NetEase’s ANANTA (formerly Project Mugen) is redefining mobile RPG monetization by eliminating character gacha systems, allowing players to experience the full roster of heroes upfront without relying on randomized mechanics.
Key Takeaways
- ANANTA eliminates traditional character gacha mechanics, giving players direct access to all playable heroes. Revenue generation pivots to cosmetic item purchases and a gacha system for vehicles.
- Nova City serves as a vibrant and immersive urban playground, where engagement on in-game social media platforms is essential for unlocking narrative content and progressing through the game.
- Players manage a specialized task force capable of seamless character-swapping mid-mission. Gameplay integrates combat, investigation, and social elements into a team-based strategy system.
- During Tokyo Game Show 2025, developers announced two core game modes: the narrative-driven Story Mode filled with action-packed sequences, and Exploration Mode that emphasizes free movement across Nova City’s detailed environments.
- ANANTA supports cross-platform functionality across PlayStation 5, PC, iOS, and Android. The game is localized in Chinese, English, Japanese, and Korean, catering to a broad global audience.
For more information about ANANTA and its innovative design approach, you can check out the coverage from the Tokyo Game Show which showcased the title’s evolving gameplay and platform support.
NetEase’s Latest Open-World RPG Ditches Character Gacha for a Fresh Approach
ANANTA represents a bold departure from conventional mobile RPG monetization strategies, particularly in its approach to character acquisition. I find this direction particularly refreshing given the current saturation of character gacha systems that dominate the market.
The game emerges from NetEase’s Naked Rain subsidiary with a clear vision to break traditional barriers. Instead of forcing players to gamble for their favorite characters, ANANTA allows direct access to all playable heroes without the typical gacha restrictions. This approach removes the frustration many players experience when trying to obtain specific characters through random chance mechanics.
Monetization Strategy Focuses on Customization
ANANTA‘s revenue model centers around cosmetic and vehicle gacha elements rather than core gameplay characters. Players can expect to find the following monetization features:
- Cosmetic items for character customization and personalization
- Vehicle gacha systems offering various transportation options
- Premium cosmetic upgrades and visual enhancements
- Optional quality-of-life improvements and convenience features
This strategy creates a more player-friendly environment where spending money enhances the experience rather than gates essential content. Players won’t face the anxiety of missing limited-time character banners or feeling pressured to spend money for competitive advantage.
NetEase’s decision aligns with growing player demand for fairer monetization practices in open-world games. The free-to-play model ensures accessibility while maintaining sustainable revenue streams through optional purchases that don’t impact core gameplay progression.
The global release strategy demonstrates NetEase’s commitment to reaching diverse audiences. Support for Chinese, English, Japanese, and Korean languages indicates careful consideration for international markets. This multilingual approach positions ANANTA to compete directly with established titles in the massive RPG space.
Cross-platform compatibility extends across PlayStation 5, PC (Windows and Mac), iOS, and Android platforms. This comprehensive platform coverage ensures players can enjoy the experience regardless of their preferred gaming device. The cross-platform pre-registration currently available through the official website allows early adopters to secure their spot for launch.
The anime-inspired visual style appeals to fans of stylized graphics while maintaining broad appeal. NetEase has demonstrated expertise in creating visually stunning games that resonate with global audiences, particularly in the mobile gaming sector where the company has established significant market presence.
ANANTA‘s urban open-world setting differentiates it from fantasy-focused competitors. The modern cityscape provides opportunities for unique gameplay mechanics and storytelling approaches that feel fresh compared to traditional medieval or fantastical settings common in the genre.
Early indicators suggest NetEase has studied player feedback from other major titles in the space. The elimination of character gacha addresses one of the most common criticisms leveled at popular RPG games that rely heavily on randomized character acquisition systems.
The timing of ANANTA‘s development coincides with increased scrutiny of predatory monetization practices in mobile gaming. Regulatory pressure in various regions has pushed developers to reconsider aggressive gacha implementations, making ANANTA‘s approach both commercially smart and socially responsible.
NetEase’s track record in developing successful mobile titles provides confidence in ANANTA‘s potential execution. The company’s experience with large-scale multiplayer games and understanding of global market preferences position this project for success across multiple regions and platforms.
Nova City Comes Alive with Unprecedented Freedom and Social Media Mechanics
I find myself constantly impressed by how NetEase has crafted Nova City as a living, breathing metropolis that responds to every player action. This sprawling urban landscape combines neon-soaked cyberpunk aesthetics with gritty back alleys where mysterious organizations conduct their shadowy business. Players experience true exploration freedom as they navigate through distinct neighborhoods, each offering unique opportunities for interaction and discovery.
Interactive Urban Adventures and Digital Fame
The city’s inhabitants represent a breakthrough in NPC design, displaying reactive behaviors that make every encounter feel authentic. I can spend hours simply observing how these digital citizens respond to my presence, creating an immersive experience that rivals other new open-world games currently available. The variety of activities available throughout Nova City is staggering:
- Gang conflicts that require strategic thinking and combat skills
- Cat interactions that provide moments of levity amid the urban chaos
- Phone surveillance mechanics that reveal hidden city secrets
- High-speed street racing through neon-lit thoroughfares
- Social media engagement that directly impacts game progression
Social media integration transforms the traditional RPG formula in fascinating ways. Players must cultivate their online presence, posting content and building follower counts to unlock new story elements and gameplay opportunities. This system cleverly mirrors real-world social dynamics while serving as a core progression mechanic. Building internet fame becomes essential for accessing certain areas, NPCs, and story missions.
The genius lies in how this NetEase creation connects digital popularity with the larger mission of saving Nova City. Every viral post, every follower gained, and every trending hashtag contributes to the character’s growing influence and ability to rally citizens against threats. This approach makes ANANTA stand out among upcoming massive RPG games, offering a fresh take on player agency and narrative progression.
Nova City’s design philosophy embraces player choice at every turn. Whether someone prefers skulking through shadowy districts gathering intelligence or racing through main streets while livestreaming their adventures, the city accommodates different playstyles. This flexibility, combined with the social media mechanics, creates a gaming experience that feels both futuristic and surprisingly relevant to contemporary digital culture.
Team-Building and Character-Switching Set ANANTA Apart from Competitors
Players step into the shoes of a new captain leading a special task force, where strategic team assembly becomes the cornerstone of gameplay success. The character roster includes diverse professionals like department heads, elite operatives, and skilled hackers, each bringing specialized abilities to dynamic missions. This system allows seamless switching between team members based on situational demands, creating a fluid gameplay experience that adapts to player preferences and mission requirements.
Multi-Organizational Mission Structure
The game’s scope extends across various organizations including NCAA, DK9, and Cat Express, presenting players with missions that demand different tactical approaches. Each assignment combines combat encounters with investigative work and social interaction strategies, requiring players to leverage their team’s diverse skill sets effectively. The variety ensures that no single character type dominates gameplay, encouraging experimentation with different team compositions and tactical approaches.
Distinctive Competitive Positioning
Industry observers have drawn comparisons between ANANTA and established titles across multiple genres, highlighting its unique positioning. The game shares tactical elements with Grand Theft Auto’s open-world freedom, incorporates Cyberpunk 2077’s futuristic urban setting, borrows investigative mechanics reminiscent of Watch Dogs, and adopts character-switching systems similar to Genshin Impact. This fusion creates a distinctive identity that combines anime-inspired aesthetics with complex gameplay mechanics.
The team-building aspect distinguishes ANANTA from typical open-world games by making character relationships and tactical coordination central to progression. Unlike competitors that focus primarily on individual character development, ANANTA emphasizes collective team dynamics and strategic deployment. The hybrid approach to mission design means players can’t rely solely on combat prowess or stealth tactics – success requires mastering all available gameplay elements.
NetEase’s approach with this new open-world RPG demonstrates ambition to carve out a unique space in the crowded market. The character-switching system provides tactical depth while maintaining accessibility for players who prefer different playstyles. Whether engaging in high-stakes infiltration missions or complex social scenarios, the team-based structure ensures varied gameplay experiences that keep players engaged across extended play sessions.
Tokyo Game Show 2025 Demo Reveals Two Distinct Gameplay Modes
ANANTA made a significant impact at Tokyo Game Show 2025, which took place from September 25–28 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. NetEase provided attendees with their first hands-on experience through a carefully crafted playable demo that showcased the game’s ambitious scope and design philosophy.
Story Mode and Exploration Mode Showcase Different Gameplay Experiences
The demo highlighted two distinct gameplay modes that demonstrate ANANTA’s versatility as an open-world experience. Story Mode delivered high-octane sequences featuring car chases and dynamic combat encounters that emphasized the game’s action-oriented elements. This mode gave players a taste of the narrative-driven experiences they can expect from the full release.
Exploration Mode offered a completely different perspective, allowing players to freely navigate through detailed commercial hubs and atmospheric backstreets. This mode emphasized the game’s world-building capabilities and gave attendees the freedom to discover environmental details at their own pace. The contrast between these two modes suggests that ANANTA will cater to different player preferences and moods.
The timing of ANANTA’s showcase aligns with other major RPG announcements, as developers continue to push boundaries in the genre. For those following upcoming massive RPG games, this demo represents a significant milestone in NetEase’s ambitious project.
Exclusive Merchandise Enhances the Demo Experience
NetEase didn’t just focus on the digital experience at Tokyo Game Show 2025. The company created an immersive booth experience complete with exclusive merchandise that attendees could take home. The merchandise lineup included several noteworthy items:
- 3D commemorative cards featuring game artwork and characters
- Branded fans perfect for the convention environment
- Collectible bags showcasing ANANTA’s visual design
- Character-themed keychains for fans to display
- Decorative stickers featuring game logos and artwork
This merchandise strategy demonstrates NetEase’s commitment to building a community around ANANTA before its official launch. The physical items serve as conversation starters and help generate organic word-of-mouth marketing among gaming enthusiasts.
Gameplay Trailer Builds Anticipation Just Before the Show
The demo experience was complemented by a new 7-minute gameplay trailer that NetEase released on September 23, 2025, just days before the convention began. This strategic timing ensured maximum visibility and built anticipation among attendees who planned to visit the ANANTA booth.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=examplevideoid
Early feedback from Tokyo Game Show attendees has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the game’s visual fidelity and smooth gameplay mechanics. The social engagement surrounding the trailer release exceeded NetEase’s expectations, indicating strong interest from the gaming community.
ANANTA Emerges as a Leading Title in NetEase’s Lineup
The demo’s success at Tokyo Game Show 2025 positions ANANTA as one of the most anticipated titles in NetEase’s portfolio. For those interested in exploring new RPG games, this demonstration provides compelling evidence that ANANTA will deliver on its ambitious promises.
The positive reception at Tokyo Game Show also reflects broader trends in mobile and cross-platform gaming development. As companies like Sony develop mobile-focused divisions, NetEase’s investment in high-quality mobile experiences appears increasingly prescient.
ANANTA’s Tokyo Game Show presence successfully balanced accessibility for newcomers with depth that will satisfy experienced RPG players. The dual-mode approach demonstrated during the demo suggests that the final product will offer substantial replay value and accommodate different play styles within the same game world.
Anime-Inspired Visuals Meet Modern Urban Aesthetics
ANANTA’s visual presentation strikes a remarkable balance between anime-inspired character design and contemporary urban environments. The development team at NetEase has crafted a distinctive art style that feels both familiar to anime enthusiasts and fresh in its execution. Character models showcase highly detailed 3D rendering that captures the essence of anime aesthetics while maintaining the visual fidelity expected from modern gaming experiences.
The cityscape itself becomes a character through vibrant neon lighting techniques that illuminate towering skyscrapers and bustling streets. These lighting systems create depth and atmosphere throughout the game world, transforming ordinary urban spaces into something extraordinary. The realistic day-night cycle further enhances this visual spectacle, as players witness how the city transforms from a bright, energetic metropolis during daylight hours to a mysterious, neon-soaked landscape after dark.
Urban Fantasy at Its Finest
The setting masterfully weaves together elements of a modern metropolis with mystical and fantastical components. Players will discover that beneath the surface of this seemingly ordinary city lies a hidden world where supernatural forces operate in the shadows. This approach creates an immersive atmosphere that keeps players constantly curious about what secrets they might uncover next.
The city’s design captures the lively urban energy that makes metropolitan areas so compelling while incorporating shadowy alleyways and hidden organizations that add layers of intrigue. This combination gives ANANTA’s world a unique character that sets it apart from other open-world games in the genre. The visual storytelling extends beyond simple aesthetics, as environmental details hint at the deeper narrative threads that players will eventually explore.
NetEase’s approach to urban fantasy creates an environment where players can seamlessly transition from exploring bright, bustling commercial districts to investigating mysterious underground facilities. The contrast between these different areas reinforces the game’s central theme of hidden worlds existing within our everyday reality. This visual design philosophy aligns perfectly with the broader trend of massive RPG games that prioritize environmental storytelling alongside traditional narrative elements.
Currently, no official launch date has been announced for ANANTA, leaving fans eager to experience this visually stunning world firsthand. The combination of anime-inspired character design with modern urban aesthetics positions the game as a potential standout in NetEase’s growing portfolio of ambitious projects.
Sources:
LDShop: “ANANTA Gameplay Unveiled – A High-Degree-of-Freedom Urban Experience – Trailer Analysis (Sep 23, 2025)”
Game8: “ANANTA Character Gacha Removed, According to Reports” (Sep 2025)
RPGSite: “Ananta gets a new open-world gameplay video ahead of TGS 2025” (Sep 2025)
Gematsu: “ANANTA ‘Gameplay’ trailer” (Sep 2025)
NetEase Games (official press release): “ANANTA, the Highly-Anticipated Urban Open World RPG, Releases New Trailer and Gameplay Details for Tokyo Game Show” (Sep 22, 2025)
NetEase Games News: “ANANTA New Trailer and Gameplay Details for Tokyo Game Show” (Sep 23, 2025)
