Xenoblade Chronicles Developer Expanding its In-House Engine for Future Titles

Key Takeaways

• Monolith Soft is expanding its in-house engine for future titles as part of the studio’s new R&D department.
• The in-development engine is based on the one created for 2010’s original Xenoblade Chronicles.
• Xenoblade Chronicles 3 capped off the popular series in 2022, though fans are hoping for more games in the franchise.

Xenoblade Chronicles developer Monolith Soft is expanding its in-house engine for future titles as part of the studio’s new R&D department. The news could signal big things for the highly popular Xenoblade Chronicles franchise, with fans itching to see what’s next in store for the JRPG series since Xenoblade Chronicles 3 was released back in 2022.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3, the most recent entry in the long-running franchise, hit digital and physical store shelves two summers ago, but the game’s impact remains a popular topic. Praised for its rich world, compelling storyline, and satisfying gameplay, the Xenoblade Chronicles franchise ended on a high note, though fans have been eager to see what Monolith Soft has planned for the future. While Xenoblade Chronicles 3 capped off the trilogy, players were invited to embark on a new adventure with the game’s DLC expansion, Future Redeemed. As the dust settles on Xenoblade Chronicles 3, Monolith Soft is seemingly preparing for something big, as fans also look ahead to Nintendo’s long-rumored Switch evolution.

According to a CGworld interview with Monolith Soft’s Chief Creative Officer, Tetsuya Takahashi, and the company’s lead programmer, Michihiko Inaba, the studio is investing heavily in its in-house game engine. The currently in-development engine is based on the one created for 2010’s original Xenoblade Chronicles. Development of the new engine is being guided by several different teams, with the ultimate goal to hand it off to Monolith Soft’s new internal R&D team.

Xenoblade Chronicles Developer Updating Its Game Engine

While difficult, Takahashi believes the endeavor will be worthwhile. “We don’t currently have the option of using engines made by other companies. This is because in-house engines are easier to customize to suit our needs and are easier to use,” he explained. According to Takahashi, the studio has wanted an R&D department for years. Thanks to the company’s working relationship with Nintendo, this recently became a reality, with a new engine being the first step of many as development and research continue at Monolith Soft. While certainly not a new game announcement, Xenoblade Chronicles fans can expect great things from Monolith Soft as it continues working hard behind the scenes.

With many reports claiming Nintendo is looking at reimagining its popular Switch handheld device, now seems like the perfect time for studios to begin development on future titles, with a new Xenoblade Chronicles game potentially appearing on the company’s next console. While not much is known about what Nintendo plans to do with its Switch line, an “evolved” version of the popular handheld has been rumored and theorized for years. Leakers have shared images and concepts of a possible Switch 2, though nothing has been confirmed. Nintendo is expected to reveal its Switch successor in the near future, with the company confirming the new project would be unveiled within its current fiscal year, which ends in March 2025.