HoYoverse Returns to G-STAR: New Genres and a Focus on Feedback

On November 6, ahead of G-STAR 2026, HoYoverse held a press briefing at the Grand Hyatt Seoul. This marks the developer's first participation in the exhibition since 2022. The spotlight was on two new directions: the life simulator Petit Planet, scheduled for release on December 4, and the strategic game Honkai: Nexus Anima, which is currently in the final beta testing recruitment stage.

Strategy and the Success of Current Projects

HoYoverse representatives emphasized the significance of the Korean region for the company's global community. Sam, Global PR Lead, noted that support and feedback from Korean players are key factors in the development of the company's projects. In turn, Seven, Global Business CEO, stated that despite the company's growth, its goal remains unchanged: to offer players fresh and engaging experiences.

During the presentation, the company reviewed the performance of its core franchises:

• Genshin Impact: An open-world RPG released in September 2020, boasting an audience of over 40 million players worldwide. Over six years, the project has received numerous awards, including Golden Joystick Awards and The Game Awards.
• Honkai: Star Rail: Following its release in April 2023, the game surpassed 150 million downloads and was honored as 'Best Mobile Game' at The Game Awards.
• Zenless Zone Zero: An urban fantasy action RPG released in July 2024. The project has amassed over 100 million downloads across PC, consoles, and mobile devices, and has received nominations at the PlayStation Partner Awards and Gamescom.

Honkai: Nexus Anima — A New Vision for the Honkai Series

One of the major announcements was Honkai: Nexus Anima—HoYoverse's first attempt to enter the genre of collectible adventure strategy with creature cultivation elements. The story unfolds in a world where humans coexist with mysterious creatures called Anima, which emerged from severed 'Bonds' following a cataclysm known as the Honkai.

Players take on the role of Dimensional Travelers establishing connections with Anima. Creatures presented included Tsumei (born from plum branches), Umbrella (a cat-like creature that transforms into an umbrella), and Shadow (which only appears at night). Key gameplay mechanics include:

• A story with multiple endings: player decisions influence the narrative development and the choice of factions, such as the True Nexus Group and the Nexus Association.
• The living world of Yiya Village: a location filled with the atmosphere of real life, where players can manage businesses using Anima or use them as mounts.
• Strategic auto-battler combat: players form teams of Anima, utilizing the power of 'Principles' and activating synergies at the opportune moment.

The final beta test for Honkai: Nexus Anima is scheduled for November 25, with a global release expected in the spring of next year.

Petit Planet: Life Simulation in Starsea

The second newcomer is Petit Planet—the company's first project in the life simulation genre on a planetary scale. Players, acting as Planet Tenders, will manage their own worlds in the Starsea space, engaging in decoration, landscape development (from fields to mountains), and building relationships with unique neighbors. The main emphasis is placed on the concept of 'connection' and the possibility of free self-expression without rigid gameplay loops.

The global launch of Petit Planet is set for December 4 on PC, iOS, and Android platforms.

Goals for Participating in G-STAR

Concluding the briefing, Branch Head Ran Huang explained that participating in G-STAR is a way for HoYoverse to obtain live, direct feedback from Korean players. This is critical for both new titles: Petit Planet, which will launch globally on December 4, and Honkai: Nexus Anima, which is preparing for its final beta test on November 25.

A Strategic Return to G-STAR

At a media showcase held at the Grand Hyatt Seoul, HoYoverse leadership emphasized the pivotal role the Korean market plays in their global ecosystem. Sam, Global PR Lead at HoYoverse, described Korea as a "vital pillar" of the company's community, noting that the feedback and support from Korean players have been a significant source of strength for the developer's growth.

Seven, CEO of Global Business at HoYoverse, reaffirmed the company's core mission: to provide constantly fresh and engaging experiences to a global audience. During the presentation, the company highlighted the massive scale of its current portfolio, including 'Genshin Impact' with over 40 million players, 'Honkai: Star Rail' with over 150 million cumulative downloads, and 'Zenless Zone Zero', which has surpassed 100 million downloads across PC, console, and mobile platforms.

Expanding Genres: 'Honkai: Nexus Anima' and 'Petit Planet'

HoYoverse is actively diversifying its lineup with two new titles. 'Petit Planet', a planet life simulation game, is scheduled for a global launch on December 4 for PC, iOS, and Android. In this title, players act as "Planet Tenders" in the "Starsea," managing their own planets and experiencing a cozy, everyday life simulation.

More significantly, the company is venturing into the creature-collecting adventure strategy genre with 'Honkai: Nexus Anima'. Set in a world where humans coexist with mysterious creatures called "Anima," the game revolves around the concept of "Bonds." Following a mysterious event that severed connections between concepts, players take on the role of a Planestrider to forge new bonds with Anima and explore various realms.

Deepening the 'Honkai' Experience

Lan Huang, Country Manager of HoYoverse Korea, provided details on the gameplay mechanics of 'Honkai: Nexus Anima'. The game features a branching narrative where player choices influence story paths and endings, a bold move for a live-service title. Players will explore 'Iya Village,' a vibrant hub where they can interact with residents, dispatch Anima to manage shops, or use Anima as mounts to navigate the environment.

The combat system utilizes an auto-battler mechanic. Players assemble Anima based on elemental principles to fight automatically, using character skills to influence the outcome. Strategic depth is added through synergies between principles and the ability to deploy up to three characters at critical moments. A key feature is the ability to deploy a character alongside a designated "Companion Anima" to grant significant enhancements.

The game's world is populated by diverse Anima with unique personalities, such as 'Tsumei' (born from a plum branch), 'Umbrella' (a cat-like creature that transforms based on weather), and 'Shadow' (which moves through darkness at night). Players can encounter these creatures through combat, conversation, or by exploring mysterious locations. A Final Closed Beta Test for 'Honkai: Nexus Anima' is slated to begin on November 25, with an official release expected in spring of next year.

Petit Planet: A Focus on Connection and Socialization

At the heart of Petit Planet lies the concept of "connection." Unlike many titles with rigid gameplay loops, this experience emphasizes personal expression through planet customization and building relationships with unique Neighbors. As players nurture "Luka Seeds" into trees, their planets expand to include diverse terrains like farmlands, mountains, and oceans, creating a living environment rather than a static space. This expansion continuously unlocks new daily activities, such as farming, bug catching, fishing, and beachcombing.

The social aspect is anchored by the 'Galactic Bazaar,' a hub where Planet Tenders can interact through activities like chatting around a campfire or participating in dance games. To ensure a safe environment for all ages, HoYoverse has implemented several safeguards: chat in the Bazaar is restricted to players who are seated, the friends system distinguishes between strangers and registered friends, and a dedicated minor protection toggle allows parents to restrict social features for younger accounts.

For those who struggle with design, the game introduces a "Blueprint" system. This allows players to share their custom furniture layouts and UGC (User-Generated Content) designs, enabling others to download and apply them to their own planets effortlessly.

AI-Driven Interactions and Character Development

One of the most notable technical features is the integration of AI-driven NPCs. Players can engage in open conversations with characters like 'Store Manager Nalo.' Yinli Huang, Art Lead, emphasized that data collection is strictly limited to what is required by local laws, and players retain the right to edit or delete their personal information. Additionally, an option to toggle AI features on or off is available for user comfort. While currently focused on Nalo, other AI-powered NPCs like 'Amira Rabbit' are in development.

Based on feedback from previous testing, HoYoverse is actively refining NPC behavior. While players responded positively to NPCs remembering their actions, some felt overwhelmed by frequent NPC approaches. Consequently, the developers are adjusting the frequency of these interactions to accommodate more introverted players, while also working to give NPCs even stronger, more distinct personalities.

Expanding the Horizon: Honkai: Nexus Anima

While Petit Planet targets a broad audience interested in life simulation and relaxation, Honkai: Nexus Anima represents a different direction for the studio. While specific gameplay details remain under wraps, Lan Huang, Country Manager, confirmed that the title is in active development. The studio plans to gather critical player feedback during a Final Closed Beta Test scheduled to begin on November 25.

Direct Engagement and Market Insights

HoYoverse's presence at G-STAR marks a significant strategic shift in how the publisher approaches the South Korean market. Rather than focusing solely on promotional showcases, the company's participation is explicitly aimed at gathering direct feedback from Korean players regarding two new, unannounced titles. This move suggests a growing emphasis on localized community sentiment during the development and early testing phases of their upcoming projects.

Executive Perspectives on Regional Growth

During a recent media briefing, leadership from HoYoverse outlined the rationale behind this localized approach. Sam, Seven, and Lan Huang emphasized that understanding the specific preferences and expectations of the Korean gaming community is vital for the long-term success of their new IPs. By utilizing major industry events like G-STAR, the publisher aims to bridge the gap between development cycles and player expectations through real-time interaction.

The decision to return to G-STAR after a four-year absence highlights the importance the company places on the South Korean region. The feedback gathered during these sessions is intended to inform design decisions and service adjustments, ensuring that the upcoming titles resonate with one of the world's most sophisticated and demanding gaming markets.