Bandai Namco is stepping up its game with a new addition to the Ace Combat series. The latest installment, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, is set to launch in 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC. This new game is set between the events of Ace Combat 7 and Ace Combat 3, offering fans a fresh yet familiar experience.
The game's story picks up in July 2029, where players take on the role of a fighter pilot rescued by the aging aircraft carrier, Endurance. The Federation of Central Usea (FCU) has fallen to the Republic of Sotoa, and the military is in shambles. Players are given the legendary name "Wings of Theve, " a symbol of hope, but it's revealed to be a lie meant to keep morale up. The game promises an epic narrative and cinematic presentation, making it feel like a big-screen movie.
Bandai Namco has launched a new studio, Bandai Namco Aces, dedicated solely to the Ace Combat franchise. This move aims to streamline development and maintain the high quality that fans expect. The CEO, Nao Udagawa, emphasized the importance of balancing speed and quality in game development. She highlighted the stunning graphics, particularly the sky and clouds, which are rendered with incredible detail and dynamic weather changes.
In other news, Bandai Namco is also working on a film adaptation of Elden Ring with A24 and director Alex Garland. Hollywood veteran Peter Rice has joined the project, adding to the star-studded team. While details about the movie's plot are scarce, the focus is on pleasing Elden Ring fans and potentially attracting new ones. The development is steady, and the team is excited about the project's future.
