Free-to-play ‘anime GTA 6’ confirms release date with Opening Night Live reveal

While the title Ananta may not immediately ring a bell, you’ve perhaps seen gameplay clips online dubbed “anime GTA VI”.

Naked Rain and NetEase Games’ upcoming free-to-play open-world title has often been compared to Grand Theft Auto VI - and while it may seem a tongue-in-cheek comparison at first glance, there are quite a number of similarities between the two games.

You’ll cruise around an enormous open-world filled with both cityscapes and beaches, yes, in a location that shares a visual kinship with Vice City.

Ananta isn’t quite as R-rated as GTA VI, but you’ll still partake in unlawful activities, vehicular chaos, and general wrongdoing.

If you remember, Ananta is also the game that was accused of ripping off just about every AAA game going, especially with its weird webslinging which looks to be inspired by Insomniac Games’ Marvel’s Spider-Man franchise.

The game’s last major reveal came almost one year ago, but Naked Rain has now returned at today’s Opening Night Live.

Geoff Keighley’s annual showcase is underway, kicking off this year’s Gamescom, and Ananta has just confirmed it’s launching on January 15 2027.

The release date was confirmed in a brand new trailer which showcased yet another one of Ananta's cities; this latest one is called Chongxiao and here, martial arts style combat reigns supreme.

It's quite different to the previously revealed Nova City which is the one that's been compared to Vice City online.

Take a look at Ananta's new trailer below confirming the game's release date

"Play as a variety of characters and explore everything from bustling business districts and hidden alleyways, to quiet tea towns and buzzing old streets," begins a synopsis of the game.

"Rub shoulders with a wide-ranging cast of intriguing characters as you assemble a team all your own. Join forces against the threats working in the shadows, or live it up and take in the nightlife under the neon glow. The choice is yours."

If you want to get your hands on Ananta before its January launch, your best bet is to head over to the game's website where you'll be able to pre-register your interest.

Given that this is a live-service free-to-play title, it's incredibly likely that beta tests will be confirmed between now and January so developers have the chance to iron out any final issues.

READ MORE: GTA 6 leak reveals hilarious PlayStation Easter egg as The Last of Us roasted

In fact, if you pre-register, you'll actually unlock special rewards inside Ananta when it launches next year.

The title has already surpassed 15,000,000 registrations, unlocking all those included 10K Golvent, an in-game currency. The next milestone to reach is 20,000,000 where players will get a clothing dye.

At 25,000,000 a profile card is unlocked, while at 30,000,000 pre-registrations, players will get 100 Jillion Vouchers, another currency assumably.

The final milestone is 35,000,000 pre-registrations where a unique outfit will unlock.

The latest trailer is drumming up plenty of excitement. "OMG the wait was worth it. We finally got a release date," read one YouTube comment on the new trailer, while another added, "GTA anime is so back!"

Ananta is coming to PlayStation 5 and PC and, again, is free-to-play but will feature in game transactions.