NetEase Games has revealed that its highly anticipated open-world title, Ananta, will launch on January 15, 2027. The announcement was made during Gamescom Opening Night Live, accompanied by a new trailer that offered further insight into the game's mechanics and narrative.
Ananta, often described as an 'anime Grand Theft Auto,' presents players with a story centered on a supernatural investigator tasked with combating malevolent forces. While the narrative premise appears straightforward, the accompanying trailer showcased dynamic action sequences, including a protagonist hanging from a mid-flight airplane.
The gameplay footage emphasized the open-world elements, featuring exploration across two expansive cities with a variety of vehicles for traversal, including cars and futuristic models. The game also plans to incorporate numerous mini-games and side activities to engage players beyond the main storyline. The developers are drawing inspiration from a wide array of successful titles, with comparisons drawn not only to Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto series but also to superhero games, evidenced by mechanics allowing players to swing through the urban environments.
NetEase is positioning Ananta as a free-to-play title, but it will differ from typical gacha-based games like Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail. In-game purchases are expected to focus on cosmetic items, vehicles, and decorations, rather than unlocking characters or gameplay advantages. This model suggests Ananta will compete directly with titles like Grand Theft Auto Online as a social RPG experience.