HoYoverse Returns to G-STAR After 4 Years to Showcase Two New Titles

The return to G-STAR comes at a pivotal moment for the company. Sam, Global PR Lead at HoYoverse, emphasized that the Korean market remains a 'key pillar' of their global community. According to Sam, the continuous interest and support from Korean players have provided the company with 'immense strength,' directly influencing the evolution of their existing worlds. This sentiment was echoed by Seven, Global Business CEO at HoYoverse, who stated that despite the company's massive global growth, the core mission remains to provide 'fun, fresh, and exciting experiences for everyone.'

A Legacy of Global Success

Before diving into the future, HoYoverse reviewed the milestones that have built their current foundation. The company highlighted the massive scale of its existing IPs:

• Genshin Impact: The open-world RPG released in September 2020 has reached over 40 million global players and has been recognized by major institutions including The Game Awards and the Golden Joystick Awards.
• Honkai: Star Rail: Since its April 2023 launch, the title has surpassed 150 million cumulative downloads and earned 'Best Mobile Game' honors at The Game Awards.
• Zenless Zone Zero: The urban fantasy action RPG launched in July 2024, recording over 100 million cumulative downloads across PC, console, and mobile. It has recently expanded to the Steam platform and received nominations at the PlayStation Partner Awards and Gamescom.

Honkai: Nexus Anima: A Bold Step into Creature Collection

The most significant reveal regarding gameplay mechanics was Honkai: Nexus Anima. This title represents HoYoverse's first foray into the creature-collecting and strategy adventure genre. Set in a world where humans coexist with mysterious beings called 'Anima,' the game revolves around the concept of 'Bonds.' Following a phenomenon known as the 'Honkai,' these bonds were severed, and the resulting entities—the Anima—now roam the world.

Players take on the role of Dimensional Travelers, forming bonds with Anima to explore the world and engage in 'Nexus Battles.' The Anima are described as having distinct personalities tied to daily life. Notable examples include Tsumei, born from plum blossom branches; Umbrella, a cat-like Anima that transforms into an umbrella; and Shadow, which only appears at night. The game features a multi-branching story where player decisions influence endings and faction relations, such as with the True Nexus Group or the Nexus Association.

The combat system utilizes an auto-battler format where players use 'Principles' to compose Anima teams. Strategic depth comes from activating synergies between principles and deploying characters at the right moment to enhance their 'Companion Anima.' Honkai: Nexus Anima is scheduled for a Final Beta Test on November 25, with a global release slated for next spring.

Petit Planet: A New Life Simulation Experience

HoYoverse's first foray into the life simulation genre is Petit Planet, a game focused on the concept of 'Connection.' Players act as 'Planet Tenders' in the 'Starsea,' managing their own planets, decorating environments, and interacting with unique Neighbors. As the 'Luca Seed' grows, players unlock new terrain like mountains and seas, turning the planet into a living, inhabitable space.

Petit Planet is set for a global launch on December 4 on PC, iOS, and Android. The developers emphasized that the core experience revolves around personal expression and social interaction within the Starsea.

HoYoverse has returned to G-STAR for the first time in four years. During a media briefing in Seoul, the company emphasized that their participation in the flagship Korean event is not about booth visitor metrics, but about obtaining direct, vivid feedback from local gamers regarding two upcoming titles: the life simulation Petit Planet and the project currently in development, Honkai: Nexus Anima.

Petit Planet: Social Fun and Life Simulation

Petit Planet is positioned as an all-ages title designed to appeal to a broader audience than existing HoYoverse games, focusing on life simulation, 'cozy' content, and social activities. The game features a social space called the Galactic Bazaar where players can interact, chat around campfires, or play dance games. To ensure a safe environment for all ages, Design Lead Murphy explained that chat in the Galactic Bazaar is only possible when characters are seated. Additionally, a strict distinction exists between strangers and friends, and a minor protection toggle allows parents to restrict social functions for younger players.

The gameplay revolves around customizing a personal planet. Players can acquire rare outfits or furniture through 'Lumi Home Shopping' or craft custom items using 'Idea Cards' earned through various activities. A 'Blueprint' system allows players to download and apply furniture arrangements or UGC created by others, ensuring that those without design skills can still enjoy the decorating experience. The game is scheduled for a global launch on December 4.

One of the most discussed features is the use of AI-driven NPCs in the Galactic Bazaar, such as the 'Hearth Manager' and 'Rabbit Amira'. Art Lead Yinli Huang stated that data collection is strictly limited to the legal requirements of each country and is supported by robust security measures. Players retain the right to request the correction, modification, or deletion of their personal data, and the AI functions can be toggled off entirely.

Honkai: Nexus Anima: Development and Feedback

While Honkai: Nexus Anima is still in deep development, the company is actively seeking player input to refine the experience. A Final Beta Test is scheduled for November 25. Branch Head Ran Huang noted that the goal of participating in G-STAR is to hear firsthand about the charm and areas for improvement of both new titles directly from the community.

Regarding the business model for Petit Planet, Design Lead Murphy clarified that the core gameplay, including interactions with NPCs and 'Neighbor' content, will be available for free without mandatory purchases, allowing families to enjoy the game without financial pressure.

HoYoverse is returning to G-STAR for the first time in four years. During a media briefing in Seoul, the company announced that its participation in the exhibition is primarily aimed at gathering direct feedback from Korean users regarding two new titles currently in development.

Strategic Focus on the Korean Market

The company emphasized the importance of the Korean region to its global community. Representatives noted that the goal of attending G-STAR is not merely about presence, but about understanding the specific needs and preferences of the local player base to refine their upcoming projects.

Two New Projects in Development

While the company continues to support its established franchises, the focus at G-STAR is on two new directions that represent a diversification of their portfolio. The company intends to use the event as a platform to observe how players interact with these new concepts before their full release.

The participation marks a significant return for the publisher to the South Korean exhibition circuit, highlighting their commitment to maintaining a close relationship with one of their most active gaming markets.