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.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the cited Yomimono stories below, each itself sourced, then editorially reviewed. Every fact links the story it came from.
Structured graph also available as JSON at /public/entities/hack.
CC BY 4.0.
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.