Since Genshin Impact’s blockbuster arrival on consoles, PC, and mobile, PlayStation has been on a relentless hunt for the next big gacha-driven action RPG. In 2026, the platform’s latest catch is finally ready to drop, and it’s got gamers buzzing. Neverness to Everness—yeah, the name’s a mouthful, so just call it the “anime GTA”—is set to bring a neon-drenched open world, flashy combat, and a free-to-play gacha loop to PS5, PC, and mobile. It’s the kind of hybrid that has industry watchers saying, “Genshin Impact finally got its driver’s license.”
Developed by Hotta Studio, the team behind Tower of Fantasy, this new title takes the familiar Impact formula and injects a hefty dose of urban chaos. The trailer released earlier this year showcases a sprawling cityscape bathed in cyberpunk hues, characters flinging around elemental abilities like it’s nobody’s business, and vehicles you can actually drive—hence the GTA comparisons.
The extended gameplay walkthrough only cements the Rockstar vibes. You’ve got open-world exploration, jump-in-and-drive cars, and walk-in stores that feel ripped straight from Los Santos—minus the crime sprees, at least for now. Imagine pulling up to a convenience store in a slick sports car, hopping out, and grabbing some ramen before you tear through the streets again.
Let’s not forget Hotta Studio’s track record. Tower of Fantasy had its own share of teething problems but evolved into a solid sci-fi gacha with massive updates. Now the team is bringing that same ambition to an urban playground, and the leap in visual fidelity is hard to ignore—ray-tracing reflections on rain-slicked streets, day-night cycles that transform the atmosphere, and a soundtrack that absolutely slaps. Under the hood, it’s a classic gacha RPG with over-the-top animations, memorable anime mascots, and a combat system that looks flashy enough to steal some thunder from its inspiration. Characters surf on energy waves, summon giant spectral blades, and pull off moves that scream “rule of cool.”
PlayStation’s gacha offensive didn’t happen overnight. Over the past few years, Sony has been snapping up these live-service heavyweights like they’re going out of style. Last year alone, Project Mugen hit the scene with its Spider-Verse-inspired grapple system across a sprawling city. Then came Arknights: Endfield, a more tactical take on the formula, and Wuthering Waves, which had a rocky launch but quickly found its footing. Each of these titles aimed to carve out a slice of the gacha pie that Genshin Impact baked, and PlayStation was more than happy to host the feast.
What sets Neverness to Everness apart? For starters, it’s the genuine focus on modern urban life. Not just a static backdrop, the city feels alive—with traffic, pedestrians, and shops you can pop into. The driving isn’t a half-baked gimmick; early footage shows slick vehicle handling that could satisfy arcade racer fans. And the gacha system? Expect the usual character and weapon banners, but Hotta Studio has already shown a willingness to be generous. The devs recently gave out a free S-class character to players after an “incredible amount of feedback,” a move that’s sparked plenty of goodwill—and memes.
Community chatter has even identified a Paimon-like companion (because every gacha needs its floating chatterbox), though this one’s apparently more cyber-pet than emergency food. Whether you’re here for the waifus, the whips, or the world itself, the hype is real.
As of 2026, the hype train is in full swing. Neverness to Everness still doesn’t have a hard release date, but pre-registrations are live—and even the sign-up page has a lo-fi beat so chill you might just keep the tab open for the vibe alone. Industry analysts are betting on a launch later this year, just in time for the holiday season when free-to-play titles often rake in millions. Pre-registration rewards are already stacking up, and the community is buzzing over character designs that look like they walked out of a late-night anime binge. Rumors of a closed beta are swirling, so keep your eyes peeled.
In a market flooded with Genshin clones, Neverness to Everness is shaping up to be the wild card—the one that dares to mash up anime flair with open-world driving in a way that feels fresh. If you’ve been sleeping on gacha games, this might be the one that wakes you up. So buckle up, wishlist the game, and maybe start practicing your pull rituals. Because if Hotta Studio delivers, PlayStation might just have its next golden goose.