Kuro Games, the developer behind the gacha action-RPG Wuthering Waves, has announced an anime adaptation of the game. Titled "Wuthering Waves: Elysium," the project marks the debut of Kuro Onroad, a new animation banner established by the studio for its future animation endeavors.
The announcement trailer for "Wuthering Waves: Elysium" showcases 3D animation and features characters from the game, though specific details regarding its narrative integration with the game's existing lore remain scarce. Kuro Onroad describes the series as being "based on the world of Wuthering Waves," leaving open the possibility of it being a retelling or a new story within the established universe.
It is currently unclear if Kuro Onroad is collaborating with external animation studios or handling production entirely in-house. Kuro Games has stated its intention for the project to "expand the Wuthering Waves universe beyond the game and offer fans another way to experience its characters, stories, and world through animation."
The establishment of Kuro Onroad signifies a long-term commitment to animation by Kuro Games, rather than a one-off licensing deal. This move aligns with a broader trend of video game adaptations into animated series and films. For instance, FromSoftware's "Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice" is slated for an anime movie, and "Ghost of Tsushima: Legends" is also receiving a series treatment. In a more direct parallel, "Genshin Impact," a rival gacha RPG from miHoYo, has an anime in development with Ufotable, announced in 2022. A release date for "Wuthering Waves: Elysium" has not yet been announced, making it uncertain which adaptation will premiere first.