Kingdom Hearts IV is still in progress despite the constant noisy silence

When Square Enix first revealed Kingdom Hearts IV during the franchise’s 20th anniversary celebration in April 2022, fans were electrified. The teaser showed Sora awakening in a hyper-realistic city called Quadratum, a stark departure from the whimsical, animated Disney realms that defined the series. But since then? Crickets.

Aside from a few screenshots shared in mid-2025, Square Enix has remained officially quiet about the game’s progress. No trailers. No press releases. No developer diaries. This silence has become part of the narrative itself—fueling speculation, leaks, and fan theories.

A recent livestream celebrating Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis offered a rare update. Series director Tetsuya Nomura stated, “We are making great strides and going according to schedule,” but declined to share more. That’s as close to a heartbeat as fans have gotten in three years.

I translated Nomura’s quote from the FF7EC stream regarding FF7 Remake Part 3 and Kingdom Hearts 4.

Both games are making great progress. They have already decided on when they will make the big announcement for FF7R Part 3, so stay tuned!

Here are the subs for his comment! pic.twitter.com/Immgd4FtW3
— ☆オードリーAudrey☆ (@aitaikimochi) September 5, 2025

Disney Worlds: A Diminishing Spotlight?

The original teaser hinted at a tonal shift. Quadratum’s photorealism suggests a more grounded, possibly darker narrative. And while Disney remains a co-owner of the franchise, insiders and analysts speculate that animated Disney worlds may play a more limited role this time around.

This isn’t just a stylistic pivot—it’s a philosophical one. If Kingdom Hearts IV leans into realism and existential themes, the inclusion of traditionally animated Disney worlds could feel dissonant. Square Enix may be recalibrating the balance between nostalgia and narrative maturity.

🔍 What We Know (Officially)

The game is in active development, with voice recording underway
Sora’s journey begins in Quadratum, a realistic cityscape
Square Enix has not confirmed a release window, but analysts suggest post-2027 is likely
Disney’s involvement remains, but its visual and thematic footprint may be evolving

Editorial Reflection

For longtime fans, this shift is bittersweet. The Disney worlds were more than settings—they were emotional anchors. But if KHIV is truly about legacy, identity, and transformation, then maybe it’s time the series itself grew up.

And maybe, just maybe, Square Enix’s silence isn’t neglect—it’s intentional. A quiet before the storm.