The Dragon Quest series is still going strong with its HD-2D remake and a revamped seventh installment. But younger Japanese gamers seem to be drifting away from traditional RPGs like Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy. Artist Noriba pointed out that many of these players haven’t even tried the classics.
Long gaps between mainline releases—five years for Dragon Quest and up to seven for Final Fantasy—aren't helping either, especially when Pokémon keeps rolling out new titles every year. Fast-paced games like Apex Legends and Fortnite are stealing the spotlight, leaving classic RPGs struggling to connect with a new generation. Can these beloved games capture the interest of today’s youth again?