Dragon Quest Director Questions the Necessity of Turn-Based Combat

Masato Yagi, director of Dragon Quest VII Reimagined and Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition, has expressed that turn-based combat is not a mandatory or unchangeable element of the Dragon Quest series.

A Theme-Driven Design Philosophy

In an interview with Game Informer, Yagi stated: Some people might disagree with this, but personally, I don’t think a Dragon Quest game must always include turn-based combat.

He highlighted that the primary focus of the game should be the core theme—and developers should choose the most approachable system to best convey that theme. Therefore, turn-based mechanics are an option, not an absolute requirement.

Turn-Based RPGs in Today’s Indie Scene

Speaking about the current state of turn-based RPGs, Yagi remarked: In my opinion, the most significant innovation in the past decade has been the growth of turn-based games within the indie gaming scene.

He elaborated: Developers from different regions and generations have revisited the turn-based genre they grew up with, experimenting with new styles of presentation, mechanics, pacing, and storytelling. This has resulted in the creation of distinctive and varied titles.

Comparisons with Final Fantasy’s Evolution

The move away from traditional turn-based combat is seen prominently in Square Enix’s Final Fantasy series. Recent titles—such as Final Fantasy VII Remake—have merged real-time action with strategic gameplay elements, though a significant portion of the fanbase continues to advocate for a full return to classic turn-based systems. This demand has been further validated by the success of games like Persona 5 and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which have drawn new audiences to the genre's depth and charm.

Speculation Surrounding Dragon Quest XII

While Dragon Quest XII remains unannounced—and its development purely speculative—Yagi’s comments have fueled fresh speculation about its direction, especially given rumors of a darker narrative tone. If the series were to move away from turn-based combat, it could likely trigger a stronger reaction compared to Final Fantasy’s earlier transitions—given Dragon Quest’s long-standing status as the archetypal turn-based JRPG franchise.

Looking Forward: A 40th Anniversary Announcement

As work on Dragon Quest XII remains under wraps, series creator Yuji Horii has announced a 40th anniversary livestream that will reveal details about the “next game”—hinting that major updates could be on the horizon.