Monolith Soft Enhances In-House Engine for Upcoming Xenoblade Chronicles Titles

The developer behind the Xenoblade Chronicles series, Monolith Soft, is significantly expanding its in-house game engine as part of a new research and development initiative. This move suggests exciting developments on the horizon for the Xenoblade Chronicles franchise, as fans eagerly await what's next after the release of Xenoblade Chronicles 3 in 2022.

Released two summers ago, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 quickly became a standout entry in the long-running JRPG series, earning praise for its immersive world-building, engaging storyline, and polished gameplay mechanics. Although this installment marked the conclusion of the trilogy, the game's impact continues to resonate, with many wondering what Monolith Soft has planned next for this beloved series.

Monolith Soft's Plans Beyond Xenoblade Chronicles 3

While Xenoblade Chronicles 3 brought a satisfying close to the trilogy, it didn't mark the end of the adventure for fans, thanks to its DLC expansion, Future Redeemed. As the game settles into its legacy, Monolith Soft appears to be gearing up for something even more ambitious, with fans also keeping a close eye on the rumors surrounding Nintendo's upcoming evolution of the Switch console.

In a recent interview with CGworld, Monolith Soft's Chief Creative Officer, Tetsuya Takahashi, and lead programmer, Michihiko Inaba, revealed that the studio is making significant investments in its proprietary game engine. This engine, currently in development, builds upon the technology initially created for the original Xenoblade Chronicles back in 2010. Several dedicated teams are guiding this engine's progress, with the ultimate goal of transitioning it to Monolith Soft's newly established R&D department.

Monolith Soft's In-House Engine: A Strategic Move

According to Takahashi, focusing on an in-house engine offers the studio a strategic advantage. He explained, "We don’t have the luxury of relying on third-party engines at this time. Our in-house engine allows for more precise customization and better alignment with our specific needs." The creation of this R&D department has been a long-standing goal for Monolith Soft, and it finally came to fruition thanks to their collaboration with Nintendo.

While this news isn't an official announcement of a new Xenoblade Chronicles game, it signals that Monolith Soft is laying the groundwork for future projects, which could potentially bring more epic adventures to the Xenoblade universe.

The Perfect Timing for Nintendo's Next Console Evolution

As speculation around a new Xenoblade Chronicles title grows, many in the gaming community are also eyeing Nintendo's rumored next-generation console. With reports hinting at a reimagined version of the popular Switch handheld, the timing seems ideal for developers like Monolith Soft to begin crafting titles for this new hardware.

Rumors about an evolved version of the Nintendo Switch have circulated for years, with various leaks teasing potential designs and features for a so-called "Switch 2." Although nothing has been confirmed yet, Nintendo has hinted that its next major hardware release will be unveiled before the end of its current fiscal year, which wraps up in March 2025.

A New Era for Monolith Soft and the Xenoblade Series?

As Monolith Soft refines its technology and Nintendo prepares for the future, the stars may be aligning for the next chapter in the Xenoblade Chronicles saga. With the promise of enhanced visuals, greater customization options, and the potential of new Nintendo hardware, fans of the series have plenty of reasons to be excited about what’s coming next.

Although details are still emerging, Monolith Soft's expansion of its in-house game engine suggests a strong commitment to innovation. As the studio moves forward, both loyal fans and newcomers to the Xenoblade Chronicles series can expect groundbreaking developments that could shape the future of JRPGs on Nintendo's next console.