The Evangelion franchise is stepping into the world of extended reality with its latest project, Evangelion: Δ Cross Reflections. The game, initially set for a 2026 release, has been postponed to 2027. Developed by the Korean studio Pixelity Inc., this game is set to immerse players into the iconic world of Evangelion using cutting-edge XR technology. The teaser video recently released has sparked excitement as well as impatience among fans eager to dive into this new dimension.
Evangelion, originally aired from 1995 to 1996, was created by Hideaki Anno and quickly became a cultural phenomenon, blending mecha battles with deep psychological themes and existential questions. The series, set in the futuristic city of Tokyo-3, follows the story of Shinji Ikari, a teenage boy recruited by the mysterious organization NERV to pilot giant biomechanical machines known as Evangelions against alien entities called Angels. Its influence extends beyond anime, impacting various forms of media and inspiring countless adaptations, including films, merchandise, and now, an XR game.
Pixelity Inc., founded in 2017 and previously known as Pixelpims, has made a name for itself in the realm of virtual reality. The studio, located in Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, has garnered acclaim for projects like "Rise of the Fallen" and "Crazy World VR." Their expertise in VR is a promising sign for Evangelion: Δ Cross Reflections, which aims to merge the beloved narrative of Evangelion with immersive XR technology. The studio’s partnership with the Japanese studio Khara, secured through an official license agreement in early 2025, further underscores the project’s potential.
The Challenge of Merging XR with Anime
The game will allow players to navigate the Evangelion universe as an original character, engaging in quests and battles that align with the anime's timeline. The gameplay promises co-op interactions with beloved characters such as Shinji, Asuka, and Rei, while also introducing new faces like NERV trainees. The teaser showcased various gameplay elements, from unexpected battles to unique interactions like gardening with Rei Ayanami, eating cheesecake, and repairing cars, all while battling iconic Angels.
This delay, although disappointing to some, highlights the challenges and complexities of developing XR experiences. Merging a beloved anime with advanced technology is no easy feat, and Pixelity Inc.'s decision to push the release to 2027 may allow for a more polished final product. The XR field is still evolving, and adapting an iconic franchise like Evangelion for this medium is a bold and ambitious task. The game's initial preview at the San Francisco Hands-on Preview event in September 2026 drew significant interest, indicating high expectations from fans and industry insiders alike.
Whether the wait will be worth it remains to be seen. However, the move sets a precedent in the gaming and anime industries. If successful, Evangelion: Δ Cross Reflections could pave the way for more franchises to explore XR gaming, offering fans an immersive experience that merges beloved stories with reality. As the countdown to 2027 begins, fans can only imagine what awaits them in the world where mecha and reality meet. The anticipation continues to build, promising a transformative experience that could redefine how stories are told in the digital age.