During an interview with Young Jump, Kingdom Hearts creator Tetsuya Nomura revealed new insights into the future of the series. During the interview, Nomura-san discusses details about Kingdom Hearts IV along with other projects, including the Final Fantasy VII Remake project. However, when it comes to Kingdom Hearts, we get a look at Sora’s evolving journey and details on the new setting of Quadratum. Fans have been speculating since the Kingdom Hearts IV reveal trailer, and Nomura-san’s words add more context to the direction of the highly anticipated game.
Sora’s New Adventure: “A More Mature Sora”
Nomura-san teased a significant shift for Sora in the next installment, noting that Kingdom Hearts IV will see him taking on more serious challenges. “Sora’s new journey will be very different from what we’ve seen before,” Nomura-san explained. He emphasized that Sora will face a reality that’s far more grounded than the vibrant Disney worlds fans are used to. “Quadratum is a world that contrasts with Sora’s usual surroundings, and you’ll see him grow in ways he hasn’t had to before.”
This suggests a more mature tone for the series, with Sora being thrown into unfamiliar territory both physically and emotionally. As usual, Nomura-san kept the specifics of the plot close to the chest, but he promised that fans can expect some “shocking” twists and developments.
Quadratum: A World Inspired by Reality
Arguably the most exciting revelation was Nomura-san’s explanation of Quadratum, the urban setting that’s been teased since Kingdom Hearts III. “Quadratum is very different from anything we’ve explored before,” Nomura-san said, elaborating that it draws heavy inspiration from real-world locations, specifically Tokyo. “It’s grounded in reality, and that’s going to create some very interesting dynamics for Sora.”
Fans noticed the striking resemblance to Shibuya in the Kingdom Hearts IV trailer, and Nomura-san confirmed that it’s not a coincidence. “I wanted to challenge the aesthetic of the series, mixing the fantasy elements of Kingdom Hearts with real-world places. Quadratum is a test for Sora—it’s not a place he’s familiar with, and it’s meant to reflect the themes of duality and alternate realities.” He mentioned that while Quadratum may seem new, it’s been part of the series since its early stages. “Even though it was only recently revealed, Quadratum has existed within the narrative framework from the start of Kingdom Hearts,” Nomura-san explained. This location serves to blur the lines between fantasy and reality.
Nomura-san’s vision for Quadratum points to a deeper, more nuanced story than what we’ve seen in past games. The contrast between Sora’s whimsical past adventures and the gritty realism of Quadratum is meant to be symbolic, representing Sora’s step into the unknown. It’s clear that this shift is setting the stage for a more layered and introspective journey.
Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link and Nomura-san’s Future
Nomura-san also took a moment to discuss Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link, a mobile game that is gearing up for a beta test, giving fans a chance to get hands-on with the title soon. The game will allow players to explore new areas and uncover deeper lore within the Kingdom Hearts universe. “Missing-Link will connect to Kingdom Hearts IV in meaningful ways,” Nomura-san hinted, teasing that storylines in the mobile game may provide context to the upcoming mainline title.
Nomura-san also emphasized that the game is designed to be approachable for newcomers. He mentioned that while it retains core elements familiar to longtime fans, it also features simplified mechanics that ensure the game is inviting to those new to the series. Nomura-san explained, “Missing-Link was made with both veteran players and newcomers in mind, balancing accessibility with the depth expected from a Kingdom Hearts title.” This decision reflects Nomura-san’s intention to expand the series’ reach while maintaining the essence of what fans love about the franchise.
The Future of Kingdom Hearts: Realism Meets Fantasy
While Kingdom Hearts IV may be breaking new ground, Nomura-san reassured fans that the core elements of the series—heartfelt friendships, emotional storytelling, and epic battles—are still very much intact. “It’s still Kingdom Hearts at its heart,” Nomura-san stated, “but we’re evolving the story, just as Sora is evolving as a character.”
The director also hinted at how Quadratum might influence the gameplay, with the city’s real-world inspirations allowing for more open-world exploration and dynamic interactions. “Quadratum will feel alive, and the way players interact with the environment will be key to the experience,” he teased, adding that this new level of immersion will push Kingdom Hearts into uncharted territory.
Nomura-san wrapped up the conversation by hinting that Kingdom Hearts IV will delve even further into the mystery of the Master of Masters and the Foretellers, characters that were teased throughout the Kingdom Hearts III epilogue. “There are big secrets waiting to be uncovered,” he teased, promising that long-time fans will be rewarded with answers to lingering questions.
Nomura Retirement? Not Yet.
Nomura-san briefly touched on his future, revealing that retirement has crossed his mind. “There will come a time when I’ll have to step away,” he admitted, although he reassured fans that he’s not ready to leave the industry just yet.
For now, Nomura-san remains deeply involved in shaping the future of Kingdom Hearts, but his comment leaves room for speculation about what the series might look like in the hands of a new generation of creators.
With Nomura-san’s latest insights, it’s clear that Kingdom Hearts IV is shaping up to be a pivotal entry in the franchise, blending the series’ fantastical charm with new, more grounded elements. We’ll be sure to continue our coverage of Kingdom Hearts as more information is revealed.
