What's Happening?
Pixelity Inc., the developers behind Evangelion: Δ Cross Reflections, have announced that a demo of their immersive XR game will be available at live events worldwide throughout the year. Previously, the game was accessible only to a limited audience
during specific events in Tokyo and California, requiring participants to apply through the game's X account. The demo was also featured at the Evangelion 30th Anniversary Event for lottery winners. Evangelion: Δ Cross Reflections supports both VR and mixed reality gameplay and is the first part of a planned trilogy covering all 26 episodes of the original TV series. The game introduces a new protagonist who dreams of becoming a pilot, connecting the anime's key episodes with new characters. The franchise, originally created by Hideaki Anno, has been influential globally, expanding into various media forms. The game is set to launch its public demo in the first half of 2026, with specific platforms and release dates yet to be confirmed.
Why It's Important?
The announcement of Evangelion: Δ Cross Reflections marks a significant development in the expansion of the Evangelion franchise into immersive gaming. This move could attract a new audience to the series, leveraging the popularity of VR and mixed reality technologies. The game's availability at global events suggests a strategic effort to engage fans worldwide, potentially boosting interest in VR gaming and the Evangelion series. The involvement of Yoko Taro, known for his work on Nier and Nier: Automata, in the new animated series could further enhance the franchise's appeal. This development may influence the gaming industry by setting a precedent for integrating popular anime franchises into immersive gaming experiences, potentially driving innovation and collaboration between anime creators and game developers.
What's Next?
As the public demo of Evangelion: Δ Cross Reflections is scheduled for the first half of 2026, fans and interested players are encouraged to follow Pixelity's official X account for announcements regarding specific event dates and locations. The release of the demo could lead to increased anticipation for the full game and its subsequent installments. Additionally, the collaboration between Yoko Taro and Studio Khara on a new Evangelion animated series may generate further interest in the franchise, potentially leading to more cross-media projects. Stakeholders in the gaming and anime industries may closely monitor the reception of the demo and the new series to gauge potential market trends and opportunities for future collaborations.
Beyond the Headlines
The integration of Evangelion into VR and mixed reality gaming represents a broader trend of anime franchises exploring new technological frontiers. This development raises questions about the ethical implications of immersive storytelling and the potential for VR to alter traditional narrative experiences. As the franchise expands into new media, it may also influence cultural perceptions of anime and its role in global entertainment. The collaboration between renowned creators like Yoko Taro and Hideaki Anno could inspire other franchises to pursue similar partnerships, potentially leading to innovative storytelling techniques and cross-cultural exchanges.
