According to Famitsu, Square-Enix has revealed that its enduring Dragon Quest series will be teaming up with Google’s Gemini AI platform for a special event on July 30 in Tokyo.
Entitled “Gemini Quest,” this gathering will unfold across four spots in Tokyo’s Shibuya and Harajuku neighborhoods, where attendees will utilize the Gemini app to scan codes with their mobile devices, producing spells they can then cast using AR to liberate trapped creatures and ultimately conquer the dragon lord.
Participants who triumph over the challenges will have a chance to receive a limited-run physical “mini medal” prize adorned with engravings of legendary dragon quest creatures like slimes and killer machines, to be distributed by “citizen” performers at each designated spot. The event will take place at Shibuya 109, MAGNET by Shibuya 109, Tokyo Plaza Harajuku Harakado, and Takeshitaguchi Park. As noted on the event’s official site, an extra quest will also be offered, though additional information has not yet been disclosed.
Although real-world events are a familiar concept for a series with Dragon Quest’s extensive legacy, this particular occasion appears to signal a deeper collaboration between the franchise and Google’s Gemini ecosystem. Earlier in April, the Japan-exclusive MMORPG Dragon Quest X announced intentions to incorporate an in-game helper character named Oshaberi Slimey driven by Gemini for player interactions. Series mastermind Yuji Horii expressed excitement about this integration, believing the AI conversationalist could serve as “a companion to every single player,” enhancing immersion and bringing new life to the nearly-15-year-old MMO.
As might be expected, the series’ exploration of generative AI has sparked a divided reaction among enthusiasts. While some followers seem thrilled by the upcoming event, others have voiced dissatisfaction with Square-Enix for adopting the contentious technology, pointing to concerns such as ecological consequences.
In terms of gaming developments, Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World is scheduled for a December 3 release. Notably, Square-Enix has made no mention of AI involvement in the creation of that title, nor in the franchise’s forthcoming flagship project Dragon Quest XII.