Aniimo, an upcoming free-to-play open world action RPG, was officially revealed during the Xbox Games Showcase. Slated for release in 2026, Aniimo is being developed by Pawprint Studio and will be available on Xbox Series X & S, PC, and mobile platforms. The game is published by Kingsglory, a new label from FunPlus focused on cross-platform titles.
Aniimo aims to stand out in the crowded creature-collecting genre (think Pokemon), combining open world exploration with a gameplay mechanic called Twining, which lets players merge with magical creatures to unlock new abilities and perspectives. This approach signals a move towards more dynamic interactions between players and the creatures they collect.
- Players can collect, battle, and evolve magical creatures known as Aniimo, each with distinct personalities and abilities.
- The game’s world, Idyll, is designed for exploration and discovery, with diverse environments hosting a wide variety of Aniimo.
- Twining, the merging mechanic, allows players to combine with their Aniimo, granting new gameplay options and shifting perspectives.
- A closed beta test on PC is planned for later this summer, with sign-ups available through the official website.
The creature-collecting genre has seen renewed interest in recent years, with games like Palworld and Temtem offering their own takes on the formula. Aniimo’s approach, focusing on player-creature merging and cross-platform play, reflects broader trends in making these games more interactive and accessible. Pawprint Studio’s emphasis on player feedback and ongoing world development is also in line with industry shifts toward live service and community-driven updates.
FunPlus, the publisher, is best known for mobile hits like State of Survival and is now expanding its reach into larger cross-platform projects. Aniimo marks one of the first major announcements from its Kingsglory label, signaling a strategic move into new genres and markets. While FunPlus is technically headquartered in Switzerland, the company has most of its development operations in China.
Further reading: Official website
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