HoYoverse once again is rumored to be working on an ambitious new project that could mark a significant departure from their familiar anime-style aesthetic. The new game, reportedly in development, will be a fantasy action game featuring a realistic art style, diverging from the anime-style art direction that has become synonymous with the company’s previous titles.
Well, It’s Still a Rumor
The news comes from a post on the GamingLeaksAndRumors subreddit, where a user by the name of Yenuzu claimed that HoYoverse is creating an epic fantasy action game. This new game is said to embrace a more realistic visual style as opposed to the vibrant anime visuals we have seen in Genshin Impact and other titles from the company. This change in art direction would make it HoYoverse’s first attempt at delivering a realistic fantasy aesthetic, which could potentially attract a different demographic of players.
The Reddit post also included a link to an Imgur album, purportedly containing concept art for this rumored game. The artwork in question features a lone swordsman at the base of a massive waterfall, squaring off against a giant gryphon-like creature. The gritty and immersive style of the artwork is indeed very different from what players have come to expect from HoYoverse.
Inspiration from “The Classic of Mountains and Seas”
The rumored project is said to draw inspiration from a classical Chinese text known as The Classic of Mountains and Seas, also called Shanhai Jing. This text is one of the oldest and most significant sources of Chinese mythology, dating back to the third century BC to the second century AD.
For those unfamiliar with this ancient work, Penguin Classics, a well-known publisher, describes it as a treasure trove of rare data, myths, and stories about mythical figures, rituals, medicine, natural history, and various ethnic peoples of the ancient world. The text covers a diverse range of subjects, including mythical beings, rituals, early medicine, and a detailed exploration of the known world in antiquity.
The book describes 204 mythical figures, including gods such as Foremost, Fond Care, and Yellow, as well as powerful goddesses like Queen Mother of the West and Girl Lovely. These figures and the rich mythology of ancient China could serve as the foundation for a truly immersive narrative in the upcoming game.
A More Realistic Fantasy Experience?
If this rumor is accurate, the decision to create a realistic fantasy action game represents a significant shift in direction for HoYoverse. The company has primarily focused on games with distinct anime influences, such as the open-world role-playing game Genshin Impact and the sci-fi-themed Honkai: Star Rail. These titles have drawn global audiences thanks to their engaging narratives, captivating characters, and stunning anime visuals.
The alleged concept art shared on Imgur hints at a dark and gritty fantasy setting, with environments that feel massive, imposing, and full of mystery. One notable piece of art features a solitary warrior standing at the base of a waterfall, with a colossal gryphon-like creature looming ahead. The scene captures a feeling of raw power and epic confrontation, offering a glimpse into the kind of heroic journey players might embark upon.