In a press release posted earlier today on their website (and subsequently removed several hours later), Bandai Namco revealed Dragon Ball Fighters, a new video game under development by Arc System Works, set for release worldwide on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC (via Steam) in 2018. The new fighting game is slated to feature 3-on-3 battles in a “2.5D” presentation.

An innovative fighting game in the “Dragon Ball” series with “2.5D” graphics
“Dragon Ball Fighters”
Available worldwide in 2018!

Bandai Namco Entertainment (Main office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; president: Ooshita Satoshi) are launching the action game “Dragon Ball Fighters” in early 2018, for Playstation 4, Xbox One, and Steam, and featuring new “2.5D” anime graphics. This game, the latest in the series of “Dragon Ball” home console games, will be developed worldwide as a full-fledged “Dragon Ball” fighting game.

This current project is a genuine fighting game that distinguishes itself from previous entries in the “Dragon Ball” series. Its development is being handled by Arc System Works, who have handled numerous 2D fighting games that have won acclaim both in Japan and overseas, thoroughly recreating in-game the look of the “Dragon Ball” anime beloved around the world. You will be able to enjoy the world of “Dragon Ball” by experiencing battles overflowing with realism; it’s like an anime that you can move yourself.

Battles utilize 3-on-3 team fights, and you can enjoy strategic tactics such as mastering character affinities and building teams. In addition, this innovative fighting game incorporates the thrill of high-speed battles and flashy special attacks people have come to expect from “Dragon Ball”.

It is currently in development so that you can enjoy the world of “Dragon Ball” with new graphics. Please look forward to it.

Alongside the announcement, Bandai Namco producer Hiroki Tomoko provided a statement regarding the new game:

本作は2Dのアニメ表現と3Dの立体表現を融合した「2.5Dバトル」になっています。近年3Dの空間を動き回る「ドラゴンボール」ゲームが多かった中で、あえて2.5Dを選んだのは、それでしかできない表現があったからです。一見するとまるで2Dのアニメのように見えるものの、3Dで作っているからこそカメラが様々な角度で動かせるため表現の幅が広がり、2Dだけでも3Dだけでもできない独自の演出を沢山取り入れることができました。きっとプレイヤーのみなさんには、自分がリアルタイムにアニメを動かしているような感覚で、ドラゴンボールのバトルを体験いただけると思います。是非この作品でしか体験できないドラゴンボールにご期待ください。

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This game has turned into a “2.5D battle” combining 2D anime presentation and 3D solid presentation. In recent years there have been many “Dragon Ball” games where you fly around through 3D space, so the reason for bothering to choose 2.5D is because there are some things only it can express. Although at first glance it looks just like 2D animation, since it’s made in 3D the camera can move to different angles, allowing for a wider range of expression and introducing many unique productions that are impossible in only 2D or 3D. I am sure that all the players will be able to experience “Dragon Ball” battles that feel like an anime they’re running in real time. Look forward to “Dragon Ball” battles you can only experience in this game.

Arc System Works previously developed Dragon Ball Z: Extreme Butoden on the Nintendo 3DS, as well as the Super Sonic Warriors games (Bukū Tōgeki and Bukū Ressen) on the Nintendo Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS. The developer is otherwise known for their Guilty Gear and BlazBlue series of fighting games.

Dragon Ball Heroes: Ultimate Mission X for the Nintendo 3DS (released exclusively in Japan in April 2017) and Dragon Ball XENOVERSE 2 (released worldwide in October/November 2016) represent the two latest games for the Dragon Ball franchise. Each game continues to receive post-launch support, with Ultimate Mission X getting a Version 1.1 update last month, and XENOVERSE 2 expecting its fourth major downloadable content pack this month.

UPDATE: The game’s title has since been revealed as a stylized “Dragon Ball FighterZ”. Additionally, in conjunction with E3, the American branch of Bandai Namco provided their own press release announcing the game:

DRAGON BALL’s SPECTACULARLY POWERFUL BATTLES RETURN IN BANDAI NAMCO ENTERTAINMENT AMERICA INC.’s DRAGON BALL FighterZ

DRAGON BALL FighterZ to Take Anime-Based Fighting Games in a Bold New Direction

LOS ANGELES, Calif., (June 11, 2017) – Leading anime video game developer and publisher BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. today announces DRAGON BALL® FighterZ for Xbox One, PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, and PCs via STEAM®. DRAGON BALL® FighterZ is a dream collaboration combining classic 2D fighting game dynamics with the DRAGON BALL universe, one of the most popular and iconic anime franchises around the world. DRAGON BALL FighterZ will be playable at the BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. E3 2017 booth (number 1647) in the South Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center.

DRAGON BALL FighterZ, developed by Arc System Works, one of the most celebrated developers of classic 2D fighting titles, delivers an explosive, action-packed game that combines classic 2D fighting visuals with advanced 3D character models that look and feel as if they are ripped straight out of the DRAGON BALL anime series.

DRAGON BALL FighterZ gives fans of all skill levels the opportunity to feel like their favorite DRAGON BALL character. Featuring 3 vs. 3 battle mechanics, new and seasoned players are sure to experience the epic scope of DRAGON BALL as they select their three-character team to take into battle. The game also encourages players to train and master more than one fighter and style, delivering richer gameplay and motivation to take down the competition.

“The DRAGON BALL franchise is tailor suited for the fighting game genre, and DRAGON BALL FighterZ will be the next exciting addition to a long history of great fighting games,” said Eric Hartness, Vice President of Marketing at BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. “Arc System Works brings a pedigree and record of quality that fighting game fans can trust; with awesome visuals players might mistake as actual 2D animation from the famed DRAGON BALL series.”

Players who can’t wait to dive into the action in DRAGON BALL FighterZ‘s won’t have to wait long as a closed beta for the game will be held on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 before the end of summer. More details pertaining to the closed beta will be shared soon.

DRAGON BALL FighterZ will be available in the Americas for the Xbox One, PlayStation 4 system, and PCs via STEAM in early 2018. For more information regarding DRAGON BALL FighterZ and additional titles from BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc., please visit: https://www.bandainamcoent.com, or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BandaiNamcoUS, or https://www.facebook.com/DBZ.videogames/. Join the conversation on Twitter at: https://www.twitter.com/BandaiNamcoUS.