The new game from Genshin Impact developer HoYoverse, titled Honkai: Nexus Anima, might be embroiled in a patent controversy reminiscent of the one involving Palworld and Nintendo. Recent gameplay reveals indicate that the title could potentially infringe on a key patent related to the legal challenges faced by Palworld.

Honkai: Nexus Anima is a creature-collection game featuring characters from Genshin Impact and employs gacha mechanics. Initially teased in May 2025, it was officially announced in August, alongside plans for a beta test.

Patent expert Florian Mueller highlighted concerns that the footage of Honkai: Nexus Anima displays elements that may infringe upon Nintendo’s patent regarding creature-switching mechanics central to the ongoing Palworld litigation. With the recent amendments to Nintendo’s patent expanding claims for a broader range of scenarios involving aerial mounts, the stakes have increased significantly for developers in the gaming industry.

As more titles could potentially fall under this newly broadened patent, the industry watches closely how these conflicts will unfold, especially considering Nintendo’s aggressive stance in recent legal actions.