ANANTA Open-World RPG Rejects Gacha Focuses on Freedom and Style
ANANTA Rejects Gacha, Focuses on Freedom and Unique Style
At Tokyo Game Show 2025, the chaotic Open-World RPG ANANTA from Naked Rain Studio and NetEase made a big splash after winning the Japan Game Awards 2025 Future Division. What caught the most attention was the team’s firm confirmation that ANANTA will not use a gacha system to unlock characters, even though it is a Free-to-Play game with top-tier anime-style visuals comparable to popular titles like Genshin Impact.
ANANTA Highlights Life and Freedom for Its Characters
Ash, producer of ANANTA, explained in an interview with Denfaminicogamer that the game’s philosophy is to let players experience the lives of each character freely. “In real life, we only have one life. In ANANTA, players can see the world through multiple characters’ perspectives and enjoy it without limits.” This is the main reason the team chose not to use a gacha system for character unlocks.
The game offers a main storyline along with free-form life simulation in a chaotic city. Players can freely switch characters for both story progression and city exploration. The developers believe that a gacha system would conflict with the core concept of player freedom and choice.
Regarding monetization, the main game is completely free to play. Revenue will come from costumes, special skins, housing decorations, and vehicles purchasable with in-game currency. Some limited-time content, such as event outfits or exclusive items, will require real money.
The TGS demo featured only three characters: Captain, Taffy, and Richie. Ash confirmed that new characters will be added in the future, inspired by various city professions. The team is also listening to fan feedback to design fresh characters and create unique player experiences.
ANANTA is an urban adventure RPG that takes players to the city of Nova, a sprawling metropolis filled with secrets and dangers. Players assume the role of spy A.C.D., exploring the city with activities ranging from sightseeing at Paradox Plaza, navigating the Glimmergold gaming district, to using the psychic power Infinite Trigger to uncover mysteries and battle the threat of ‘Chaos’ that endangers humanity.
