Summary

• The 10th mainline installment in the Dynasty Warriors franchise was canceled due to technological advancements.
• The canceled Dynasty Warriors 10 led to the incorporation of elements into Origins, enhancing modern and strategic gameplay.
• Dynasty Warriors: Origins is set to release on January 17, 2025, featuring hack-and-slash combat set in the Three Kingdoms Era.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins emerged from a bittersweet journey, as its developers at Omega Force had initially been working on what would have been the 10th mainline installment in the series. This project, however, was ultimately canceled to pave the way for the innovative Dynasty Warriors: Origins. Deluxe Edition players have already experienced the game's fast-paced combat, a feature that might not have been possible without the significant technological advancements of the past four years.

For those who haven't opted for early access, Dynasty Warriors: Origins is scheduled for release on January 17, 2025. The game retains the beloved free-roaming hack-and-slash combat style that has defined the series since its second mainline installment in 2000. Players will step into the role of a mysterious, amnesiac character, navigating the rich historical backdrop of China's Three Kingdoms Era and interacting with its legendary officers.

While some fans have already explored the world of Dynasty Warriors: Origins, the development team recently shared insights into the project's origins. In an interview with the Japanese site 4Gamer, translated by SiliconEra, development producer Masamichi Oba disclosed that the team had been working on a "phantom number title" under the Dynasty Warriors brand. This canceled game would have followed a stage-clearing format similar to 2011's Dynasty Warriors 7, diverging significantly from the final product that early access players are currently enjoying.

Dynasty Warriors 10 Was Canceled to Make the Best Dynasty Warriors Possible

The decision to cancel the 10th mainline game, as explained by producer Tomohiko Sho in the same interview, was influenced by the capabilities of the PlayStation 5 and other current-generation consoles. Witnessing the potential of these modern systems, the development team shifted their strategy to create a game that could fully leverage these new technologies. Despite the cancellation, some elements from the abandoned project were integrated into Dynasty Warriors: Origins.

According to Oba, although it was challenging to leave the previous project behind, the team successfully incorporated some of its features into the new game. This includes the free-roaming map, which Oba had envisioned for the canceled title, and a deeper exploration of the Three Kingdoms Era's narrative, enhancing the overall gameplay experience of Dynasty Warriors: Origins.