Kuro Games, the developer behind the open-world RPG Wuthering Waves, is moving into animation. The studio has established an internal brand called Kuro Onroad, which will focus on producing original animation projects based on its intellectual properties.
The first confirmed project from this new division is an animated series titled Wuthering Waves: Elysium. A teaser trailer has been released, showcasing various characters from the PS5 title. According to a statement from the studio, the goal of this initiative is to expand the Wuthering Waves universe beyond the game, providing an alternative medium for players to experience the world and its narrative.
Internal Production vs. External Partnerships
The decision to build an internal animation house follows a recent industry trend of game developers seeking more control over transmedia adaptations. While other major titles have partnered with established animation studios—such as the ongoing collaboration between Genshin Impact and ufotable, or the Honkai: Star Rail project currently in development with MAPPA—Kuro Games has opted to handle production in-house to circumvent the complexities of external collaborations.
Expansion Beyond the Game
Wuthering Waves has already been adapted into manga in Japan and China. The move to a full-scale animated series represents the next phase of the property's expansion. While no specific release window for Wuthering Waves: Elysium has been provided, the studio has indicated that updates will follow as production progresses.