CyberConnect2 is developing .hack//Z.E.R.O. as its first self-published entry in the series, while the franchise remains visible through the 20th anniversary of .hack//G.U. and an exhibition tour.
CyberConnect2 is preparing to bring the .hack franchise back under its own control. The studio's first self-published entry in the series, .hack//Z.E.R.O., was discussed by vice-president Taichirō Miyazaki in an interview at Anime Expo 2026. He described the move into self-publishing as a response to the challenges of being a licensed-game developer, and positioned .hack//Z.E.R.O. as a key part of the studio's C5 initiative, alongside two other titles, Cecile and Tokyo Ogre Gate.
President Hiroshi Matsuyama offered the first substantive comments on the new action RPG at a talk event during CyberConnect2's 30th anniversary exhibition in Tokyo in late June 2026. He framed .hack//Z.E.R.O. as a modern take on the franchise rather than a nostalgia play. The exhibition, which kicked off in Tokyo on June 27-28, will tour all 47 prefectures of Japan.
The franchise's legacy remains active. CyberConnect2 marked the 20th anniversary of .hack//G.U. on May 18, 2026, with a new commemorative illustration by character designer Seiichiro Hosokawa featuring the Eight Phases, and a multi-mat and B1 panel display tied to the exhibition. The anniversary rollout keeps the franchise visible as the studio prepares its next entry.
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Astro Production's indie brand ASTRA will exhibit MoonHack at Tokyo Game Show 2026, held at Makuhari Messe from Thursday, September 17. The booth sits in the Indie Game Corner of Exhibition Hall 9. Visitors can play a polished rhythm action section, watch the third music video before its September 27 YouTube release, and receive a random trading card among 13 types or an original sticker for showing a Steam wishlist screen.
CyberConnect2 will exhibit for the first time at Tokyo Game Show 2026, held from September 17 to 21. The company will stage its 30th anniversary CyberConnect2 Exhibition as an IN Chiba edition at its booth. No new title announcements are planned. The booth will display development materials and artwork, and 1,200 copies of the manga Chaser Game will be given away free.
Bandai Namco has put the Steam version of Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth Hacker's Memory on sale at 90 percent off, dropping the price from 7,480 yen to 748 yen through September 18. The discount arrives about a month after the game became purchasable from Japan, ending a roughly seven-year stretch during which Japanese players could not buy it on Steam.
At Tokyo Game Dungeon 13, held August 8, 2026, Game Spark tried 'MoonHack', a rhythm action ADV set in 2125 where AI organization AEGIS manages emotions and love. Players join old-model AI Kaguya girls deemed criminals. The game, formerly 'Human Optimization Plan Eden Protocol - Order of 2125', targets a Steam release in 2027.
Bandai Namco Entertainment released the domestic Steam version of Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth Hacker's Memory on August 5, 2026. The breeding RPG, originally released for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita in 2017, has surpassed cumulative worldwide shipments of 3 million units. The Steam version is priced at 7,480 yen including tax. The game includes two chapters: Cyber Sleuth, where the protagonist becomes a cyber detective investigating mysterious cases, and Hacker's Memory, where a boy falsely accused by hackers joins a hacker team to find the culprit who framed him. Players can collect and raise up to 330 Digimon, form teams, and use skills and attributes to resolve incidents in cyberspace. The Steam version had previously been unavailable for purchase from Japan, a situation described as a region lock. The game is now purchasable on Steam from Japan, seven years after its initial release. The title is also available on PS4, PS Vita, and Nintendo Switch.
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.
Astro Production officially announced MoonHack on July 7, 2026, as the first title under its new indie game brand ASTRA. The game is an emotional cyber noir adventure with rhythm action elements, set in the year 2125 in a society where emotions, love, and creativity are managed by AI. Players follow Tsukuyomi Kaguya, an illegal old-style AI girl, and other characters branded as criminals for their humanity, as they rebel by rewriting the world's rules through song. MoonHack is scheduled for release on PC via Steam in 2027. The character design is handled by illustrator Noyu, and the music is produced by Ukiyone. A teaser promotional video featuring the song 'DANCE ALL NIGHT' was released alongside the announcement. The voice cast includes Ariyo Hanami as Tsukuyomi Kaguya. The scenario is written by Shin Kedōin, known for the Corpse Party series. The game was previously teased under the working title 'Humanity Optimization Plan Eden Protocol - Order of 2125' before an in-universe hack of its official X account led to the MoonHack reveal.
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.
Village Studio announced 'Hack '95' at the PC Gaming Show 2026 on June 8. The game is a hacking adventure set in the 1990s internet golden age. Players use a card game mechanic to hack into systems, searching for a missing hacker best friend. The protagonist operates an OS called 'Navigate '95' and battles perverts, evil tech companies, and government agencies. A demo is available on Steam. The release date has not been announced.
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.