Kingdom Hearts IV Confirms Coco World and 2027 Release Window with New Gameplay Video at D23 2026
A new approximately four-minute Kingdom Hearts IV trailer shown at the D23 2026 event held in August 2026 confirmed that the game finally has a concrete release window. According to Anime News Network, the video points to 2027 with a "100%" emphasis, while Anime Corner reported that this target specifically covers late 2027. This extended gameplay video, released after a short teaser, offered the most comprehensive look yet at the main game that fans have been waiting for over four years.
The biggest surprise in the trailer was a new Disney world based on Pixar's Coco. The 2017 film Coco is known for its story and music inspired by Mexico's Day of the Dead culture; Miguel's journey centered around music and family bonds appears ready to blend with Kingdom Hearts-style adventure and combat scenes. The trailer also featured a flat, "paper-thin" version of Mickey Mouse. This unusual visual choice suggests the game may change its art style and gameplay mechanics between different worlds.
Kingdom Hearts IV was first announced in April 2022 at the series' 20th anniversary event. The series began in 2002 with the first game that brought together Final Fantasy and Disney characters, and over the years it evolved into a saga with numerous spin-offs and a chronologically complex storyline. Series creator and director Tetsuya Nomura had said that this new game would begin the "Lost Master" story arc. The previous main game, Kingdom Hearts III, was released in 2019, and was followed by Re:Mind and Melody of Memory, which introduced new twists. Our hero Sora will continue his journey in Quadratum, a more realistic world, in the new game.
D23, Disney's official fan organization, serves as a platform for showcasing major productions, and the presence of Kingdom Hearts IV there underscores the importance Square Enix places on the project. Still, the phrase "late 2027" reminds us that there may still be flexibility in the development schedule. Fans, who are well aware of the multiple delays Kingdom Hearts III faced before its release, remain cautious until an official launch date is announced. In the coming months, new trailers, gameplay details, and possibly the introduction of another Disney world may come to light.
