CyberConnect2 is pursuing a self-publishing strategy anchored by the .hack franchise, with .hack//Z.E.R.O. as its first self-published entry in the series, while also running a scenario designer training school and touring a 30th anniversary exhibition across Japan.
CyberConnect2 is in the middle of a 30th anniversary year that has given the studio a platform to lay out its near-term plans. The centerpiece is .hack//Z.E.R.O., an action RPG announced earlier in 2026 as part of the anniversary. In a June talk event at the studio's Tokyo exhibition, president Hiroshi Matsuyama described the game as a modern take rather than a nostalgia play. Vice-president Taichirō Miyazaki later confirmed at Anime Expo 2026 that .hack//Z.E.R.O. will be the first self-published entry in the .hack series, part of a broader self-publishing push the studio calls the C5 initiative. Two other C5 titles, Cecile and Tokyo Ogre Gate, remain in development.
The studio is also investing in its writing pipeline. In June it opened the Scenario Designer Training School 2026 audition project, a second iteration of a program that trains scenario designers specifically for anime-licensed games. The online test covers series the studio has adapted, including Naruto, Demon Slayer, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, and Dragon Ball. The deadline for submissions is August 2.
On the anniversary front, CyberConnect2 held a free exhibition in Tokyo on June 27-28 that will tour all 47 prefectures. The .hack//G.U. 20th anniversary in May brought a new commemorative illustration by character designer Seiichiro Hosokawa and a multi-mat for sale. A B1 panel display featuring .hack//Z.E.R.O. appeared at the exhibition starting June 6. The studio is balancing its legacy as a licensed-game developer with a new self-publishing model, and the .hack franchise is the vehicle for that transition.
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In an interview at Anime Expo 2026, CyberConnect2 vice-president Taichirō Miyazaki discussed the studio's move into self-publishing, the upcoming .hack//Z.E.R.O. as its first self-published entry in the series, and the status of two other C5 initiative titles, Cecile and Tokyo Ogre Gate.
CyberConnect2 held a free exhibition event in Tokyo on June 27-28, 2026, celebrating its 30th anniversary. A talk event featured President Hiroshi Matsuyama, who discussed the upcoming action RPG ".hack//Z.E.R.O." and a new "Little Tail Bronx" installment. The exhibition will tour all 47 prefectures.
CyberConnect2 launched the Scenario Designer Training School 2026 audition project on June 23 to find scenario designers for anime-licensed games. The first-round online test is available on a special website, with questions covering series the studio has adapted, including Naruto, Demon Slayer, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, and Dragon Ball. The deadline is August 2.
CyberConnect2 announced the 20th anniversary of .hack//G.U. on May 18, releasing a new commemorative illustration by character designer Seiichiro Hosokawa featuring the Eight Phases. A 350x600mm multi-mat using the art is now on sale for 3,850 yen. A B1 panel display will appear at the CyberConnect2 Exhibition starting June 6, which also covers the new project .hack//Z.E.R.O.