The long-awaited Kingdom Hearts 4, officially announced back in April 2022, has remained shrouded in mystery, leaving fans eager for updates. Recent rumors suggest a 2025 release is off the table, and even a 2026 launch might be overly optimistic. This speculation stems from claims of a mid-development reboot in early 2023, allegedly at the behest of Disney.
Potential Reboot and Disney’s Influence
The rumor alleges that Disney requested significant changes, prompting the reboot. However, the specifics of these requested alterations remain unclear. The revised release window is now purportedly between late 2026 and early 2027. While Disney’s involvement in the game’s development is undeniable, the extent of their influence to mandate a complete reboot remains questionable. Given that Disney isn’t financing the development, their power to enforce such a drastic measure seems unlikely.
Development Timeline and Feasibility
Considering the alleged early 2023 reboot, a late 2026 or early 2027 release appears overly ambitious. Kingdom Hearts titles are notorious for lengthy development cycles. A more realistic projection, assuming the reboot rumor holds any weight, would be late 2027 or even early 2028.
Source Reliability and Official Response
The source of this rumor, an anonymous 4chan post, raises significant concerns about its credibility. While 4chan has been the origin of legitimate leaks in the past, it also hosts a plethora of unsubstantiated claims and fan-made fiction. Therefore, it’s crucial to approach this information with a healthy dose of skepticism.
As of this writing, Square Enix has remained silent on the rumor and the subsequent speculation. The company typically refrains from commenting on rumors, making an official response unlikely. Should any official statement be released, this article will be updated accordingly.
The Long Wait Continues
The future of Kingdom Hearts 4 remains uncertain. While the possibility of a reboot and a delayed release date adds to the anticipation, it’s essential to manage expectations and await official confirmation from Square Enix. For now, fans can only hope for more concrete news in the coming months.
