Kingdom Hearts creator Tetsuya Nomura recently hinted at a pivotal shift for the series with the upcoming fourth mainline installment. Discover what he revealed about this new chapter.

Nomura Hints at Kingdom Hearts' Conclusion with Kingdom Hearts 4

A Story Reset in Kingdom Hearts 4

The future of Kingdom Hearts appears both promising and potentially conclusive, according to a recent interview with Nomura. He suggests Kingdom Hearts 4 will be a major turning point.

In an interview with Young Jump (translated by KH13), Nomura stated Kingdom Hearts 4 is designed "with the intention of it being a story that leads to the conclusion." While not confirming a series finale, it suggests the beginning of a final saga. This new entry, initiating the "Lost Master Arc," aims to be accessible to both newcomers and veterans, streamlining the complex narrative.

Nomura explained, "If you remember how the ending of Kingdom Hearts III goes, you'll understand that Sora ends up like that because he's ‘resetting’ the story in a way...Kingdom Hearts IV should be easier to get into than before." He hopes to attract new players while providing a satisfying experience for long-time fans.

While hinting at a potential end to the main storyline, the series' history of twists and turns should be considered. A seemingly definitive conclusion might allow for future interpretations, spin-offs, or side stories. The vast cast of characters opens possibilities for individual adventures. Nomura's inclusion of new writers further expands the potential.

Nomura emphasized a fresh approach to Kingdom Hearts 4 and Missing Link, stating, "Both...have been created with a stronger focus on being new titles rather than sequels...we have had staff who have not been involved in the Kingdom Hearts series before participate in writing the scenario." This collaboration aims to create a new foundation without sacrificing the series' core elements.

The involvement of new writers is an exciting development, potentially injecting fresh perspectives and innovative gameplay. This could lead to unexplored territories within the Disney and Square Enix crossover.

However, Nomura's upcoming retirement adds another layer. He posed the question: "If this isn't a dream, then I only have a few years left until I retire, and it's looking like: will I retire or will I finish the series first?"

A New Arc, A Fresh Start

Announced in April 2022, Kingdom Hearts 4, currently in development, begins the "Lost Master Arc." The first trailer shows Sora awakening in Quadratum, a world Nomura described (in a 2022 Famitsu interview) as an alternate reality.

Nomura explained (translated by VGC), "From each of our perspectives, our perceptions change...From Sora’s perspective, Quadratum is an underworld...But from the point of view of the inhabitants on the Quadratum side, the world of Quadratum is reality..." This world, reminiscent of Tokyo with a dreamlike quality, is a concept Nomura has held since the first game.

Quadratum's grounded realism contrasts with previous Disney-centric worlds. This, combined with enhanced visuals, results in a reduced number of Disney worlds. Nomura clarified to GameInformer (2022) that while fewer Disney worlds are planned, they will still be present.

This streamlining could lead to a more focused narrative, addressing the complexity that sometimes challenged players.

Whether Kingdom Hearts 4 concludes or initiates a new phase, it will be a significant moment. For many fans, seeing the series potentially come full circle under Nomura's direction will be an epic conclusion to a story spanning over two decades.