The developer behind global hits Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail, miHoYo, has quietly revealed its next major project: a fantasy massively multiplayer online (MMO) game built with Unreal Engine 5. A teaser video and project details, initially posted by the company's hiring department, point to a significant focus on artificial intelligence to create dynamic in-game systems.
This new title marks a notable departure from the company's signature anime aesthetic, opting for a more realistic visual style powered by Epic Games' latest engine. The project promises to integrate AI in several core areas, including its world ecosystem and non-player characters (NPCs).
Key Takeaways
- miHoYo is developing a new fantasy MMO using Unreal Engine 5.
- The game will feature a more realistic art style, moving away from the developer's typical anime look.
- Artificial intelligence is a core component, intended to power ecosystems, combat, and NPCs.
- Key features mentioned include an open world, PvP, and an "Artificial Intelligence Stimulated Eco System."
- The game's official title and release window have not yet been announced.
A Visual Shift with Unreal Engine 5
For years, miHoYo has cultivated a distinct and globally recognized visual identity with its vibrant, anime-inspired games. Titles like Genshin Impact are defined by their cel-shaded characters and stylized environments. However, this upcoming project signals a dramatic change in artistic direction.
The initial teaser showcases visuals that are distinctly more grounded and realistic, a hallmark of projects developed using Unreal Engine 5. This move suggests miHoYo is aiming to compete in a different segment of the high-fidelity gaming market, potentially appealing to players accustomed to graphically intensive Western RPGs and MMOs.
The choice of engine is significant. Unreal Engine 5 is known for its advanced capabilities in rendering vast, detailed open worlds, dynamic lighting, and complex geometry. This technological foundation aligns with the ambitious scope suggested by the project's description.
Who is miHoYo?
Founded in 2012, miHoYo (operating internationally as HoYoverse) is a Chinese video game development company headquartered in Shanghai. It has become a dominant force in the global gaming market, primarily through its free-to-play "gacha" games. Its most successful title, Genshin Impact, generated billions in revenue and has been praised for its expansive open world and high production values.
AI at the Core of the Experience
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the announcement is the heavy emphasis on artificial intelligence. The recruitment post detailed several AI-driven features, indicating that the technology will be more than just a background development tool. It appears to be a central pillar of the gameplay itself.
The company listed several key features, which, despite being translated, offer a glimpse into their ambitions. These include:
- Artificial Intelligence Stimulated Eco System: This suggests a world where flora and fauna interact dynamically, potentially creating emergent behaviors and a more believable, living environment.
- All-Terrain Battle AI: This points to enemies that can intelligently navigate and utilize complex environments during combat, rather than being restricted to predefined paths.
- Intellectual NPC: This is arguably the most ambitious feature, hinting at non-player characters that may have more complex routines, reactions, and conversational abilities than those in typical MMOs.
These elements combined suggest an effort to create a more immersive and unpredictable open world, where players interact with systems that feel less scripted and more alive.
miHoYo's Previous Use of AI
This is not miHoYo's first venture into using AI in development. The company has previously stated that it utilized AI tools to "smoothen" the development process for its action game Zenless Zone Zero. However, the new MMO project appears to integrate AI far more deeply into the player-facing experience rather than just as a backend production aid.
Setting a New Standard for MMOs?
The project is confirmed to be an MMO with an open world and Player-vs-Player (PvP) elements. By combining these traditional MMO staples with advanced AI systems and the graphical power of Unreal Engine 5, miHoYo seems poised to challenge established players in the genre.
The concept of an "Intellectual NPC" in a massive online world is a long-held goal for many developers. If miHoYo can successfully implement this, it could fundamentally change how players interact with game worlds, moving beyond static quest-givers to characters that feel more responsive and integrated into the world's daily life.
The project's description points to a world driven by an "Artificial Intelligence Stimulated Eco System" and populated by "Intellectual NPC" characters, signaling a major focus on creating a dynamic and reactive player experience.
Many Questions Remain
Despite the exciting teaser, crucial information about the game remains under wraps. The project currently has no official name, no announced platforms, and no projected release date. The brief video and job listing are the only public information available, leaving gameplay mechanics, story, and monetization models as subjects of speculation.
This announcement also comes as miHoYo continues to develop other titles. The company is known to be working on Honkai: Nexus Anima, a monster-collection game, alongside ongoing support for its existing flagship titles.
For now, players and industry watchers are left with a tantalizing glimpse of what could be a significant evolution for one of the world's most successful game developers. The combination of a new visual style, cutting-edge technology, and ambitious AI integration makes this untitled project one to watch closely in the coming years.