“Ananta, the ‘Anime GTA’ Game, Sets Release Date Ahead of GTA 6”

NetEase games made a splash at Gamescom Opening Night Live with exciting updates on Ananta. This title, often described as an anime-inspired Grand Theft Auto, has generated a lot of buzz since its announcement, and now we have a confirmed release date: January 15, 2027.

The reveal came with a new trailer that showcased Ananta’s diverse gameplay systems. It kicked off with a brief introduction to the story, which appears to be fairly lighthearted. Players will step into the shoes of a supernatural investigator who battles various villains. While the plot may not be the main draw, watching the protagonist dangle from the side of a plane mid-flight like a cinematic action hero is undeniably thrilling. The gameplay further emphasizes the Grand Theft Auto comparisons, featuring two expansive open-world cities where players can zip around on scooters, cars, and futuristic vehicles. There will also be a wealth of mini-games and activities to dive into beyond the main storyline.

In a bid to stand out from the upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6, Ananta promises more than just familiar elements from Rockstar’s franchise. Previous trailers have hinted at a broad range of inspirations from various AAA titles, including the ability to swing through the stunning anime-inspired cities like Spider-Man. It’s clear that NetEase is investing heavily in Ananta, aiming to create a comprehensive “everything” game that caters to a wide array of gamers.

While Ananta will be free-to-play, it doesn’t appear to follow the gacha model seen in titles like Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail. Instead, in-game purchases will focus on cosmetics, vehicles, and other aesthetic enhancements rather than character unlocks. This positions Ananta as a social RPG that will likely compete closely with Grand Theft Auto Online.

NetEase is clearly going all out with this project.