Get ready, Dragon Ball fans, because the franchise just dropped a bombshell that’s got everyone buzzing! Dragon Ball: Age 1000, a brand-new game, has been officially announced for a 2027 release, and it’s already shaping up to be a game-changer. But here’s where it gets exciting: this isn’t just any game—it features an entirely new original character designed by none other than Akira Toriyama himself. Yes, the legendary creator is back at it, pouring his genius into what the developers claim is the most ambitious Dragon Ball game yet. According to the team, “More elements and settings were packed into Age 1000 than in any other game in the past, and Mr. Toriyama has put a lot of work into it.” So, what does this mean for players? Expect a deeper, richer experience that pushes the boundaries of what we’ve seen before. And this is the part most people miss: the game was announced alongside a sequel anime to Dragon Ball Super, making 2027 a double celebration for fans. Mark your calendars for Dragon Ball Games Battle Hour 2026 in the U.S. on April 18-19, where more details will be unveiled.
But let’s take a step back and appreciate the bigger picture. Before the game and anime announcements, a DRAGON BALL 40th Anniversary Special Video was released globally, and it’s a masterpiece in its own right. Created by Toei Animation and directed by Naoki Miyahara, this commemorative animation brings Toriyama’s iconic color illustrations to life with stunning modern techniques. The focus? Perfectly recreating the textures and colors that made his artwork legendary. And the music? None other than Hans Zimmer composed an original score titled “Infinite Future,” arranged by Tom Lucas. Zimmer even shared a heartfelt message celebrating Dragon Ball’s 40th anniversary and his involvement in the project. Talk about a dream collaboration!
Now, let’s talk controversy. Is Dragon Ball: Age 1000 setting the bar too high? With Toriyama’s direct involvement and the promise of unprecedented depth, expectations are through the roof. But will it live up to the hype? And what about the new character—will they fit seamlessly into the Dragon Ball universe, or will fans be divided? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
For context, the last game in the franchise, DRAGON BALL: Sparking ZERO, set a high standard. Developed by Spike Chunsoft, it topped pre-order charts on both PlayStation and Steam ahead of its October 11, 2024 launch, selling a staggering 3 million copies in 24 hours. With 182 playable characters at launch, it was a fan favorite and the first entry in the Budokai Tenkaichi series in 15 years. But can Age 1000 surpass it? Only time will tell.
Beyond games, Dragon Ball’s empire continues to expand. The latest movie, Dragon Ball Super: SUPER HERO, dominated the North American box office in August 2022, and the Dragon Ball DAIMA anime recently concluded its run. Meanwhile, the Dragon Ball Theme Park in Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya City is set to cover 500,000 square meters, promising an immersive experience like no other. With so much in the pipeline, one thing’s clear: Dragon Ball isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
So, here’s the big question: With Age 1000 on the horizon, is Dragon Ball entering its most ambitious era yet? Share your predictions and hot takes below—we want to hear from you!
