Bandai Namco provided the first hands-on preview of Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 during the Summer Game Fest in Los Angeles [1], [2].
The showcase marks a significant shift for the franchise as the developer emphasizes a larger budget and a more structured narrative approach to the series. This preview aims to build momentum by detailing how the sequel evolves from previous entries in the Xenoverse line.
Producer Masayuki Hirano said that Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 was built around three core pillars: the story, the new characters, and customizability [1]. The game introduces an Age 1,000 setting, providing a fresh temporal backdrop for the series' combat and exploration.
One of the primary new features is the "Soul Switch" mechanic. During a gameplay demo, the protagonist was able to switch with the character Trunks, which replaced the player character for approximately 30 seconds [3]. This mechanic allows players to dynamically shift control between characters during active combat to change tactics.
Media outlets received different lengths of access during the event. Polygon reported seeing a live gameplay demo of the title that lasted 30 minutes [2]. The demonstration focused on showcasing the updated character roster and the depth of the new customization options available to players.
While most sources refer to the title as Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3, some coverage has referred to it as Dragon Ball Z Xenoverse 3 [4]. Regardless of the naming convention, the developer used the event to highlight the game's commitment to expanding the player's role within the story's universe [1], [2].
“Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 was built around three core pillars: the story, the new characters, and customizability.”
The introduction of the Soul Switch mechanic and a heavier emphasis on story suggests Bandai Namco is attempting to move the series away from a purely sandbox experience toward a more cinematic action game. By anchoring the game in a specific setting like Age 1000 and focusing on core pillars of character development, the developer is likely targeting both long-term fans and new players who prefer narrative-driven progression over repetitive grinding.
