Bandai Namco, a leading figure in the gaming industry, has unveiled its latest addition to the Dragon Ball franchise. Titled Dragon Ball Project: Multi, this new entry into the gaming world will take the form of a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game. The initial beta test is set to commence in the latter half of August 2024.
Dragon Ball Project: Multi is being developed by Ganbarion, a game studio based in Fukuoka, Japan, which has a well-established reputation for creating titles in the One Piece series. Ganbarion has previously developed 14 One Piece games, with the latest release being One Piece: World Seeker in 2019. Following this, the studio released another title, Engawa Danshi to Kemono Tan, in 2021, though this was only available in Japan and marked a departure from its usual franchises.
Details of Dragon Ball Project: Multi
The forthcoming Dragon Ball Project: Multi is set to be a free-to-play MOBA game available on both PC and mobile devices. Bandai Namco, holding the rights to Dragon Ball games, will oversee the publication of this new title. While Ganbarion’s previous involvement with the Dragon Ball series includes the development of Dragon Ball Fusions for the Nintendo 3DS, this will be their first foray into the MOBA genre within the Dragon Ball universe.
Beta Testing and Regional Availability
Players eager to experience the game before its official release can register for the beta test, which will run from August 19, 2024, at 11:00 PM PT to September 2, 2024, at 10:59 PM PT. However, the beta test will be restricted to specific regions: the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.
Notably, players in Germany and South Korea will only have access to the mobile version of the beta, while the full test will be available on Android, iOS, and PC via Steam in other regions. This regional limitation is designed to collect a broad range of feedback and gauge interest from diverse player bases.
Gameplay and Features
Although the game is currently referred to by its provisional title, Dragon Ball Project: Multi is expected to deliver a typical MOBA experience. The gameplay will revolve around player-versus-player (PvP) battles with two teams of four players each. Participants will be able to choose from a variety of heroes, each equipped with unique skills and abilities suited to one of three core roles: DPS (Damage Per Second), tank, and support. This design aims to blend strategic depth with engaging combat, staying true to the essential elements of the MOBA genre.
Context and Future Developments
The announcement of Dragon Ball Project: Multi arrives during a quieter period for the Dragon Ball franchise. 2023 was notable for being the first year in recent times without a new Dragon Ball game release, following the launch of Dragon Ball: The Breakers in 2022. The next major title set for release is Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi, developed by Spike Chunsoft and scheduled to debut on October 11, 2024. This upcoming fighting game marks a return to the series’ traditional style, contrasting with the new MOBA approach of Dragon Ball Project: Multi.
As the beta test approaches, anticipation is mounting among fans and industry observers. The insights gained from this initial testing phase will be instrumental in refining the game and shaping its final form.
In summary, Dragon Ball Project: Multi represents an exciting new direction for the Dragon Ball franchise, combining familiar elements with the innovative gameplay of the MOBA genre. The upcoming beta test offers a valuable opportunity for players to interact with the game early and provide feedback that could influence its development. As the official release date remains to be confirmed, fans will be eagerly awaiting further announcements and updates in the coming months.
