CyberConnect2 has announced the development of .hack Z.E.R.O. as part of its 30th anniversary celebration. The reveal was made through the company’s official account, which stated, “Today, February 16, 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of CyberConnect2.” The message continued, “To commemorate, we will begin development of .hack//Z.E.R.O., a new original game. This title will be fully self-published by CyberConnect2, from planning to development to release.”
The new project represents a notable shift for the long-running franchise. While previous entries in the .hack series were developed by CyberConnect2 and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, .hack Z.E.R.O. will be entirely managed by CyberConnect2. According to the announcement, Bandai Namco Entertainment has granted permission for the studio to oversee the project in full, covering planning, development, and release. As a result, the title will be the first in the series to be fully self-published by the developer.
The company describes .hack Z.E.R.O. as an action RPG that will deliver a novel experience while maintaining the franchise’s signature blend of fantasy and reality. The series has long explored the duality between a virtual game world and the real world, and this thematic approach will continue in the new installment. At the same time, CyberConnect2 indicates that the project will align with modern expectations, infused with what it calls 100 percent pure CyberConnect2 spirit. It is, in a sense, both a revival and a reinvention.
Music for the game will be composed by world-renowned violinist Taro Hakase, whose involvement has already set the tone for the project. CyberConnect2 notes that the game is intended to appeal to both longtime fans of the franchise and newcomers discovering the series for the first time.
The title is officially listed as .hack Z.E.R.O., categorized as an action RPG, and developed and published by CyberConnect2. Further details, including release timing and platforms, have not yet been disclosed.
