Bandai Namco Unveils Ace Combat 8 at TGA 2025

After an almost seven-year wait, Bandai Namco has officially unveiled Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, marking the return of the acclaimed aerial combat franchise. The announcement was made during The Game Awards 2025, accompanied by a debut trailer that showcased high-speed dogfights and cinematic gameplay. Developed by Project Aces, the internal team responsible for the series' biggest hits, the game is scheduled for release in 2026. It will be available on current-gen hardware, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. 

The narrative takes players back to "Strangereal", the fictional universe that serves as the backdrop for the series' lore. The story focuses on a conflict between the Federation of Central Usea (FCU) and the Republic of Sotoa. Players will assume the role of a legendary ace pilot known as the "Wings of Theve". 

Moving away from the "lone wolf" mercenary style seen in previous entries, this installment emphasizes squad dynamics and the weight of command. You will fly alongside three distinct wingmen, working together to eliminate the threat to their people and reclaim your occupied homeland, serving as a symbol of hope for the citizens of the FCU.

Redefining the Skies with Next-Gen Tech

On the technical front, Ace Combat 8 is built using Unreal Engine 5, promising to create the most visually detailed title in the franchise to date. Bandai Namco Aces is aiming to redefine aerial simulation with a new Living Skies system. This feature uses a proprietary technology called "Cloudly" to generate multi-layered, dynamic weather systems that physically impact flight control and visibility. 

The reveal also teased first-person cinematic sequences, indicating a deeper, more character-driven approach to storytelling compared to past titles. While the single-player campaign remains the core experience, the game will also feature multiplayer modes for online dogfights.

This major release follows a period of significant revitalization for the brand. Its predecessor, Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, launched in 2019 and has since become the best-selling game in the series' history, shipping over 7 million copies worldwide. Series director Kazutoki Kono had previously teased this reveal during the franchise's 30th anniversary, noting that "everything is in place" to push the series to new heights. 

Reflecting on the series' longevity, Kono quoted Namco founder Masaya Nakamura on the importance of adapting to change, thanking fans for the bond of trust that has sustained the series for three decades.