'Kingdom Hearts 3' News & Update: Square Enix Explains 'KH3's' Absence At E3; Title Will Only Be Available After 'Kingdom Hearts 2.8 HD Final Chapter Prologue'

There is no doubt that many are waiting for "Kingdom Heart 3." It has been over a decade since "Kingdom Hearts 2" was released and fans are now expecting to see the third iteration of the series. Unfortunately, "KH3" fans faced another round of disappointment when "Kingdom Hearts 3" failed to make it at the recent E3 2016. In view of this, Square Enix has finally spoken up.

Square Enix Explains 'Kingdom Hearts 3's' Absence At E3

If you notice, Square Enix is building up the hype for "Kingdom Hearts 2.8 HD Final Chapter Prologue" despite the clamor for "Kingdom Hearts 3." Well, the "Kingdom Hearts 3" co-director Tai Yasue confirmed that their priority is the former over the latter because it will be released first.

"It was a difficult decision for us," Yasue told Venture Beat about "Kingdom Hearts 3's" limited appearance at E3. "We want to share as much as possible. We're excited about Kingdom Hearts III. But II.8 we're releasing globally at the beginning of December. We wanted to concentrate on that first. We want what's best for the moment. We're currently making III and 2.8 at the same time, but we wanted to concentrate on 2.8 right now."

'Kingdom Hearts 3' Will Follow 'Kingdom Hearts 2.8 HD Final Chapter Prologue'

At the time, Square Enix has never confirmed the release date of "Kingdom Hearts 3" but the team confirmed that "Kingdom Hearts 2.8 HD Final Chapter Prologue" will be released first.

Yasue also added that "Kingdom Hearts 2.8 HD Final Chapter Prologue" will introduce gamers to the "Kingdom Hearts" series. In this, way players need not go back to the past "Kingdom Heart" stories to catch up. Even new players can play "Kingdom Hearts 3" without being lost. As the Bitbag puts it, the previous games are not necessary to enjoy "Kingdom Hearts 3."

"when we were planning for Kingdom Hearts III, we wanted all of our previous Kingdom Hearts titles in HD so everyone could play them again, and new players could be introduced to the Kingdom Hearts series story," he said.

Square Enix's decision to prioritize "Kingdom Hearts 2.8 HD Final Chapter Prologue" over "Kingdom Hearts 3?" Do you agree that the former will be a good introduction for the anticipated "KH3?" Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

"Kingdom Hearts 2.8 HD Final Chapter Prologue" is expected to arrive in December. Meanwhile, "Kingdom Hearts 3" is expected to arrive in April 2017.