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All the key details about ‘anime GTA’ game Ananta
Ananta, previously known as Project Mugen, is a free-to-play urban open-world RPG from a NetEase studio, scheduled for release on 15 January 2027 for PC, PlayStation 5 and mobile. Its combination of anime styling with driving, combat, traversal and character-switching has led to comparisons with Grand Theft Auto, Batman: Arkham and Spider-Man. The announcement matters because it gives the long-unseen project a firm release date and substantially clarifies its unusually broad scope.
The game is set across Nova City and Chongxiao, with missions and activities including fighting, racing, dating, arcade games, home customisation and varied travel options. Sixteen characters have been revealed, all expected to be unlocked through play rather than character gacha; monetisation is currently confirmed only for cosmetics such as clothing, vehicles and homes. There will be no multiplayer at launch, although the developers are considering four-player co-op, and no public beta is expected before release.
In short
- Ananta launches on 15 January 2027.
- It blends anime aesthetics with open-world action.
- Characters will be free rather than gacha pulls.
Explained simply
Ananta is a free-to-play role-playing game set in a large modern city, where players can explore, take on missions and switch between different characters. It was first shown under the name Project Mugen and is being made by a studio owned by NetEase, a Chinese games company.
The game’s activities include combat, driving and racing, alongside social pursuits such as dating and customising a home. Its mix of urban exploration and action has prompted comparisons with other open-world games, though Ananta has its own anime-inspired style and character-switching system.
The developers have revealed 16 characters and say they are expected to be unlocked through play; confirmed purchases are for cosmetic items. The game is planned as a single-player release, with co-op under consideration, so its scope and business model are central to understanding what players can expect.