Ace Combat 8: Release Date, Rumors & More
With no official announcement yet, Ace Combat 8 has become a hot topic among fans as speculation about its release continues. Here’s what we know so far.
The Ace Combat series, celebrated for its thrilling aerial combat and dramatic storytelling, has long maintained a devoted fan base. Now, with whispers and unofficial leaks, fans are left questioning if Ace Combat 8 will become a reality anytime soon.
Ace Combat 8 Release Date
While there hasn’t been an official confirmation, speculation about the release date for Ace Combat 8 has been growing. Most of the rumors stem from a voice actor's resume leak, which suggested the game is slated for 2025. According to the leak, voice actor Mike Bodie was listed as having a role in the game, playing a “cargo pilot” character, with the release expected in 2025.
However, as fans know, leaks of this nature can be unreliable. Bandai Namco has confirmed that a new Ace Combat game is under development, but the actual timeline remains elusive.
Development Announcement
Back in August 2021, Bandai Namco confirmed a new Ace Combat game in collaboration with ILCA, which was announced during Ace Combat’s 25th-anniversary event. The new installment will see ILCA deeply involved alongside Project Aces, the main developers of the series.
This marks the first time ILCA has joined forces in such a significant capacity, and fans can expect enhanced visuals and technical improvements as ILCA has experience in games like Pokemon Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl and Dragon Quest XI (Gematsu, August 18, 2021).
The involvement of ILCA is an exciting development, as it indicates that the new game might bring a fresh take on the series while maintaining the core features that fans love.
“We’ve started work on a new project in the Ace Combat series... We hope this opportunity will allow us to add even more staff to the Project Aces team.” - Kazutoki Kono, Ace Combat Series Producer.
Leaks and Voice Actor Resume
The June 2024 leak regarding the voice actor's resume sent ripples across gaming forums, giving fans hope for a sooner-than-expected release. The resume mentioned "AC8" explicitly, along with Bodie’s role as a cargo pilot and a tentative release date of 2025.
Still, these kinds of leaks must be taken with a grain of salt. Even though multiple credible sites have reported the leak, the accuracy of release dates in early development stages is always a moving target.
Fan Speculation
The Ace Combat community has been actively discussing these rumors, with many casting doubt on a 2025 release. Fans note that Ace Combat 7's development took several years, with the first trailer released in 2016 and the game eventually hitting shelves in 2019. Many believe that an announcement trailer might drop in 2025, with a full release to follow in 2026 or even later.
Others in the community have noted the optimistic timeline. The franchise’s history of long development cycles suggests that a 2026-2027 release is more realistic, especially considering the game aims to be larger in scale than its predecessors.
What’s Next for Ace Combat?
Bandai Namco has hinted that Ace Combat 8 will pick up from where Ace Combat 7 left off, continuing its storyline. This has led to further speculation about what kinds of missions and aircraft will be featured. Some fans are hoping for an improved engine, while others are waiting for a more immersive narrative experience that ties deeper into the Strangereal universe.
The speculation surrounding Ace Combat 8 has been mounting, especially with the franchise’s upcoming 30th anniversary in 2025. Many expect a major reveal or at least a teaser trailer at that time. The Tokyo Game Show and Game Awards 2024 are seen as potential venues where Bandai Namco might finally announce more concrete information.
Final Thoughts
Ace Combat fans have long been waiting for news about the next installment, and while some breadcrumbs have been dropped, there’s still no official confirmation regarding Ace Combat 8. The involvement of ILCA and hints from Kazutoki Kono suggest that development is well underway. For now, players are left to speculate and hope that Ace Combat 8 will be everything they have been waiting for.
FAQs
Is Ace Combat 8 officially announced?
No, Bandai Namco has confirmed a new Ace Combat game is in development, but Ace Combat 8 hasn’t been officially announced yet.
When is Ace Combat 8 expected to release?
Leaks suggest a release date in 2025, though many speculate it could be later, possibly 2026 or 2027.
Who is developing Ace Combat 8?
The game is being co-developed by Bandai Namco and ILCA, with Project Aces continuing its involvement.
Will Ace Combat 8 continue from Ace Combat 7?
Yes, it is heavily rumored that Ace Combat 8 will continue the storyline from Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown.
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