Dragon Ball Free-To-Play MOBA Announces Major “Overhaul” Ahead Of First Anniversary

Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra, Bandai Namco’s free-to-play MOBA title on Nintendo Switch, will receive a major gameplay overhaul to mark its second anniversary in September. The publisher announced the significant update following concerns about accessibility and long-term player retention.

According to the development statement, the overhaul addresses the “high barrier to competitive play” that has limited the game’s broader appeal. The team emphasized this was “not a decision made lightly,” suggesting extensive deliberation before committing to such substantial changes. By redesigning core gameplay mechanics and systems, Bandai Namco aims to make the title more accessible to casual and newer players while maintaining the competitive depth that attracts dedicated fans.

The decision reflects ongoing industry challenges in live-service gaming. Developers must balance complexity and competitive integrity with accessibility and inclusivity to maintain growing player bases. Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra’s shift toward greater accessibility aligns with similar efforts across the MOBA genre, where entry barriers have historically contributed to retention problems.

Bandai Namco’s commitment to supporting the game “for years to come” signals confidence in the overhaul’s potential impact. The September anniversary update will serve as a major inflection point, with the hope that reduced gameplay complexity will attract new players while the competitive community continues to evolve within the revised framework.

Sources