Ananta: Release Date, Platforms and Gameplay for the Anime GTA-Like Game (Gamescom Cologne)

Gamescom 2026: the surprise announcement shaking up the NetEase booth

Every year, we expect publishers like NetEase to come out swinging with some major announcements. But this time, at Gamescom 2026, they really went all out. Instead of simply announcing an update for an existing game, they unveiled the trailer for a completely new project: Ananta. The surprise was total, immediately capturing the attention of everyone in the room.

NetEase's new flagship?

Clearly, NetEase is not presenting Ananta as a minor side project. Everything about the presentation, from its prominent place in the conference to the trailer's production quality, screams “AAA game.” The Chinese publisher appears determined to make it one of its leading titles for years to come, taking direct aim at the biggest names in the open-world genre.

A trailer that whets the appetite

Although short, the trailer made quite an impression. It introduced us to a colorful futuristic city, characters with highly polished anime designs and seemingly dynamic action sequences. The first reactions on social media have also been very positive, with many players eager to see how this blend of Japanese aesthetics and GTA-style freedom will feel in practice. The Ananta game has clearly made its mark.

GTA-like and anime: the formula to dethrone the giants?

Let's be clear: combining GTA's freedom with an anime-inspired art direction is not entirely new. But Ananta's proposal seems determined to push the concept much further, taking direct aim at the market leaders. It's an ambitious cocktail with plenty of potential.

An open world that smells of asphalt

What we have seen so far establishes some very solid foundations. The game promises large-scale urban exploration, with vehicles to drive and tires to burn through the streets of the gigantic metropolis of Chongxiao, particularly in its Lingyun district. But the real promise goes well beyond the classic GTA structure: the game revolves around the official concept “Go Viral. Save the World”. Players take on the role of a content creator seeking attention in a city governed by algorithms and social influence.

But combat could be where the game really stands out. The first footage shows highly dynamic battles based on abilities and on-the-fly character switching. This is a long way from the rigidity of some open-world games, which is excellent news.

The Gacha aesthetic that changes everything

It's impossible not to think of Genshin Impact when looking at these polished visuals. This “anime” art direction is more than an aesthetic choice. It opens the door to a gacha-style business model in which players collect charismatic characters to build their team.

It's a formula that has already proven effective and could attract millions of players, perhaps those tired of fantasy settings and looking for a more modern, urban atmosphere. The commercial potential is simply enormous.

Ananta versus the competition

But make no mistake: the Ananta game is not entering an uncontested market. The competition is already here, or preparing behind the scenes. The matchup promises to be close, particularly against Neverness to Everness, another highly anticipated title operating in very similar territory.

Free-to-play: what business model will Ananta use?

This is the news that reassures some players—and worries others: Ananta has been confirmed as a free-to-play game. No boxed copy to buy, then. But how does the studio plan to monetize such an ambitious project? Let's examine the most likely options—and believe me, we already have a pretty good idea.

To place Ananta among recent free-to-play games, check out another recent free-to-play RPG, Aniimo, whose gameplay revolves around capturing creatures and Twining.

A Genshin Impact-style gacha system?

It's impossible not to think about it. The gacha model, popularized by giants such as Genshin Impact, seems almost inevitable. We can therefore expect a random-pull system to unlock new characters—the famous “agents”—and perhaps even powerful weapons. That's the key to success for this type of live-service game.

The generosity of the system will be crucial. Players will hope for a decent drop rate and premium currency that can be obtained without necessarily reaching for their credit cards with every banner. The balance between frustration and rewards will largely determine the game's long-term success.

Battle Passes and cosmetics: genre staples

Alongside the gacha, expect the other two pillars of modern F2P games to appear. A seasonal Battle Pass offering rewards to players who complete missions is almost a certainty. It's an excellent way to retain players and give them constant objectives.

And the Ananta game remains generous toward players who do not want to spend money.

January 15, 2027 release: what we know about the launch

Let's stop beating around the bush—this is THE major piece of information everyone was waiting for! NetEase has finally revealed the official release date. Mark it in red on your calendars: Ananta's worldwide launch is set for January 15, 2027. Yes, we'll have to be patient, but this gives the developers time to polish their game.

The game is confirmed for several platforms to reach as many players as possible. You will be able to dive into this world on PC, PlayStation 5 and mobile devices (iOS and Android). Such a broad release underlines the project's ambition, and the audience is already responding: Ananta has surpassed 17 million pre-registrations across 110 countries.

A beta schedule to watch

Before this major launch, expect several testing phases. NetEase has not yet announced a precise schedule, but it is reasonable to expect closed and then open betas during 2026. This will be an opportunity to get hands-on with the game and share our first impressions. Stay tuned—we will keep you updated as soon as registrations open!

Final verdict: a promise to keep

Honestly, on paper, the Ananta project has everything going for it. A stylized open world, a striking anime art direction and the promise of fast-paced gameplay… NetEase is pulling out all the stops to deliver a serious competitor to the genre's giants. The 2027 release date may seem far away, but that is probably the time studio Naked Rain needs to turn this ambitious vision into reality. We are excited, but we will wait to judge whether the famous Ananta game lives up to all its promises once we get our hands on it.

Ananta release FAQ

What is Ananta's exact release date?

Ananta's worldwide release is officially scheduled for January 15, 2027.

Which platforms will the game be available on?

Ananta will be available at launch on PC, PlayStation 5 and iOS and Android mobile devices.

Who is developing Ananta?

The game is being developed by Naked Rain, an internal development studio at Chinese publisher NetEase Games.