You are in charge of Square Enix's next move for the Dragon Quest franchise. Given the following data points: -Aside from Dragon Quest XII, which still has nothing beyond the title logo released to the public, nothing upcoming has been announced -2024's Dragon Quest III HD2D Remake launched to resounding success -2025's Dragon Quest I+II HD2D Remake launched to a lesser, but still reasonable success -2026's Dragon Quest VII Reimagined released to middling success, especially outside Japan Select from one of the following remakes to follow up with. Your primary goal should be to maintain the franchise's momentum until XII is ready for an official reveal.

Sonar Pro

Vote: Dragon Quest IV HD2D (Or other low-budget) Remake)

The HD-2D remakes have proven the most reliable formula for success: Dragon Quest III achieved resounding success in 2024, and I+II had reasonable success in 2025[1][2][3][4][5][6]. Continuing with **Dragon Quest IV HD-2D (low-budget)** logically extends this momentum with minimal risk, as it's a natural next step in the Erdrick trilogy after III, I, and II. Dragon Quest VII's middling performance, especially outside Japan, signals that high-effort reimaginings underperform globally[4]. Low-budget ports like option C (DQ VIII) offer little excitement and fail to match HD-2D's visual appeal and sales draw. High-budget options B and D risk delays and financial flops, jeopardizing momentum until DQ XII. Option A ensures steady releases, builds hype through familiar, proven style, and appeals broadly without overextending resources—perfect for bridging to XII.

Grok 4.1 Fast

Vote: Dragon Quest IV HD2D (Or other low-budget) Remake)

The HD2D remakes have proven the most reliable momentum-builders: DQ III was a resounding hit in 2024, and DQ I+II did reasonably well in 2025. Sticking with this low-budget, low-risk format for DQ IV continues the successful pattern without overextending resources. DQ VII's 2026 middling performance, especially outside Japan, shows high-budget 3D reimaginings carry higher risk and weaker global appeal. Options B and D repeat this gamble on IV or VIII, potentially stalling if they underperform. A low-budget port of DQ VIII (C) lacks the visual freshness of HD2D, offering minimal excitement to sustain hype. DQ IV HD2D is the logical next step in the numbered series, capitalizing on III's buzz while buying time for XII's reveal with proven, efficient output.

GLM 5

Vote: Dragon Quest IV HD2D (Or other low-budget) Remake)

The data presents a clear pattern: HD2D remakes have proven successful (III was 'resounding,' I+II was 'reasonable'), while the high-budget reimagining of VII delivered only 'middling success, especially outside Japan.' This suggests the HD2D approach resonates with audiences and offers reliable returns with lower risk. Dragon Quest IV is an ideal candidate for this treatment. It's widely beloved, features an innovative chapter-based narrative structure, and begins the Zenithian trilogy—creating natural sequel opportunities with V and VI. A lower-budget HD2D remake would be cost-effective, quick to market, and maintain steady momentum without cannibalizing resources needed for XII. High-budget reimaginings (options B and D) carry significant risk given VII's underperformance, while a simple port (C) lacks the marketing appeal to generate meaningful excitement. Option A best balances risk, cost, and franchise sustainment.

Claude Opus 4.6

Vote: Dragon Quest IV HD2D (Or other low-budget) Remake)

The data tells a clear story: the HD2D remake format has proven successful, with DQ III being a hit and DQ I+II performing reasonably well. Meanwhile, the more ambitious 'reimagining' approach with DQ VII yielded middling results, especially in the West. This suggests the audience responds well to the HD2D formula and that deviating from it carries risk. Dragon Quest IV is the natural next step. It's the start of the beloved Zenithian trilogy (IV-V-VI), which gives Square Enix a clear roadmap for multiple future releases. Announcing DQ IV HD2D signals to fans that V and VI are likely coming too, which maintains long-term excitement and franchise momentum. A low-budget HD2D approach is strategically sound for several reasons: (1) it can be developed relatively quickly, keeping the release cadence tight; (2) the proven HD2D pipeline from DQ III and I+II means the team has existing tools, assets, and expertise; (3) it minimizes financial risk after DQ VII's underwhelming performance; and (4) it doesn't cannibalize resources from Dragon Quest XII's development. Option B (high-budget 3D DQ IV) is risky given that DQ VII's reimagining underperformed — doubling down on that approach seems unwise. Option C (low-budget DQ VIII port) feels like a momentum-killer; a bare-bones port of an already widely available game won't generate excitement. Option D (high-budget DQ VIII reimagining) would compete for resources with DQ XII and carries the same risk as DQ VII's approach. The goal is to maintain momentum, not swing for the fences. DQ IV HD2D is the safe, smart, and strategically optimal play that keeps fans engaged while XII is being prepared.

Gemini 3.1 Pro

Vote: Dragon Quest IV HD2D (Or other low-budget) Remake)

First, the data clearly shows that the HD-2D formula is a proven winner for the franchise, with DQ III achieving 'resounding success' and I+II seeing 'reasonable success.' Conversely, the 'Reimagined' approach used for DQ VII resulted in 'middling success,' making high-budget reimaginings (Options B and D) far too risky right now. Second, following up the Erdrick trilogy (I-III) with Dragon Quest IV is the most natural chronological progression. Starting the Zenithian trilogy in the beloved HD-2D engine will effortlessly captivate the established player base who just finished playing I-III. Finally, our primary goal is to maintain momentum until Dragon Quest XII is ready. A high-budget project would drain resources and take too long to develop, potentially leaving a gap in the release schedule. A lower-budget HD-2D remake of IV can be turned around relatively quickly, sustaining hype and generating reliable revenue without cannibalizing the development of DQ XII.

Final Summary

The AI Roundtable reached a rare, unanimous verdict, identifying Option A as the only logical bridge to the elusive Dragon Quest XII. Claude Opus 4.6 and Gemini 3.1 Pro highlighted the stark contrast between the 'resounding success' of recent HD2D remakes and the 'middling' reception of the high-budget reimagining of Dragon Quest VII, concluding that efficiency is currently more valuable than ambition. Ultimately, the models, including Grok 4.1 Fast and Sonar Pro, agreed that the franchise's momentum is best sustained by doubling down on a proven, low-risk aesthetic that won't drain resources from the next mainline entry.

All 5 models agreed on "Dragon Quest IV HD2D (Or other low-budget) Remake)" after discussion

Strongest Arguments

• Dragon Quest IV HD2D (Or other low-budget) Remake): The HD2D pipeline is already established and successful; leveraging existing tools and expertise for Dragon Quest IV ensures a high-quality, cost-effective release that satisfies fans without delaying Dragon Quest XII.