In the games industry, delays are now almost expected rather than surprising announcements delivered in the final months of a project’s development. For a title like Kingdom Hearts 4, the expectation around its release after this many years certainly comes with some skepticism over its eventual launch.
That’s why one of the biggest announcements at D23 2026 was that Kingdom Hearts series creator Tetsuya Nomura explicitly said that not only was 2027 the goal for the game, but its arrival next year is a “100% thing.” Confidence aside, the games industry is in such upheaval these days that it was almost shocking to see someone state a game’s release with that much certainty. Especially with so many of the industry’s problems stemming from issues outside of its control.
A Kingdom Hearts 4 Release Could Be The Biggest Game Launch of the Post-Grand Theft Auto 6 Industry
In the “Deep Dive into Kingdom Hearts” panel at D23 2026, Nomura and Kingdom Hearts 4 co-director Tai Yasue shared insight into the game’s progress. Speculation about the game’s actual release has circulated online after its surprising inclusion in Nintendo’s Nintendo Direct event this past June. In the panel, Nomura addressed fan skepticism head-on. “I saw online that some people were saying the release date might still get pushed back. I want to set the record straight: That is not happening,” Nomura said, adding, “Schedule-wise, the development is very smooth. It’s not like an 80%, 90% – it’s a 100% thing. We’ll be there in 2027 for sure.”
The industry has been under significant stress this year. AI data centers are causing shortages of console and PC parts. Major companies like Sony and Valve are adding hundreds of dollars to the cost of their hardware. Xbox, owned by Microsoft, is undergoing a mass two-part layoff under the guidance of new CEO Asha Sharma. Nothing feels certain in games in 2026, so there’s something refreshing about Nomura’s poise amid the chaos. Still, Kingdom Hearts 4 seems like a sure thing, especially after seeing footage of the Coco world in-game.
Many games are delaying their launches to avoid competing with Grand Theft Auto 6 this year. Given what should be the largest entertainment media launch of all time, it makes sense to steer clear. 2027 seemed like a good space to carve out for titles that could afford to wait. Now, Kingdom Hearts 4 poised for late 2027 feels like we might get deja vu. A massive title slated for the fall that is sure to grab attention and sales for weeks and months after its launch. Sound familiar?
Square Enix Poised for Historic Year in 2027 Thanks to Kingdom Hearts 4 and Final Fantasy VII Revalation
Disney is obviously all-in on Kingdom Hearts. D23 2026 also contained a Kingdom Hearts anime announcement that felt impossible just 72 hours ago. The one-two punch of the newest game in the series and an anime adaptation could be historic for Disney. The other major player in this franchise is game developer and producer Square Enix. Square Enix is now also set for a historic year. With Kingdom Hearts 4 set for the back half of 2027, the first half will certainly put the focus on Final Fantasy VII Revalation. The follow-up to Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the second entry in the remake trilogy, is set to release in Spring 2027.
That sequence of games, along with other Square Enix titles in development like Dragon Quest 12, could set the company up for an unprecedented year. Of course, a lot can change before then, especially in this industry. Still, a game creator at the reins of a major franchise confident in its release window this far from the target date is a good thing, albeit rare. Let’s keep our skeleton fingers crossed that we’re playing Kingdom Hearts 4 in late 2027.
