Bandai Namco delays Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 to 2027 following fan backlash
Bandai Namco and developer Dimps have delayed Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 to 2027, responding to fan criticism over time-limited Super Saiyan transformations. The change departed from previous titles where transformations persisted for entire levels. The delay aims to refine the gameplay mechanics, satisfying the dedicated Dragon Ball community and ensuring the action-RPG meets expectations for the franchise's next major entry.
Key points
- Bandai Namco and developer Dimps officially delayed the release of Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 to 2027 in response to fan feedback.
- The delay was triggered by backlash against early gameplay footage showing that Super Saiyan transformations would be time-limited, unlike previous games where they lasted for the remainder of a level.
- Fans of the Dragon Ball franchise expressed significant disappointment with the design change, which they felt undermined the expected power fantasy of the series.
- The publisher appears to be adjusting the development timeline to refine the mechanics and align the game with community expectations before launch.
- The announcement was made in October 2026, marking the first major update on the game's status since its initial reveal after a decade-long hiatus.
Bandai Namco and developer Dimps have announced that Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 will be delayed to 2027, a decision driven by significant fan feedback regarding the game's core mechanics. The upcoming action-RPG, which marks the first new entry in the Xenoverse series in over a decade, initially generated excitement among the Dragon Ball community. However, enthusiasm waned after early gameplay footage revealed a controversial design change: Super Saiyan transformations would now be time-limited, rather than persisting for the duration of a level as in previous installments.
This shift sparked considerable backlash, with many fans arguing that the time limit undermined the power fantasy central to the franchise. The publisher has responded by pushing back the release window to allow for further refinement of the gameplay systems. The delay aims to ensure the final product aligns with the expectations of the dedicated fanbase, who have been vocal about their preferences for the series' combat mechanics.
The 2027 target date provides additional development time for Dimps to address these concerns, potentially restoring the unlimited transformation feature or introducing alternative mechanics that satisfy both the developers and the community. This adjustment highlights the influence of fan feedback on major franchise titles and sets the stage for a more polished launch of the next major Dragon Ball entry.
Sources
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