.hack//Z.E.R.O. was revealed on February 16, kicking off CyberConnect2's 30th anniversary. This new project marks a revival for the .hack series.
.hack//Z.E.R.O. Now In Development
CyberConnect2 Returns To Its Roots
.hack//Z.E.R.O. was just announced through a reveal trailer posted on the official CyberConnect2 YouTube Channel. No target release window or consoles was revealed.
Promising a "novel RPG experience" that will showcase the series' signature blend of fantasy and reality with modern techniques and expectations, the upcoming title will be enjoyable for veteran .hack fans and new players alike.
The game will be fully developed and self-published by CyberConnect2. "The .hack series has always been developed by CyberConnect2 and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment," reads the game's official website. "...but for .hack//Z.E.R.O., Bandai Namco Entertainment has given CyberConnect2 permission to manage the entirety of the project from planning and development to release." They have also unveiled that they brought in world-renowned violinist Taro Hakase to lend his expertise in creating the game's music.
.hack is an action RPG video game series primarily set in an online virtual world called "The World". The series started in 2002 with .hack//INFECTION, which was then followed by several other entries such as .hack//G.U. and even expanded to other media such as anime, manga, novels, and more.
.hack is CyberConnect2's Flagship Title
CyberConnect2 CEO and executive produceer Hiroshi Matsuyama sat down with Famitsu to talk about the upcoming game, and shared his thoughts on why they chose .hack as the series to commemorate their 30th anniversary.
Simply put, he declared that .hack is their flagship title. "With that single-minded focus, we held discussions over the past 10 years, and finally, on this auspicious occasion of our 30th anniversary, we've been able to release our latest title into the world in this way," said Matsuyama through machine translation.
In that regard, he also added that they will now be able to bring the game to its full potential with all the knowledge and know-how they have cultivated over the past 30 years as a company.
Concluding the interview, he thanks fans, the industry, and their staff members on their 30th anniversary, and invites gamers all over the world to join them in the "future that CyberConnect2 is creating", beginning with the eventual release of .hack//Z.E.R.O.
Source:
Famitsu Interview
.hack//Z.E.R.O. Official Website
