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The August 14-16 expo will feature a Kingdom Hearts 25th anniversary panel and new Dreamlight Valley content alongside Star Wars game previews.

News July 14, 2026

What's Next For Disney Games? D23 Is About To Tell Us

The August 14-16 expo will feature a Kingdom Hearts 25th anniversary panel and new Dreamlight Valley content alongside Star Wars game previews.

By DiabloBytes Staff · 3 min read

The biannual Disney D23 expo returns in August 2026, running from August 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Beyond the expected film, television, and music announcements, Disney has confirmed that video games will feature prominently during the event's first day, with an "exclusive preview" segment as part of the Disney Entertainment Showcase.

While specific game announcements remain under wraps, Disney has revealed two dedicated panels for its gaming lineup.

What Changed

  • The Kingdom Hearts 25th anniversary panel will celebrate the franchise's legacy, with Kingdom Hearts 4 potentially making another appearance after its surprise Nintendo Direct reveal last month. The Square Enix title has spent years in development and fans are eager for new footage.
  • Disney Dreamlight Valley developers will host a panel discussing the cozy fantasy life-sim's trajectory while offering a sneak peek at upcoming content.
  • Star Wars: Zero Company, a tactical RPG from Lucasfilm Games, is scheduled for August 27 release and may receive additional spotlight.
  • Star Wars: Galactic Racer has shifted its launch date to October 6, positioning it as an expo talking point.
  • What This Means For Players

    Disney's gaming presence at D23 signals continued investment in licensed properties beyond mobile and free-to-play models. Kingdom Hearts fans should anticipate concrete release timeline details for the long-awaited fourth installment. Dreamlight Valley players can expect news about seasonal content and potential console expansions given the game's growing player base.

    Star Wars game enthusiasts have multiple titles to track: Zero Company's imminent launch makes it a near-term focus, while longer-term projects like Star Wars Jedi 3 from Respawn Entertainment, Saber Interactive's Knights of the Old Republic remake, and Star Wars Eclipse from Quantic Dream remain in various stages of development—though Eclipse's status appears increasingly uncertain per recent reports.

    Marvel fans should note that Insomniac's Wolverine game will appear at San Diego Comic-Con later this month rather than D23, aligning with the expo's family-friendly presentation approach.

    What's Next

    The Disney Entertainment Showcase kicks off August 14 at D23, where more concrete announcements are expected. Follow-up coverage of Kingdom Hearts and Dreamlight Valley panels will provide additional details on those specific titles. DiabloBytes will continue tracking major licensed game announcements that may intersect with franchise gaming interests.

    San Diego Comic-Con (July 24-27) will serve as the venue for Wolverine gameplay reveals, separate from D23 festivities.

    Sources

    Written By

    DiabloBytes Staff

    Editorial Team

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