After a prolonged period of anticipation, fans of the Inazuma Eleven series can finally rejoice. Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino recently disclosed that he has already commenced writing the narrative for a direct continuation of "Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road." This revelation follows the game's long-awaited launch on the Switch and Switch 2 in November of last year. The upcoming installment is being conceptualized as a fresh iteration for the Reiwa era, aiming to deliver innovative and thrilling experiences to its dedicated player base. This strategic move by Level-5 signals a clear commitment to the franchise's ongoing development and future trajectory.
The journey to the release of "Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road" itself was a testament to the perseverance of both developers and fans. Announced initially in July 2016, during the Heisei era, the game underwent multiple title changes and significant revisions, with the latest adjustments occurring in 2022, before finally reaching players. This extended development cycle made the eventual launch on both the Switch and Switch 2 a particularly significant milestone for the series. Despite the recent arrival of "Victory Road," the early initiation of its sequel's development by Hino underscores a forward-looking vision for the Inazuma Eleven universe, hinting at a more streamlined and perhaps accelerated production timeline for future projects.
Akihiro Hino shared his enthusiasm for the forthcoming title during an Ina-Dai broadcast, stating, "Regarding the follow-up to Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road, I've already begun crafting the storyline. As a 'new Inazuma Eleven' destined for the Reiwa period, my goal is to once again captivate audiences with unexpected twists and excitement. We encourage everyone to anticipate future announcements." This statement not only confirms the sequel's existence but also sets a high bar for its creative direction, promising a blend of nostalgia and innovation. The reference to the Reiwa era, which commenced on May 1, 2019, further contextualizes the game's contemporary relevance and its ambition to resonate with a new generation of players while retaining the core spirit of the franchise.
While details about the sequel remain scarce, an earlier statement by the Level-5 CEO hinted at the possibility of a "Player Bank" data transfer feature for a potential follow-up. This suggests a desire to maintain continuity and reward existing players for their engagement with "Victory Road." Although the full release of this new project might still be several years away, the proactive approach by Level-5 in commencing scenario writing so soon after the previous game's launch is a strong indicator of their dedication. Such overlap in development phases is not uncommon within the game industry, allowing studios to leverage creative momentum and ensure a steady pipeline of new content. For now, fans can look forward to the second major free update for "Victory Road," scheduled for January 28, 2026, which will undoubtedly keep the community engaged as they await more news on the next chapter.
In essence, the announcement of a direct sequel to "Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road" so swiftly after its release demonstrates Level-5's renewed vigor and commitment to the beloved football RPG franchise. With Akihiro Hino personally spearheading the scenario development for this "new Inazuma Eleven" tailored for the Reiwa era, the future of the series appears bright, promising fresh narratives and engaging gameplay for its loyal fanbase.