Kingdom Hearts has been a successful franchise for Square Enix and Disney for the past eight years and has crossed multiple platforms in the shape of the PlayStation 2, Game Boy Advance, DS and now PlayStation Portable. But the main series has always been considered a Sony franchise, and it seems it might just stay that way.

In an article found within Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Ultimania, a Japanese magazine about Birth by Sleep, translations have popped up on the internet containing information about Kingdom Hearts 3. Translated by heartstation.org and said by Tetsuya Nomura (series director):

“About the next title, Kingdom Hearts 3 depends on Final Fantasy XIII Versus, but development of the next title is already underway. There are two titles other than Kingdom Hearts 3 in conception, and I think I’ll release one within this year.”

Not only is Kingdom Hearts 3 in the works, so are two other games. Expect Birth by Sleep on the PSP to be the game released this year. With Final Fantasy XIII Versus still stated as being a PlayStation 3 exclusive, and the team working on Versus the same team that works on Kingdom Hearts, a PlayStation 3 release seems inevitable for Kingdom Hearts 3. Nomura continues on stating:

“The series won’t end in Kingdom Hearts 3, more like the conclusion of the Xehanort saga. It’s not the case that when Sora’s story is over another hero’s story will begin; Sora will be the hero until the end.”

So for all you Sora fans, rest assured that you’ll get your Sora kick for every main entry of the series. And as all fans of the series know, with Sora involved, Riku, Kairi, Donald, Goofy and Mickey can’t be far behind.