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NEWS
Universal Japan announces plans for 'real battle attraction' with Dragon Quest experience
POSTED 20 Dec 2016 . BY Tom Anstey
USJ has promised 'adventures you were formerly only able to experience in videogames coming to life around you' for the attraction
Universal Studios Japan is celebrating the 30th anniversary of Dragon Quest by announcing plans for a new visitor attraction based on the popular videogame series.

Debuting on 17 March, ‘Dragon Quest: The Real’ will equip guests with a weapon and send them on a quest through a labyrinth, working with their friends to battle monsters appearing in the dungeon.

Dubbed a “real battle attraction”, USJ has called the plan the first of its kind, promising “adventures you were formerly only able to experience in videogames coming to life around you”, with players able to “really be the hero”.

While Universal has been quiet on the details, it did say the attraction would be using its “technological and creative abilities to bring a wide range of media content to life with realistic attractions”.

The Dragon Quest series is incredibly popular in Japan, having debuted on the Famicom games system in 1986 and going on to release 10 games spanning multiple platforms. To date, the game has sold 66 million units worldwide, though it has never been released in Europe.

“The day has finally come for everyone to experience the world of Dragon Quest in real life,” said Ryutaro Ichimura, head producer on the Square Enix Dragon Quest 30th Anniversary Project.

“As a conclusion to the project, we’re working as hard as we can with Universal Studios Japan to bring you an amazing experience, so you won’t be disappointed.”
RELATED STORIES
  First images of Universal's Super Nintendo World released


Universal Studios Japan (USJ) has released the first images of its world-first Nintendo attraction, coming to the park in 2020.
  Universal confirms Nintendo presence for all of its parks


Universal will expand its Nintendo presence beyond Japan by building similar attractions in its Orlando and Hollywood theme parks.
  Political turmoil in South Korea threatens to unravel Universal park plans


Plans for a Universal Studios development in South Korea have been severely hampered after political scandal surrounding President Park Geun-hye led to uncertainty over the government and its related businesses.
  Nintendo promises immersive situations and smartphone interactivity for Universal parks


As Universal prepares for launch of its first Nintendo theme park attraction in 2020, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime has revealed some details for the upcoming attraction, promising “immersive amusement interactive situations” and potential smartphone interactivity for the highly-anticipated addition.
MORE NEWS
Warner Bros Discovery collaborates on upcoming Pompeii attraction
A new immersive attraction designed to transport visitors into the final hours of ancient Pompeii is preparing to open near the world-famous archaeological site in southern Italy.
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Experience design company, BRC Imagination Arts, has completed a transition that sees founder Bob Rogers pass ownership of the business to four long-serving senior executives, while remaining actively involved with the company.
Rainer Maelzer joins Therme Group as chief entertainment officer
Rainer Maelzer, an experiential entertainment innovator, has been appointed chief entertainment officer by Therme Group.
Movie Park Germany reveals new Paramount attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations
Movie Park Germany has opened a new Paramount Pictures-themed attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, using immersive storytelling and adaptive reuse to reinforce the park’s longstanding “Hollywood in Germany” positioning.
+ More news   

COMPANY PROFILES
Sally Corporation

Our services include: Dark ride design & build; Redevelopment of existing attractions; High-quality [more...]
IDEATTACK

IDEATTACK is a full-service planning and design company with headquarters in Los Angeles. [more...]
Alterface

Alterface’s Creative Division team is seasoned in concept and ride development, as well as storyte [more...]
QubicaAMF UK

QubicaAMF is the largest and most innovative bowling equipment provider with 600 employees worldwi [more...]
+ More profiles  
FEATURED SUPPLIER

Iconic Liverpool attraction opens door to new operators
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its next phase. [more...]
CATALOGUE GALLERY
 

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09-11 Jun 2026

World Sauna Forum 2026

Savutuvan Apaja, Haapaniemi, Finland
23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
+ More diary  
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Jobs    News   Products   Magazine   Subscribe
NEWS
Universal Japan announces plans for 'real battle attraction' with Dragon Quest experience
POSTED 20 Dec 2016 . BY Tom Anstey
USJ has promised 'adventures you were formerly only able to experience in videogames coming to life around you' for the attraction
Universal Studios Japan is celebrating the 30th anniversary of Dragon Quest by announcing plans for a new visitor attraction based on the popular videogame series.

Debuting on 17 March, ‘Dragon Quest: The Real’ will equip guests with a weapon and send them on a quest through a labyrinth, working with their friends to battle monsters appearing in the dungeon.

Dubbed a “real battle attraction”, USJ has called the plan the first of its kind, promising “adventures you were formerly only able to experience in videogames coming to life around you”, with players able to “really be the hero”.

While Universal has been quiet on the details, it did say the attraction would be using its “technological and creative abilities to bring a wide range of media content to life with realistic attractions”.

The Dragon Quest series is incredibly popular in Japan, having debuted on the Famicom games system in 1986 and going on to release 10 games spanning multiple platforms. To date, the game has sold 66 million units worldwide, though it has never been released in Europe.

“The day has finally come for everyone to experience the world of Dragon Quest in real life,” said Ryutaro Ichimura, head producer on the Square Enix Dragon Quest 30th Anniversary Project.

“As a conclusion to the project, we’re working as hard as we can with Universal Studios Japan to bring you an amazing experience, so you won’t be disappointed.”
RELATED STORIES
First images of Universal's Super Nintendo World released


Universal Studios Japan (USJ) has released the first images of its world-first Nintendo attraction, coming to the park in 2020.
Universal confirms Nintendo presence for all of its parks


Universal will expand its Nintendo presence beyond Japan by building similar attractions in its Orlando and Hollywood theme parks.
Political turmoil in South Korea threatens to unravel Universal park plans


Plans for a Universal Studios development in South Korea have been severely hampered after political scandal surrounding President Park Geun-hye led to uncertainty over the government and its related businesses.
Nintendo promises immersive situations and smartphone interactivity for Universal parks


As Universal prepares for launch of its first Nintendo theme park attraction in 2020, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime has revealed some details for the upcoming attraction, promising “immersive amusement interactive situations” and potential smartphone interactivity for the highly-anticipated addition.
MORE NEWS
Warner Bros Discovery collaborates on upcoming Pompeii attraction
A new immersive attraction designed to transport visitors into the final hours of ancient Pompeii is preparing to open near the world-famous archaeological site in southern Italy.
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Experience design company, BRC Imagination Arts, has completed a transition that sees founder Bob Rogers pass ownership of the business to four long-serving senior executives, while remaining actively involved with the company.
Rainer Maelzer joins Therme Group as chief entertainment officer
Rainer Maelzer, an experiential entertainment innovator, has been appointed chief entertainment officer by Therme Group.
Movie Park Germany reveals new Paramount attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations
Movie Park Germany has opened a new Paramount Pictures-themed attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, using immersive storytelling and adaptive reuse to reinforce the park’s longstanding “Hollywood in Germany” positioning.
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK. 
Efteling expands family offer with new Hooghmoed drop tower
Efteling has opened Hooghmoed, a new family drop tower designed to broaden the appeal of its recently launched Sirene Island themed area and introduce younger visitors to thrill attractions.
+ More news   
 
COMPANY PROFILES
Sally Corporation

Our services include: Dark ride design & build; Redevelopment of existing attractions; High-quality [more...]
IDEATTACK

IDEATTACK is a full-service planning and design company with headquarters in Los Angeles. [more...]
Alterface

Alterface’s Creative Division team is seasoned in concept and ride development, as well as storyte [more...]
QubicaAMF UK

QubicaAMF is the largest and most innovative bowling equipment provider with 600 employees worldwi [more...]
+ More profiles  
FEATURED SUPPLIER

Iconic Liverpool attraction opens door to new operators
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its next phase. [more...]
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

09-11 Jun 2026

World Sauna Forum 2026

Savutuvan Apaja, Haapaniemi, Finland
23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT NEWS
ATTRACTIONS HANDBOOK
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS