Dragon's Dogma 2 director: Fast Travel is 'boring'

Hideaki Itsuno, the director of the upcoming "Dragon's Dogma 2," is taking a different approach with the game's fast travel system. Itsuno argues that a reliance on fast travel might indicate underlying issues with the game's design, particularly if traveling within the game is perceived as boring by players. Instead, he advocates for creating engaging and unpredictable travel experiences. This philosophy has informed the limited fast travel options in "Dragon's Dogma 2," similar to the original game, where players require expensive 'Ferrystones' to teleport between 'Port Crystals.' Additionally, wagons can be used for transport along specific routes, but they come with a risk of being attacked.

Expected to launch on March 22nd for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S platforms, the sequel aims to encourage players to choose between various modes of traveling – like walking or biking – to truly enjoy the journey. Itsuno's focus is on making the travel itself an enjoyable part of the gaming experience with events and encounters designed to keep the journey interesting and dynamic.

While specifics on gameplay elements have not been fully detailed, "Dragon's Dogma 2" will continue the series' tradition of action RPG elements with a unique approach to travel, emphasizing exploration and interaction with the world. By reducing fast travel options, the game encourages players to engage more deeply with its environment and combat systems.

"Dragon's Dogma 2" is a successor to "Dragon's Dogma," an open-world action RPG known for its innovative 'pawn' system and engaging combat mechanics. The original game garnered a dedicated fanbase due to its unique blend of Western and Japanese role-playing game design philosophies. Players anticipate that the sequel will build on the foundations of its predecessor, further evolving the series' signature features and expanding its vibrant fantasy world.