Kingdom Hearts 3 is still in the thick of development while Kingdom Hearts 2.8 fills in the game’s remaining plot gaps for fans this January. For those who still aren’t satiated, a 1.5+2.5 HD Collection for PS4 hits stores in March. These interstitial releases may seem like they leave the doors wide open for Kingdom Hearts 2.9, but franchise producer Shinji Hashimoto recently confirmed that won’t be happening.
Speaking at a panel during Lucca Comics & Games 2016 in Italy last month, the man clarified his position. Thanks to the embedded video and translations from KH13, we can reveal a summary of what was said. According to the source, there will be no Kingdom Hearts 2.9 after Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue. The plot will supposedly proceed directly to Kingdom Hearts 3.
Kingdom Hearts 2.8 contains a reworked version of Kingdom Hearts 3D for 3DS, as well as a brand new slice of content connected to Birth By Sleep called A Fragmentary Passage . Hashimoto noted that the story in that unseen portion will connect to Kingdom Hearts 3 in a big way. He also said Passage may be considered short for more experienced players, but there’s still a substantial amount of playable material in it.
For newcomers to Kingdom Hearts, these naming conventions may seem a bit wacky, and the producer even recognized that as well. He mentioned that confusion amongst fans was exactly why Square Enix decided to remaster the entire series before Kingdom Hearts 3 arrives. Background plot knowledge supposedly won’t be necessary to understand the game’s basic premise, but it certainly can’t hurt.
Kingdom Hearts 3 was announced about three years ago and has been in development ever since. Beyond a few trailers, screenshots and a cursory plot description, there’s not much we know about it. The franchise’s storied conflict between light and dark will finally come to a head and end a saga that has unfolded for more than a decade.
Kingdom Hearts 3 has no known release date, but Kingdom Hearts 2.8 comes to PS4 on Jan. 24. The series HD collection hits PS4 on March 28.
When do you think Kingdom Hearts 3 will release? Are you tired of these filler games and HD collections? Tell us in the comments section!
