ANANTA, Netease’s massive open-world anime title, looks to be a big hit. But at a glance, it has me and other players questioning: Is ANANTA a gacha game? Gacha games have been on the rise for many years. One such case is Zenless Zone Zero. But overall, companies like miHoYo are mainly known for it. So with NetEase showing off ANANTA, the thought definitely crosses the mind. And after seeing new details of it during Tokyo Game Show, we have more clarification. If you are curious to know if ANANTA is all about rolling for characters like a gacha. Or if you can just enjoy the game as is with optional purchases, all of the details on it can be found below.
Is ANANTA a Gacha Game?
No, ANANTA is not going to be a gacha game like players are used to. This was confirmed by the development team last week during the Tokyo Game Show. Therefore, players don’t need to worry about a character gacha system to rank up characters. If you are unsure what this means, in games like Genshin Impact, you use a gacha system to roll for a character to level them up. More specifically, if you roll the same character again.
This can seem like a shock to many players. When the demonstrations and trailer were showing for ANANTA, it was giving off the feeling of being a gacha game. With the game being free to play, this makes it even more odd that gacha mechanics are not in the game. However, the developers have also said there are ways that monetization will be present otherwise.
ANANTA Wants to Separate Itself from Gacha Games
Aside from ANANTA not having gacha mechanics for characters, monetization in cosmetics will exist. For example, different vehicles or even clothing for your characters can be purchased. This will likely come in the form of virtual currency, which can be used to purchase items in a store. Additionally, renovation options and items for your character’s house can also cost real money. It appears that this is the studio’s strategy for generating revenue from the game. Rather than have players spend and worry about a character gacha system. In turn, you can aim to get various characters and see the different experiences that they have.
Moreover, the developers of ANANTA don’t want players to need to pay to level up their characters. Instead, you can do different activities around the city to level up that character. Such as things directed to their profession. Simpler tasks like driving your vehicle will also do the trick. Certainly a different way to level up your character, but there is likely to also be missions to increase the rank.
With these details, NetEase looks to be diverting away from the gacha gaming experience. Something that can indeed turn many players away. Whether due to the money or time needed to sink into the game itself. So having this type of approach is a relief to hear for me and likely many others. And with what we have seen of the gameplay so far, ANANTA looks like a fantastic game with plenty to enjoy. But for now, at least we know we don’t have to worry about it being a gacha game.
