Celebrating a Master of Creativity and Influence

The news of Akira Toriyama’s passing has left a profound impact on fans worldwide. As tributes pour in for the legendary creator of the Dragon Ball franchise and iconic games like Chrono Trigger and the Dragon Quest series, it’s essential to remember one of his lesser-known but significant contributions: Blue Dragon.

Acknowledging Blue Dragon’s Significance

While Akira Toriyama is celebrated for his groundbreaking works, such as Dragon Ball, it’s crucial to recognize Blue Dragon as a testament to his unparalleled creativity and character design prowess. Despite not achieving the same level of success as some of his other projects, Blue Dragon remains a shining example of Toriyama’s influence.

The Genesis of Blue Dragon

Developed by Mistwalker and Artoon and published by Microsoft, Blue Dragon emerged during the early days of the Xbox 360. It was a strategic move by Xbox to attract Japanese players to their console, leveraging Toriyama’s renowned talent to appeal to a broader audience.

Microsoft’s Vision and Partnership

Xbox’s collaboration with Toriyama underscored their commitment to expanding their reach in the Japanese gaming market. Peter Moore, an Xbox executive at the time, emphasized the strategic importance of partnering with esteemed Japanese developers and publishers like Toriyama. Blue Dragon was envisioned as a catalyst for future platform-driving games for Xbox’s next-generation systems.

Honoring Toriyama’s Legacy

As we mourn the loss of a creative genius, let us remember Akira Toriyama’s remarkable contributions to the world of entertainment. While Dragon Ball may be his most renowned creation, Blue Dragon stands as a testament to his enduring influence and artistic brilliance