Ace Combat is celebrating 30 years of aerial action
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of Ace Combat, Bandai Namco have released a new message from the series brand director, as well as a fun video and more.
In the video below, it was revealed that starting this month, there will be surprises revealed as part of the series 30th anniversary celebration, with the first being a special Ace Combat soundtrack being added to streaming services. This is not the original games music, or really any singular game, but rather a collection of tracks from across the games.
In the series 25th anniversary, a new game was confirmed to be in the works, and around 3 years ago, Bandai Namco and the studio making the new game ILCA did confirm a new studio was being set up in order to make the game, but that was the last we got anything official. There is a special Bandai Namco ‘Summer’ Showcase happening this week, so we could learn about this new game then, the timing would be perfect.
The other big announcement was that a special concert would be taking place in Saitama Kaikan Japan, those keen on going should visit the official site for details.
Finally, for a more local offering, Bandai Namco Australia are giving away replica of some of the planes from the series, you can see the planes in question here, including details on how to enter.
The celebration video and message from the brand director can be found below.
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
