Tomoya Asano Teases Exciting Future for Bravely Default Series: What's Next for JRPG Fans?

Tomoya Asano, a producer at Square Enix, has sparked excitement among fans by hinting at an upcoming announcement related to the Bravely Default JRPG series expected later this year. Originating as a Nintendo 3DS exclusive, the inaugural Bravely Default game garnered positive reviews for its homage to the job-based mechanics of early Final Fantasy titles and its innovative turn system incorporating Brave and Default actions. Its sequel, Bravely Second, expanded the universe with new jobs and narratives, continuing the story from its predecessor.

Following the success of Bravely Default, Tomoya Asano spearheaded Team Asano, a group dedicated to crafting RPGs for Square Enix, including titles like Octopath Traveler and Triangle Strategy. The team later developed Bravely Default 2, a 2021 release set in an entirely new world, marking the series' third main entry. With the recent release of Octopath Traveler 2, speculation points towards the Bravely series as Team Asano's next venture.

In celebration of Bravely Default 2's third anniversary, a teasing message from Asano was shared on the official Bravely Default account, promising an update on the series within the year. This has led to widespread speculation among fans about the possible direction of the announcement.

A prevalent theory suggests a remastered version of the original Bravely Default for the Nintendo Switch, a move Asano has previously expressed interest in to modernize the series' accessibility. This would not only bring the series to new audiences but also satisfy those who have moved on from the 3DS to more current gaming systems. Another theory anticipates either a third installment or a direct sequel to Bravely Second, although these are merely speculations awaiting confirmation from Square Enix or Team Asano.