NetEase's wildly ambitious free-to-play anime open world, Ananta, is set to re-emerge next week. Initially revealed in 2023 under the working title Project Mugen, the expansive PlayStation 5 project has roughly 800 people currently working on its development.
Quick Facts
- Game Title: Ananta (formerly Project Mugen)
- Developer: Naked Rain
- Publisher: NetEase Games
- Platform: PlayStation 5
- Next Appearance: Gamescom Opening Night Live on August 25, 2026
What to Expect at Gamescom
Host Geoff Keighley confirmed via social media that players will get a fresh look at the GTA-style free-to-play game during the upcoming Gamescom Opening Night Live broadcast. The livestream is scheduled for Tuesday, August 25, 2026, airing globally at 8p CEST / 2p ET / 11a PT.
While closed beta tests have previously showcased unusual features—including a soccer minigame—players are still waiting for a confirmed release window or open beta announcement. Given the vast scale of the production, industry expectations point toward a 2027 launch or later.
Monetization and Gameplay Structure
Ananta breaks from genre norms by bypassing traditional gacha mechanics. Instead, NetEase plans to monetize the free-to-play title entirely through cosmetics, though specific details regarding how the cosmetic system will function remain under wraps ahead of next week's showcase.