The celebrated gaming franchise Dynasty Warriors, known for its groundbreaking "1 vs 1,000" gameplay, is undergoing a significant transformation with the upcoming release of Dynasty Warriors: Origins. Set to launch in January 2025, this game marks the first mainline entry in the series in seven years and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Since its inception on the original PlayStation in 1997, Dynasty Warriors has sold an impressive 21 million copies worldwide. Despite its immense success in Japan, the series has faced challenges in the Western market, struggling with lower sales figures. The new installment aims to revitalize interest among Western players, focusing on innovative features and gameplay enhancements.
Historically, hardware limitations have constrained the series. Previous titles could showcase only a few hundred enemies on-screen at any given time. However, Dynasty Warriors: Origins introduces an exciting new capability that allows for tens of thousands of enemies to appear simultaneously. Tomohiko Sho, a key figure in the game's development at Omega Force, acknowledges the evolution of technology that made this leap possible. He stated, "When the teams were approaching development, they weren't thinking about the hardware."
In a notable shift from previous entries, Dynasty Warriors: Origins will not feature multiplayer mode, which has been a staple since the PlayStation 2 era. Sho explained that this decision stems from the power of modern consoles, allowing for more complex gameplay experiences. He expressed confidence in this approach by stating, "If everyone really enjoys the game, then for the next game in the series, we will definitely have multiplayer."
The decision to skip a sequel, originally planned as Dynasty Warriors 10, was made to concentrate on refining this new entry. Sho noted that while the team had considered continuing with the numbered series, they ultimately chose to innovate instead. "This is something I've been wanting to do since Dynasty Warriors 2 and 3," he remarked.
Despite its challenges in appealing to Western audiences, Dynasty Warriors: Origins has already shown promising sales figures since its release. Sho emphasized that the team is eager to attract more players overseas, saying, "It's something that we've been trying to get a lot of people overseas to play." The game’s unique mechanics and engaging single-player experience are designed to capture attention and broaden its fanbase.
The franchise's evolution reflects changing gaming trends and player expectations. Over the years, fans have expressed polarized views about certain gameplay elements. "Either you really liked it, or you didn't," Sho acknowledged regarding past titles. With this new installment, he hopes to strike a balance that resonates with a broader audience.
As they move forward with Dynasty Warriors: Origins, the developers are attentive to feedback from players. They aim for a product that retains the essence of what made the series iconic while embracing modern gaming standards. "I am very aware that it is seen as an iconic part of the series," Sho stated, highlighting their commitment to honoring legacy while pushing boundaries.