Keywords: Ether Ring, TGS 2025, Tokyo Game Show, anime game, urban open world, cyberpunk RPG, Chinese game, triple-platform demo, PS5, PC, mobile, cosplay, booth design
Until this year’s Tokyo Game Show (TGS), it was hard to fully grasp just how eagerly overseas players had been awaiting Ether Ring. Even on the “media-only” day, queues for the demo snaked outside the booth area. Stations stayed packed, and staff were forced to halt lines periodically to manage the flood of visitors.
As golden lights from the stage raffle flared and cheers rang out, it became clear: Ether Ring had once again captured global attention, giving players worldwide a taste of its unique urban-anime universe.
The booth’s visual centerpiece was a full-scale recreation of Ether Ring’s cyberpunk metropolis and “urban myth” aesthetic.
A towering skyscraper model anchored the display.
A “Gen Z Patrol” itasha (anime-themed car) and suspended “Patrol Mice” mascots translated in-game motifs into real-world spectacle.
A giant Monopoly-style interactive board evoked the gacha mechanic, further tying the showfloor experience back to the game’s DNA.
Activities included a stamp rally granting raffle tickets, with daily prize draws for five lucky winners. Every attendee received a tote bag, while demo participants also took home character badges.
Renowned cosplayer Iori Moe appeared as a guest content creator, while a full cosplay cast brought characters like the lively Nanalie and commanding Madam Xun to life, blurring the line between fiction and reality.
From the moment it was first revealed, Ether Ring sparked interest abroad. Early Chinese test builds went viral overseas—so much so that foreign streamers famously resorted to using auto-translate tools on raw Bilibili footage just to experience the game.
At Gamescom Cologne, both the booth and the YouTube trailer broke records, with the PV surpassing 2.8 million viewsin days. But unlike in China, overseas players had only seen one limited test, restricted to PC.
At TGS, Ether Ring finally expanded to a **triple-platform demo—PC, PS5, and mobile—**with content on par with China’s second closed beta.
The demo began on the game’s signature train tracks, then let players roam New Herland’s CBD skyline and Miguel District’s countryside. With fast-travel nodes unlocked, fans could maximize their 15 minutes exploring quests or simply wandering to absorb the world.
The core attraction—the “anomalies” or supernatural urban myths—added a chilling atmosphere. One vignette had players wandering a deserted intersection at midnight, as lamps flickered and a floating door appeared, leading to a grassy school corridor. These haunting set pieces form the backbone of combat encounters, though exact mechanics are still evolving pre-launch.
Developers noted that major new content hadn’t been added since Cologne due to time constraints, but polish was clear: visuals, responsiveness, and UI flow all showed visible improvement.
As a Chinese anime title blending open-world exploration and “urban GTA-style” mechanics, Ether Ring initially drew skepticism as well as buzz. Yet its consistent high-profile showings at Cologne and TGS, paired with rapid dev feedback cycles, have helped convert doubt into anticipation.
After each test or showcase, the team immediately reviewed community feedback and iterated quickly, ensuring each new build arrived sharper than the last.
With a polished presence at TGS, a PS Store listing leak, and regulatory approval already secured in China, Ether Ring’s full release looks closer than ever.
From second closed beta adjustments to global expo tours, all signs point to steady, deliberate progress. For fans who missed earlier playtests, TGS proved the wait is nearly over—Ether Ring is gearing up to make its official debut.