Kingdom Hearts Marks 24th Anniversary with Nomura Artwork

The Kingdom Hearts video game series marked its 24th anniversary on March 28 with a new illustration from director Tetsuya Nomura and a message hinting at plans for the upcoming milestone year. The official social media account shared the artwork, depicting the series' antagonist Young Xehanort holding an umbrella amid clouds and purple flowers, evoking a contemplative pose similar to those in past title screens. Accompanying the image was Nomura's note in Japanese: "We are currently working hard towards the 25th anniversary. Thank you for your support."

The post arrived a day after the anniversary date, following initial silence from the account that left some fans disappointed. It served as a gesture of appreciation amid a prolonged quiet period for updates on the franchise's future. Kingdom Hearts, a collaboration between Square Enix and Disney, blends action RPG gameplay with characters from Disney films and Final Fantasy, originating with the first game's release in Japan on March 28, 2002. The series has since sold over 36 million units worldwide, building a dedicated following through its expansive worlds and emotional narratives centered on protagonist Sora and themes...