Pitched as a completely self-published offering from the developer, CyberConnect2 has announced that development has commenced on a brand new game in their iconic .hack// franchise, .hack//Z.E.R.O.. This announcement was made via the company’s Japanese and English channels, so hopefully this means an English version is already confirmed – unlike the last game release, .hack//Versus, which is a Japan-exclusive tie-in game for the PlayStation 3.
The .hack// series commenced in 2022 with a quartet of PlayStation 2 exclusive action RPGS – Infection, Mutation, Outbreak and Quarrantine – and a prequel anime .hack//SIGN – before expanding into multiple other works over the years. The last major instalment in the series, .hack//Link, launched exclusively on the PlayStation Portable in Japan in 2010.
According to CyberConnect2, this is pitched as a ‘Rebirth of .hack’, sharing:
The .hack series has always been developed by CyberConnect2 and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, 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. It will be a title that is fully self-published by CyberConnect2.
World-renowned violinist Taro Hakase has penned the music, kick-starting the project to the dexterous tune of his violin. .hack//Z.E.R.O. will be a novel RPG experience that blends the series’ trademark duality of fantasy (game world) and reality (real world) with modern expectations, infused with 100% pure CyberConnect2 spirit. The game will be enjoyable for both veteran fans and new players alike. Please look forward to this newest iteration of .hack.
