Ace Combat is climbing back into the skies with a new installment developed by Bandai Namco. Following the success of Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, the Japanese publisher has confirmed the series’ return with Ace Combat 8 : Wings of Theve, unveiled via a new bande-annonce on June 2, 2026, and a release date. Mark your calendars for October 2, 2026 on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series to take command and fly in formation! Previously teased during a 25th-anniversary live event, the project was confirmed by producer Kazutoki Kono, who said at the time: "more than anything, I hope fans are happy to hear that the next game is in development."
And it’s worth noting that a development studio had already been commissioned to kick off the project: Project Aces, the in-house studio of the Japanese publisher, the same team that has handled the Ace Combat franchise since 2001. For this installment, the studio will be aided by ILCA, a studio that regularly lends a hand to various teams on a wide range of titles published in Japan. This time, the company is poised to get more involved, aiming to give the game a fresh new dimension.
"With this new squad, we're creating a new Ace Combat, a new era," the producer said, and he continued: "I don't know where we'll be in the next 25 years, but the Ace Combat series will continue, and for everyone who supports us and creates with me, I will keep giving my all." For context, Ace Combat 7 has sold over three million copies since its 2019 release. A figure that prompted Bandai Namco to push forward with the franchise, which hopes—and that’s all we wish for it—a bright, radiant future.
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