Square Enix Imposes Strict Anti-Spoiler Rules on Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remaster

It seems Square Enix is taking a firm stance on preserving the experience for players diving into the new HD-2D remaster of the classic Dragon Quest titles, specifically I and II. The company has implemented strict guidelines regarding content sharing, particularly concerning video, live streams, and image posts. This focus makes sense when you consider just how central the narrative is to the Dragon Quest series. To protect this core experience, Square Enix has drafted a set of rules designed to prevent players from inadvertently spoiling the journey for others, at least within the first month after launch.

The specifics are quite detailed. Officially, players are asked not to upload any gameplay footage, live streams, screenshots, or videos that depict the game's progression after the end of the credits, and crucially, before November 29th, 2025. This period covers the initial launch window. Now, the original Dragon Quest games, released decades ago, featured multiple endings, which naturally offered some replay value. However, this new rule seems to go beyond that simple mechanic. It strongly suggests that the HD-2D remaster might contain new, original content or hidden story paths not present in the original versions. This is interesting news, especially considering series creator Hori Yoshihito had previously hinted at some surprises awaiting players who complete the game. It points towards developers potentially embedding deeper layers into the familiar story.

Furthermore, Square Enix isn't just blocking content after the credits; they're also intervening in content before the full story is revealed. For live streamers, the official advice is to include spoiler warnings when discussing pivotal plot points. This is particularly relevant for players who prefer a "blind playthrough," where they avoid any prior knowledge. While such warnings are standard practice, Square Enix's formal recommendation adds an extra layer of consideration. Additionally, the rules explicitly forbid pure-cutscene-only video compilations and any videos featuring copyrighted music, likely to prevent easy creation and sharing of extensive preview montages. The consequence for violating these guidelines is clear: content flagged for breaches could be removed from official channels or platforms, though enforcement might vary. The guidelines also cover practical aspects like requiring proper copyright credits for images and footage (which might be waived for certain social media platforms) and restricting where game-related videos can be posted.

Now, while these restrictions might sound stringent to some, they actually represent a significant softening of the stance compared to earlier practices. Looking back, it wasn't long after the original Dragon Quest II released in 1987 that publisher Enix (Square's predecessor) took legal action against a magazine, Hi-SCORE, for publishing unauthorized walkthroughs and guides. That case involved a copyright lawsuit, which was a much more aggressive move than the current approach. It's notable that today, Square Enix tends to rely on content removal rather than litigation, perhaps reflecting a more nuanced view of fan content creation versus strict intellectual property protection.

The move underscores a broader industry trend: developers increasingly see their games as immersive worlds, and spoilers can genuinely diminish that experience. Protecting that first encounter is valuable, not just for commercial reasons but for maintaining the integrity of the storytelling craft that has defined Dragon Quest for generations. It’s a delicate balance, of course. Publishers want players to share their excitement and experiences, but they also need to safeguard the moments that draw players in. The HD-2D remaster of Dragon Quest I & II seems positioned to lean heavily into this protective stance from day one. Whether this approach resonates with players or fuels more curiosity about what specific new content the remaster might hold remains to be seen. It certainly highlights how deeply Square Enix values the narrative journey in its long-running classic.