year.
Earlier this year, rumors started swirling following a leak hinting at a new sequel in the works from Team Asano. Speculation has centered on the possibility of another installment in the Bravely Default series, last seen with Bravely Default 2 in February 2021. There’s also buzz about a follow-up to Live A Live, a successful revamp of the cherished 1994 original. Although Team Asano has also rolled out games like the tactical RPG Triangle Strategy and the life sim Various Daylife, the latter’s lackluster reception suggests it’s unlikely to see a sequel.
In a translated interview with 4Gamer from Gematsu, Asano expressed his vision for the future, mentioning, “We’ll be putting out the various things we’ve been preparing.” One of these confirmed projects includes remakes of Dragon Quest 1 and 2 using the same HD-2D style that distinguished Dragon Quest 3. When Asano referred to “various things,” fans took it as a hint of multiple releases, suggesting the Dragon Quest duo would count as a single entity.
Back in 2022, after unveiling the Live A Live remake, Square Enix hinted at more HD-2D projects in development. Though Dragon Quest 3 was known, the initial two games in the series were not on the list. Yet, it seems more classics await transformation by this captivating art style, possibly joining the Switch 2 lineup expected in 2025. Asano’s aspirations surely excite Square Enix’s JRPG fans. However, it’s wise to remain cautious, considering past instances where promises didn’t materialize. Early in 2024, Asano tantalized Bravely Default enthusiasts, suggesting updates were forthcoming. Unless there’s a revelation as the year wraps, it seems 2025 might finally shed light on Bravely Default’s future.
Team Asano undoubtedly has an exciting array of projects in the pipeline that could delight loyal fans and newcomers alike. As they harness the impressive HD-2D technology and creative storytelling they are known for, the possibilities seem endless for what they might deliver to gaming communities worldwide in 2025.
