M2 recently posted a screenshot on X displaying a rather abiguous '3' and nothing else. As expected, this resulted in a flurry of comments from followers enquirying as to what this alluded to, with some presenting possible candidates. Sega Producer Yosuke Okunari commented and I used this as an opportunity to ask if the post was in any relation to Fantasy Zone III.
This was his response:
So there you have it - straight from the horses mouth. Sega themeselves will announce any updates on a possible Fantasy Zone III. This is interesting as it highlights that they still see Fantasy Zone as a key franchise, worthy enough of a Sega only announcemt should any future works be in development.
My thinking was that any future game in the series would be developed by M2 (See my Time Extension article) and any news would be announced through them. While M2 are the likely candidates for dev duties, Sega will lead marketing, creative and publishing duties, it seems.
It also puts to bed any suggestions that the Mega Drive's Super Fantasy Zone, was, in fact, Fantasy Zone III, which I've seen some people suggest. Okunari would have stated this in his response and anyway, all FZ fans should know that Fantasy Zone III is mentioned at the end of both the PS2's System 16B reimagining of II and it's 3DS port, Fantasy Zone II W.
I'm not holding my breath for any Sega announcements any time soon, but hopefully it's on their radar.