Hugely anticipated anime RPG Ananta gets a January release date, as pre-registrations hit a whopping 17m sign-ups

NetEase and China-based developer Naked Rain have announced that the long-awaited anime RPG Ananta will be released globally on January 15, 2027. The game, initially known as Project Mugen, is set to launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and mobile devices after years of development.

A dazzling new trailer debuted at Gamescom Opening Night Live, showcasing various aspects of the open-world game, including urban driving, cycling, skateboarding, flying, stealth, melee combat, social media apps, and an extensive cast of characters. The trailer also featured a massive UFO appearing unexpectedly amidst the action.

Ananta aims to be more than just a traditional action-adventure game. NetEase has highlighted a social media platform within the game, where players can grow their follower list over time through various in-game activities, including combat and livestreaming events. The company emphasizes the game's focus on becoming an influencer in pursuit of endless attention.

During a previous Gamescom, players witnessed a toilet with legs in the game, which is expected to contribute to the game's algorithm-friendly content. Despite initially featuring a single playable character, Ananta will offer multiple characters, each unlocking new opportunities in the open-world cities.

Interestingly, NetEase removed gacha elements related to unlocking extra characters a couple of years ago. However, it remains unclear if a gacha-type monetization method will be reintroduced elsewhere in the game. Over 17 million people have already pre-registered for Ananta, and interested players can join them by visiting the official registration link to potentially earn free cosmetics and in-game currency.