A New Turn for Dragon Ball at Genkidamatsuri
At the Dragon Ball Genkidamatsuri 40th Anniversary event on January 25, 2026, Bandai Namco and Masayuki Hirano announced Project: AGE 1000. The game has spent roughly seven years in the making, with key ideas shaped by Akira Toriyama before his passing in 2024. It is slated to land in 2027. The team has not pinned down a fixed genre or platforms yet, but early clips show crisp animation and a world that goes beyond retelling the tale of the Z-Warriors.
A Look Ahead: What AGE 1000 Might Be About
The title AGE 1000 marks a spot far in the Dragon Ball timeline, about 216 years after the end of Dragon Ball Z. This setting nods to the vibe of the old Dragon Ball Online MMO. That connection fuels fan talk that the project could serve as a spiritual successor or a fresh take on that era. What we know so far points to three strong ideas:
– Original Character, New Face: A fresh hero appears in the teaser, drawn by Toriyama. The figure wears Capsule Corp gear and shows the number “7” on the outfit.
– Tech-Forward World: The trailer hints at virtual training spaces and modern tech. It hints at a world where the history of the original fighters is studied or simulated.
– Bigger Canvas: Creators say AGE 1000 will offer more places and gameplay options than any Dragon Ball game before. They want it to be the largest project in the franchise’s history.
Why This Reveal Feels Big for Dragon Ball Fans
AGE 1000 isn’t just a new game; it signals a shift for the long-running series. By pushing the action further into the future, Bandai Namco could open up fresh lore and new battles. The focus on advanced tech and training scenes hints at new ways to learn from legendary fighters. Fans may see a mix of story, exploration, and battle modes that break from typical training arcs. If Toriyama’s touch is strong behind the scenes, the world could blend familiar faces with bold, unseen ideas.
The Bigger Picture at Genkidamatsuri
The AGE 1000 debut arrived amid a flood of anniversary news. Bandai Namco also confirmed a big update for Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO. The patch, named Mission 100, starts January 26, 2026. In addition, Dragon Ball Super will return with a Galactic Patrol arc adaptation later this year. For those craving more on AGE 1000, the next major reveal is set for the Dragon Ball Games Battle Hour 2026 in the United States, on April 18–19.
What to Expect in the Months Ahead
Though many details stay under wraps, the flow of updates feels clear. The team aims to pull fans closer to a world that expands Dragon Ball lore. Expect deeper world-building, new character designs, and fresh gameplay ideas that fit the AGE 1000 timeline. The 2027 release window keeps expectations high, but the studio seems intent on delivering a wide, cinematic experience. If the trailers are any guide, the visuals will push the bar for anime-style games while keeping action quick and accessible.
What This Means for the Franchise
AGE 1000 could redefine how fans connect with Dragon Ball after years of retellings and reimaginings. A future-set story lets creators explore new possibilities while honoring key themes: power, growth, and the bonds that define the legendary team. With Toriyama’s involvement and a plan for a massive game world, this project could become a central pillar in the Dragon Ball lineup for years to come. The extra content already teased, like a long-running DLC and a new arc in the anime, keeps the whole franchise buzzing through 2026.
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