Dynasty Warriors: Origins Rises from the Ashes of a Canceled Predecessor
Dynasty Warriors: Origins, launching January 17, 2025, boasts the series' signature hack-and-slash combat set against the backdrop of China's Three Kingdoms period. However, the game's creation involved a surprising twist: the cancellation of its intended predecessor, Dynasty Warriors 10.
Omega Force, the development studio, initially embarked on creating Dynasty Warriors 10, a project envisioned as a traditional stage-clearing experience reminiscent of Dynasty Warriors 7 (2011). However, technological advancements, particularly the capabilities of the PlayStation 5 and other next-generation consoles, prompted a strategic shift. The team recognized the potential for a more innovative and strategically rich gameplay experience.
The decision to scrap Dynasty Warriors 10 was not taken lightly. Producer Tomohiko Sho highlighted the impact of witnessing the power of current-gen consoles, leading to a complete overhaul of their development approach. While difficult, abandoning Dynasty Warriors 10 allowed for the creation of a superior game.
Interestingly, elements from the canceled project found their way into Dynasty Warriors: Origins. Producer Masamichi Oba revealed that the free-roaming map feature, initially planned for Dynasty Warriors 10, was successfully integrated into Origins. Furthermore, the narrative focus on the Three Kingdoms Era, also a key aspect of the abandoned title, was enhanced in Origins. This demonstrates a commitment to preserving the best aspects of previous work while embracing new technological possibilities. The result is a game that retains the series' core identity while pushing the boundaries of gameplay and storytelling.