Kingdom Hearts 4 remains planned for late 2027, Tetsuya Nomura says
Nomura made the promise during a surprise appearance at D23 after Square Enix announced the game's late 2027 release window.
Kingdom Hearts 4 remains planned for late 2027, and series director Tetsuya Nomura has dismissed concerns that Square Enix could move the game beyond that window.
Square Enix announced the release window during Disney’s D23 conference in Anaheim, California, on Friday. The following night, Nomura made a surprise appearance at a Kingdom Hearts panel to speak about the long-awaited sequel.
Nomura rejects the idea of another delay
Speaking through an on-stage interpreter, Nomura addressed online comments suggesting that the late 2027 window could still be pushed back. He told fans, “I want to set the record straight: That is not happening,” referring to the possibility of a delay, and asked them to look forward to the game’s arrival in 2027.
Nomura also said that Kingdom Hearts 4’s marketing had only recently begun, adding that fans could expect more news as promotion for the game continues.
Tai Yasue reinforced the message, calling the 2027 launch a 100% certainty and saying development was progressing smoothly.
Square Enix has not announced a more precise release date. For now, late 2027 remains the stated window for the next mainline Kingdom Hearts game.
Coco will be one of Kingdom Hearts 4’s Disney worlds
The D23 announcements also confirmed that Coco’s world will appear in Kingdom Hearts 4. It is the first Disney-themed world confirmed for the game.
The footage also showed Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck as playable characters. Hades from Hercules appeared as well.
Another announcement revealed that an original Kingdom Hearts anime series is in development for Disney+ and Disney Channel. No release date for the series was announced.
Will Nomura’s promise change your expectations for Kingdom Hearts 4? Share your thoughts in the comments, and follow along on X, Bluesky, YouTube, Instagram, Steam, and Telegram.
Kingdom Hearts IV
Developed by Square Enix Creative Studio I
