Project Mugen and Ananta: Same Game, Different Name
Last updated: 29 June 2026
If you've been searching for Project Mugen and found yourself here: this is the same game. Project Mugen was officially renamed to Ananta in late 2024. Here's the full history of the name change and what it means for the game's release.
The Name Change: Project Mugen → Ananta
Project Mugen was the internal and public working title used by Naked Rain (a NetEase subsidiary) from the game's first reveal through most of 2024. The name referenced the Japanese word for "infinite" or "limitless" — fitting for an open-world RPG set in a sprawling urban city.
In late 2024, Naked Rain officially rebranded the game as Ananta, derived from the Sanskrit word for infinity (अनन्त). The name change reflected the studio's global marketing pivot ahead of the game's anticipated worldwide release.
Key fact: Every Project Mugen trailer, screenshot and early build you may have seen is from the same game now called Ananta. No features were removed or changed due to the rename.
Timeline: From Project Mugen to Ananta
Game revealed under the working title Project Mugen. First trailers show Nova City setting and open-world urban gameplay.
Project Mugen showcased at major gaming events. Pre-registration opens under the Project Mugen branding on some platforms.
Official rename announced: Project Mugen becomes Ananta. Naked Rain states the new name better reflects the global vision for the game.
First Closed Beta Test (CBT1) held in China on PC under the Ananta name. Four characters available: Captain, Taffy, Richie and Seymour.
JPMorgan revises launch forecast to 1H 2027. Ananta accumulates 17M+ pre-registrations globally.
What Stayed the Same After the Rename
- Developer: Naked Rain (NetEase subsidiary)
- Setting: Nova City, open-world urban RPG
- Platforms: PC, PS5, iOS, Android
- Monetization: No character gacha, cosmetics only
- Core gameplay: combat, traversal, Chaos abilities, Esper powers
- All characters and story content
Project Mugen / Ananta Release Date
As of June 2026, no official release date has been announced by NetEase or Naked Rain for Ananta (formerly Project Mugen).
The most recent external forecast comes from JPMorgan, whose research note published June 29, 2026 revised the expected launch window from the second half of 2026 to the first half of 2027 (1H 2027). This is an analyst projection, not an official date.
Status
No official release date confirmed · Best available estimate: 1H 2027 (JPMorgan, June 2026)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Project Mugen the same game as Ananta?
Yes. Project Mugen and Ananta are the same game. The title was officially renamed from Project Mugen to Ananta in late 2024 by developer Naked Rain (NetEase). All gameplay, platforms and features remain the same.
Why was Project Mugen renamed to Ananta?
Naked Rain officially rebranded the game as Ananta ahead of its global marketing push. The name Ananta refers to the Sanskrit concept of infinity, which aligns with the game's themes of limitless possibility in Nova City.
What is the Project Mugen release date?
Now known as Ananta, the game does not have an official release date. A JPMorgan financial forecast published in June 2026 revised the expected launch window to the first half of 2027 (1H 2027). This is an analyst estimate, not an official announcement from NetEase.
Did the rename affect the game's development?
No. The rename was purely a branding decision. Development continued under Naked Rain with the same team, the same Nova City setting, and the same no-gacha monetization model. The Closed Beta Test in January 2026 ran under the Ananta name.
Was Project Mugen a different game from Ananta?
No. They are the same game at different points in its branding history. Project Mugen was the working title used during early reveals and trailers. Ananta is the final commercial name.