The Future of the Trails Games Series: A Look at What’s to Come

The Trails games series, which has been around for 20 years, is nearing completion according to Nihon Falcom president Toshihiro Kondo. In a recent interview with GameSpot, Kondo revealed that the main story is now “about 80-90% complete”. This news may come as bittersweet to fans who have been following the series for two decades.

While Kondo hinted that there could be “another arc” after the current fourth arc, he made it clear that the series won’t continue much longer. Fans hoping for a never-ending supply of Trails games may be disappointed to learn that there won’t be a “30th or 40th anniversary” for the series.

New IPs on the Horizon

Despite the impending conclusion of the Trails series, Kondo mentioned that the team is actively working on “new IPs”. This shift in focus towards new projects is aimed at allowing younger team members to grow and develop new skills. Kondo emphasized the importance of letting developers explore new ideas and challenges after working on the same series for many years.

Developing a game series like Trails over a span of 20 years comes with its challenges. Kondo acknowledged that long-term projects can sometimes cause development to stagnate, particularly for younger staff members. By encouraging the team to work on new IPs and pursue their creative ideas, Kondo hopes to keep the developers engaged and inspired.

The recent release of The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak on the Switch marked the latest addition to the series. A demo of the game is available on the Switch eShop, allowing fans to get a taste of the turn-based RPG. Furthermore, the upcoming release of The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II for the Switch in “early 2025” has been confirmed, giving fans something to look forward to.

As the Trails series approaches its conclusion, fans and developers alike are faced with the reality of change. While it may be sad to say goodbye to a beloved series, the prospect of new IPs and fresh ideas offers an exciting glimpse into the future of Nihon Falcom. The end of one journey signifies the beginning of another, and it is up to the team to embrace this change and continue to innovate in the world of gaming.