HoYoverse, the developer widely known for 'Genshin Impact' and 'Zenless Zone Zero', has embarked on the development of a new open-world MMO that is distinct from its previous titles. Having primarily used the Unity engine to create anime-style games, HoYoverse is now drawing industry attention by utilizing Unreal Engine 5 for the first time to implement realistic graphics and an enhanced AI system.

HoYoverse recently began recruiting development staff for a new fantasy project through its official career site, which revealed the outlines of the project. Given that recruitment for 63 roles—including 'grand fantasy world', 'dynamic open world', and 'multiplayer combat'—has been ongoing since August 2024, it can be inferred that these hires are intended for this new project.

While the project remains nameless for now, it is known to feature a vast open world, PvP elements, and large-scale raid boss battles. In particular, the company plans to apply cutting-edge AI technology to dynamically implement the game world. In the AI-simulated ecosystem, wildlife and the environment will react realistically to player actions, and the ecosystem will undergo dynamic changes, such as shifting after large-scale hunts. Furthermore, it is expected to create a more lifelike world where monsters strategically utilize terrain to attack, and NPC villagers possess complex backstories and respond intelligently.

The currently released images and videos feature keywords such as 'grand fantasy epic', 'ancient hidden mysteries', 'demons and beasts', and 'legendary heroes'. Additionally, messages such as "Restore the collapsed order, end the corrupted contract, and defy the whims of gods," combined with the statement, "Choosing your own path and meeting companions... the journey to expose the truth becomes your own hero's epic," hint at the general worldview. The 20-second teaser video, which shows mist-shrouded environments with tangled glowing roots and horseback riding, evokes a vibe similar to 'Elden Ring'.