Koei Tecmo Cancels 'Dynasty Warriors 10'

Dynasty Warriors: Origins Rises from the Ashes of a Canceled Predecessor

The upcoming Dynasty Warriors: Origins, slated for release on January 17, 2025, boasts a unique genesis. Omega Force, the development studio, initially embarked on creating a tenth mainline installment in the Dynasty Warriors franchise. However, technological advancements spurred a pivotal decision: the project was scrapped to pave the way for a more ambitious and modern title – Origins.

Early access players have already experienced Origins' signature fast-paced, hack-and-slash combat set against the backdrop of China's Three Kingdoms Era. The game casts players as an amnesiac protagonist navigating this historical period.

According to interviews with Omega Force's Masamichi Oba and Tomohiko Sho (translated from 4Gamer by SiliconEra), the decision to cancel Dynasty Warriors 10 stemmed from the capabilities of the PlayStation 5 and other contemporary consoles. The technological leap enabled a shift in development strategy, resulting in a game that leverages the best elements of previous titles while incorporating features from the abandoned project.

The canceled Dynasty Warriors 10, described as similar in structure to Dynasty Warriors 7 (2011), was set to feature stage-clearing gameplay. However, the team recognized the potential for a more expansive experience. Elements from the scrapped title, including the free-roaming map and a more in-depth exploration of the Three Kingdoms narrative, found their way into Dynasty Warriors: Origins. While abandoning the previous project was challenging, the developers successfully integrated its strengths into Origins, creating a more refined and strategically engaging experience.