Anime Open-World Sandbox Ananta Locks in January Release Date After Clearing 17 Million Pre-Registrations
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
NetEase and Naked Rain have announced a January 15, 2027 worldwide release date for their open-world anime RPG Ananta, which has already surpassed 17 million pre-registrations.
Ananta, the ambitious urban sandbox game previously known as Project Mugen, is officially launching worldwide on January 15, 2027. NetEase and developer Naked Rain confirmed the release date during Gamescom Opening Night Live alongside a fresh trailer showcasing the game across PC, PlayStation 5, and mobile devices. The pre-registration milestones are already staggering, with over 17 million players signing up to secure early cosmetic rewards and in-game currency ahead of launch.
The new footage leans heavily into the chaotic, genre-blending identity of the game, combining open-world driving, skateboarding, stealth, and chaotic melee combat against a sprawling urban backdrop. Beyond the action, the game introduces a distinct social media system where players build follower counts and chase digital clout within the game world. Alongside the main gameplay loops, players can swap between multiple characters that alter traversal and exploration options across the massive city.
While the project initially sparked curiosity for its similarities to a stylized urban sandbox, the monetization model remains a talking point for the community. NetEase previously stepped back from character-gacha mechanics for unlocking heroes, though the exact shape of the in-game economy and microtransactions is still coming into focus. With cross-platform availability and a massive pre-launch audience already locked in, Ananta is shaping up to be one of the major free-to-play launches early next year.
As reported by Eurogamer, the global rollout will test whether an open-world anime experience with heavy streaming and influencer themes can sustain a massive player base across mobile and traditional gaming platforms.
Tags: RPG, Open World, Mobile Gaming, PlayStation 5, PC Gaming
Original article: Eurogamer