New Game is Like GTA Meets Anime, and It's Going to Be a PS5 Console Exclusive

A new open-world title that’s already being likened to “anime GTA” is gearing up for release this spring, and it’s headed to PlayStation 5 as a console exclusive before Rockstar’s next big launch. The game in question is NTE: Neverness to Everness (often shortened to NTE), an ambitious free-to-play anime open-world experience that’s drawing comparisons to everything from GTA and Zenless Zone Zero to Genshin Impact thanks to its blend of exploration, narrative, and action-oriented gameplay. While it may still be a while before PS5 players get their hands on GTA 6, this might serve to tide some fans over in the meantime.

With GTA 6 delayed again as of this past November, players won’t be seeing the highly-anticipated title until November 19, 2026. Fans are split on whether the delay will build anticipation or sour expectations, but one thing is clear: there’s going to be a long wait before players can roam Vice City again. Meanwhile, a surprising new contender, NTE, has appeared on the horizon — and it’s mixing an anime style with open-world exploration in a way that’s catching players’ attention.

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NTE Releases in April, Pre-registration Available Now

Developed by Hotta Studio and powered by Unreal Engine 5, Neverness to Everness will launch on April 29, 2026, as a free-to-play title with console exclusivity on PlayStation 5. At the same time, the title will also release on PC, Mac, and mobile platforms. Interested players can sign up for pre-registration right now, and player rewards are promised if certain milestones are reached. On the table are the A-ranked character, Haniel, Fabricated Dice, Beetle Coins, and Elite Hunter Guides. Additionally, if the official NTE account reaches 5 million followers across all platforms, the Officer Whisker glider unlocks for all players.

Running through a train in Neverness to Everness (2026)

NTE places players in the sprawling city of Hethereau, a “melting pot” of urban chaos and supernatural intrigue. While NTE doesn’t literally copy the GTA 3 success formula, its emphasis on freeform open-world exploration, story-driven missions, and city life evokes a similar vibe. That is, with a distinctly stylized twist. Players have compared the experience more to an anime-influenced sandbox RPG than a direct clone, with narrative beats and combat that reflect its RPG roots as much as its open-world illicit that GTA imagery. And while a fully fleshed out release is still months away, the fact that NTE is launching ahead of GTA 6 has sparked some buzz.

Community responses on Reddit and gaming forums reflect a mix of excitement and skepticism. In one r/NevernessToEverness thread discussing early impressions, players highlighted positive aspects like the more generous gacha system akin to Cookie Run: Kingdom and the variety of activities in the world, from exploration to paranormal investigations. Many users praised the aesthetic design and urban fantasy setting, noting it feels “excellent whether you’re poor or rich.” However, not all fans are sold on the comparisons to GTA. Other Reddit discussions stress that while the game’s open world is ambitious, its supernatural elements and RPG structure make it fundamentally different from a traditional GTA-style experience. Some argue it should be appreciated on its own terms rather than merely being compared to Rockstar’s flagship franchise.

Two cars racing in Neverness to Everness (2026)

It’s worth stressing that NTE isn’t GTA — at least not in the classic sense of presenting criminal sandbox mayhem, gritty adult themes, and Grand Theft Auto’s controversial missions. But the comparisons are more about vibe and scope than exact gameplay replication. With its anime aesthetic and RPG underpinnings, NTE may well carve out its own niche among gamers who want open-world ambition delivered through a fresh cultural and artistic lens. Whether NTE becomes a sleeper hit or simply a curious tangent in open-world design, its release window and PS5 exclusivity might make it on many players’ radars long before GTA 6 finally lands.