Ananta: The Ambitious "Anime GTA" from NetEase

Ananta, developed by NetEase, has recently garnered attention as an ambitious open-world RPG often dubbed the "anime GTA." The game combines elements from various popular titles, including mechanics reminiscent of Insomniac's Spider-Man, the Batman: Arkham series, and Yakuza. Players can engage in diverse activities, such as character-switching, combat, and exploration within a vibrant urban environment. The game features multiple protagonists, including Taffy, a bunny girl with telekinetic powers, and Lykaia, a police officer with unique gameplay mechanics.

“It’s like if GTA, Spiderman and Yakuza had a baby,” Japanese gamers have high expectations for ANANTA, but “copycat” gameplay and monetization are a concern

The development team behind Ananta is notably large, comprising between 700 and 800 individuals. This extensive workforce reflects the game's ambitious scope, which aims to incorporate a wide range of gameplay mechanics and narrative elements. Pre-registration for Ananta has already attracted over 12.9 million players, indicating significant interest within the gaming community.

That Anime Game That Looks Like Every Other Game Apparently Has 800 People Working On It

Ananta will not follow the character-based gacha model typical of many free-to-play games. Instead, it will focus on cosmetic purchases, allowing players to customize their characters, vehicles, and homes. This decision has been met with praise, as it alleviates concerns about pay-to-win mechanics. However, some players express skepticism regarding the game's profitability without a stable monetization system, especially given its high PC requirements.

“It’s like if GTA, Spiderman and Yakuza had a baby,” Japanese gamers have high expectations for ANANTA, but “copycat” gameplay and monetization are a concern

Despite the excitement surrounding Ananta, there are concerns about its originality. Critics have pointed out that the game appears to borrow heavily from existing titles, raising questions about potential plagiarism and patent infringement. Some players worry that the game may face legal challenges due to its similarities to established franchises. Others have expressed disappointment over the lack of innovation, suggesting that the game feels like a pastiche of other titles rather than a unique offering.

“It’s like if GTA, Spiderman and Yakuza had a baby,” Japanese gamers have high expectations for ANANTA, but “copycat” gameplay and monetization are a concern

NetEase has not yet announced an official release date for Ananta, but the game's developers have indicated plans for post-launch expansions, including additional cities and countries. This commitment to expanding the game's world suggests a long-term vision for Ananta, aiming to keep players engaged with new content.

That Anime Game That Looks Like Every Other Game Apparently Has 800 People Working On It

• “I don’t want to say anything about plagiarism, but I feel like they’re going to get sued and change the [Spiderman-like] mechanics midway through,” — Anonymous User

“It’s like if GTA, Spiderman and Yakuza had a baby,” Japanese gamers have high expectations for ANANTA, but “copycat” gameplay and monetization are a concern

• “Surprisingly, this game does not have what is known as a 'character gacha,' and basically, you can get all of the playable characters just by playing the game. Seriously?! … So, what are the in-game elements that require payment? Mainly the parts that allow players to customize their clothes, vehicles, homes, and more to their liking.” — Famitsu (via machine translation)

Despite all appearances, upcoming F2P open-world RPG Ananta isn't a gacha game—only charging for cosmetics and furniture

Ananta stands at the intersection of high expectations and skepticism. While its ambitious design and extensive development team promise a rich gaming experience, concerns about originality and monetization strategies linger. As the gaming community awaits further updates, Ananta's unique blend of genres and mechanics will be closely scrutinized in the lead-up to its eventual release.

“It’s like if GTA, Spiderman and Yakuza had a baby,” Japanese gamers have high expectations for ANANTA, but “copycat” gameplay and monetization are a concern