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Today marks a thrilling milestone: the 30th anniversary of the Ace Combat series! Bandai Namco is celebrating this significant occasion with a special trailer and a heartfelt message from the franchise’s director. Since its launch on June 30, 1995, in Japan, Ace Combat has captured the hearts of gamers around the world with its exhilarating aerial combat experiences.
Celebrating Three Decades of Ace Combat
In honor of this landmark anniversary, Bandai Namco has unveiled a tribute trailer that beautifully showcases the evolution of the series through a montage of gameplay clips from its rich history. Accompanying the trailer is a whimsical tour of Bandai Namco Aces, led by the cheerful mascot, Nugget. This nostalgic journey not only highlights the franchise’s remarkable path but also celebrates its enduring popularity among fans.
Kazutoki Kono, the brand director of Ace Combat, took a moment to express his gratitude to fans in a heartfelt message, reflecting on the franchise’s glorious past and its bright future. Excitingly, the development of the next installment was announced back in August 2021, in partnership with ILCA, a renowned Japanese studio known for titles such as Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, One Piece Odyssey, and Sand Land. While details about the upcoming game are still under wraps, fans are eagerly anticipating more news during the 30th-anniversary celebrations. What could this new game bring to the table?
A Message from the Brand Director
Kono shared his heartfelt sentiments in a statement on the official Ace Combat portal, saying, “Since the launch of the first title in 1995, thanks to your unwavering support, the Ace Combat series has reached an extraordinary milestone: its 30th anniversary in 2025. First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to all the fans and everyone who has supported this series over the years. Thank you sincerely from the bottom of my heart. This moment is an opportunity to give back thirty years of gratitude.”
He continued, “In these thirty years, the world has changed. Values have evolved, and technologies have progressed. Our company and our team have continuously transformed to adapt to these waves. In a word, we have embraced change. There have been times when we may not have fully met your expectations. But I also believe there were moments when we exceeded them – when we flew higher than anyone could have imagined.”
Looking Ahead to the Future
Kono echoed the wisdom of Namco’s founder, Masaya Nakamura, who once said, “Only those who can adapt to change can survive.” He noted, “I joined Namco in 1994. At that time, I understood those words theoretically – but not yet through direct experience. Now, I do. I understand them fully.”
“After three extraordinary decades of embracing change, we have built a strong and lasting bond with all of you. It is this bond that has sustained the Ace Combat series and propelled it into the future. Today, I feel this truth in every fiber of my being. I am proud – proud that our constant commitment to creating value and earning your trust has brought us to this thirtieth anniversary. And now we are ready. Everything is in place. It is time to take off again – toward even greater heights.”
As part of the 30th-anniversary celebrations, a series of exciting events are lined up, including a concert scheduled for January 31, 2026, at the Saitama Kaikan. This event will feature special talk sessions with some members of the development team, potentially unveiling updates about the next game in the series. Are you ready to soar into the future with Ace Combat?