NetEase Games is gearing up to launch their latest 5V5 sci-fi shooter, Operation Apocalypse, in China. Pre-registrations are open, and the game, rumored to be a rebranded version of the defunct Hyper Front, has caught the attention of fans. While a global release hasn't been confirmed, the Chinese launch is just around the corner.

Key Updates

• August 12, 2024: The initial August 16 release was postponed. Pre-downloads, which were set for August 14, were also delayed. The developers assured that the wait wouldn’t be long.

• August 23, 2024: The game is now set to launch on August 30, 2024, at 10 am local time in China. Pre-downloads will be available from August 28 at 10 am. We’ve reached out to NetEase for further comments.

What We Know About Operation Apocalypse

Operation Apocalypse is a 5v5 tactical shooter built with Unreal Engine 4, offering impressive visuals. The game features a Chinese culture-inspired setting, with unique weapons, maps, and heroes. Players can engage in various competitive modes, including team battles, solo matches, and qualifiers.

Fans have noticed similarities to Hyper Front, a game that was shut down in 2023 after Riot Games sued NetEase, claiming it was too similar to Valorant.

What’s Next?

The confirmed release in China is August 30, 2024. Chinese players can pre-register and pre-download the game from August 28 via the Haoyou Kuaidao app store. As for a global release, there’s no official word yet, but the game’s quality suggests it might be in the pipeline. The global trademark name Starzone Elite is being contested, leaving room for potential international expansion.