D23 is always one of the biggest events in the Disney calendar, bringing together some of the biggest movies, TV shows, characters and franchises. But this year's event also delivered plenty for gamers to get excited about.
Here are some of the biggest gaming announcements from D23 2026:
Kingdom Hearts IV Finally Gets a Release Window
Source: IGN.com
One of the biggest gaming announcements from D23 was undoubtedly Kingdom Hearts IV.
After years of anticipation, Disney and Square Enix revealed a brand-new trailer for the next mainline entry in the hugely popular action RPG series. Even more importantly, Kingdom Hearts IV has now been given a late 2027 release window.
Source: IGN.com
The latest trailer gives fans their first proper look at a new world inspired by Disney and Pixar's Coco, with Miguel and Hector joining Sora on his next adventure. The extended footage also revealed that players will be able to take control of Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy as they attempt to uncover what has happened to Sora.
The announcement arrives as Kingdom Hearts approaches its 25th anniversary, making D23 a particularly fitting place to celebrate the series.
Source: IGN.com
And the news doesn't stop with the games. Disney also announced that an original Kingdom Hearts anime series is currently in development for Disney Channel and Disney+, expanding the franchise beyond gaming.
Kingdom Hearts IV is set to launch on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC in late 2027. To read more on the Deep Dive into Kingdom Hearts IV Panel, click here.
Until then, why not reminisce with the Kingdom Hearts Collection, bringing Kingdom Hearts 1, 2 and 3 together in one place? Pre-order now ahead of its 8th October 2026 release and earn Triple Reward Points! Available on PS5 and Switch 2.
Marvel's Wolverine Gets a New D23 Showcase Trailer
Source: IGN.com
Marvel's Wolverine also featured during Disney's D23 gaming showcase, where a new trailer gave fans another glimpse at the highly anticipated PS5 exclusive.
The short showcase trailer offers a further look at Wolverine and the characters he'll encounter, including Jean Grey and members of Team X, as they face threats including the Sentinels and other familiar Marvel villains. Watch the trailer here!
With the game's 15th September 2026 release date already confirmed, the latest footage gives fans another taste of what's to come ahead of launch. Pre-order now to earn Triple Reward Points!
Star Wars Comes to Fortnite in a Whole New Way
Source: StarWars.com
Disney and Epic Games also revealed an interesting new step in their ongoing collaboration. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run | Fortnite launched on 16th August 2026, bringing the Smugglers Gambit adventure to Fortnite and connecting it with the real-world Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge attraction.
The experience introduces a new adventure called Smugglers Gambit, connecting the physical Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run attraction at Disney parks with a digital adventure in Fortnite.
It's an interesting example of how Disney is looking beyond traditional video games and finding new ways for fans to interact with its franchises. Rather than simply bringing a Disney character or franchise into Fortnite, this experience connects something from the real world with the game itself.
Disney has also confirmed that there's more to come from its ongoing partnership with Epic Games, so this could be just the beginning of a much bigger Disney presence within Fortnite.
Disney Lorcana Is Going Digital
Source: wdwnt.com
For trading card game fans, one of the biggest surprises from D23 came from Disney Lorcana. Ravensburger announced that a digital version of Disney Lorcana TCG is officially in development, with the game planned for desktop and mobile.
While details are still limited, the announcement could be a significant step for Lorcana, giving players another way to experience the TCG alongside the physical cards.
Source: wdwnt.com
Ravensburger also revealed several other Lorcana updates at D23, including a first look at Cosmic Quest, new collector boosters and a new rarity called 'Illustrious', with just 23 serialised copies of each Illustrious card printed per set.
The digital game is currently in development, with fans able to sign up for updates ahead of public testing.
Interested in Lorcana? Visit our sister-site TGC Collectables!
What's Next for Disney Gaming?
D23 2026 showed that Disney's plans for gaming extend well beyond simply adapting its biggest franchises into traditional video games.
Kingdom Hearts IV is continuing the long-running partnership between Disney and Square Enix, Marvel's Wolverine is bringing one of Marvel's most recognisable characters to PS5, and the collaboration with Epic Games is creating new ways to experience Disney worlds inside Fortnite.
Meanwhile, Disney Lorcana moving into the digital space could introduce the TCG to an entirely new audience while giving existing players another way to play.
There's plenty for Disney and gaming fans to look forward to. Which D23 gaming announcement are you most excited about?
