Neverness to Everness is set to hold its first closed beta test, but only in China

Hotta Studios' upcoming open-world RPG, Neverness to Everness, is gearing up for its first closed beta test – exclusively in mainland China. While international players will miss out on early access, Gematsu offers a sneak peek at recently revealed lore. The game's world, Hetherau, blends the bizarre and the commonplace, with a reportedly more comedic tone than initially anticipated. Trailers showcase the impressive city of Eibon (see below).

Developed by Hotta Studios (Perfect World, creators of Tower of Fantasy), Neverness to Everness distinguishes itself within the crowded 3D RPG market with a unique feature: open-world driving. Players can purchase and customize a variety of vehicles, but be warned: realistic crash physics add a layer of challenge.

The game faces significant competition. Zenless Zone Zero (MiHoYo) has set a high bar, and NetEase's Ananta (formerly Project Mugen) developed by Naked Rain, presents a similar contender. The upcoming release of Neverness to Everness will be a test of its ability to carve out a space in this increasingly competitive genre.