Three decades ago, the skies of video gaming opened up with the release of Air Combat on the original PlayStation. That release marked the beginning of what would become the ACE COMBAT series, one of Bandai Namco Entertainment’s longest-running and most iconic franchises. Known for its mix of aerial dogfighting gameplay and melodramatic military storytelling, the series has since sold more than 20 million copies worldwide.
To mark the 30th anniversary milestone, Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe has released a commemorative trailer, reflecting on the series’ legacy and looking ahead to what the future might hold. You can view this trailer to the left.
As part of the broader anniversary celebrations, Bandai Namco Game Music has released the ACE COMBAT Original Soundtrack on major streaming platforms and digital music stores. This initial selection features 19 tracks curated from across the series’ history. Additional content are also in the works, promising more nostalgic content for longtime fans.
Long-time series brand director Kazutoki Kono also took this milestone as an opportunity to share a personal message with fans:
Since the release of the first title in 1995, thanks to your unwavering support, the ACE COMBAT Series has reached a remarkable milestone, its 30th anniversary in 2025.
First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all our fans and everyone involved who has supported the series throughout the years. Thank you, sincerely, from the bottom of my heart. This moment is our chance to return thirty years’ worth of appreciation to you.
I believe that sustaining a legacy over three decades means far more than simply the passage of time. I’ve always shared this message with everyone involved in the series: “To deliver emotionally resonant, high-quality experiences that exceed expectations, to spark excitement for what comes next—and then to meet that anticipation with even greater ambition. By continuing this cycle, we build a bond of trust with our players, and that bond is the truest expression of our gratitude.”
Over the past thirty years, times have changed. Values have shifted and technologies have evolved. Our company and our team have continually transformed to navigate these tides. In a word, we’ve embraced change.
There were times we may not have fully met your expectations. But I also believe there were moments when we exceeded them—when we soared higher than anyone imagined.
Namco’s founder, Masaya Nakamura, once said, “Only those who can adapt to change will survive.” I joined Namco in 1994. Back then, I understood those words intellectually—but not yet from experience.
Now, I truly do.
After three incredible decades of adapting to change, we’ve built an enduring bond of trust with all of you. That connection is the very force that has sustained the ACE COMBAT Series and propelled it into the future. I can now feel this truth in every fiber of my being. And I’m proud—proud that our ongoing commitment to delivering value and earning your trust has led us to this 30th anniversary.
And now, we’re ready. Everything is in place. It’s time to take flight once again—toward even greater heights.
Kazutoki Kono, Brand director of ACE COMBAT Series
