Bandai Namco Filmworks officially introduced the RG Project during its panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, revealing a brand-new multimedia initiative that will expand the Gundam franchise with an interconnected anime and video game. The presentation marked the world premiere of Mobile Suit Gundam RG XARX-ZERO and offered a fresh look at GUNDAM ROGUE ORBIT, confirming that both projects share the same timeline and are scheduled to launch in 2027.
Hosted by Christopher Sean, the panel featured Executive Producer Naohiro Ogata, director Kenji Kamiyama, producers Joseph Chou and Yasufumi Kobashi, along with GUNDAM ROGUE ORBIT producer Shinya Satake. Fans attending the event became the first audience to see the new Gundam universe revealed
RG Project creates a connected Gundam timeline
Unlike previous standalone Gundam entries, the RG Project is designed as a shared universe spanning multiple forms of media. According to Bandai Namco Filmworks, Mobile Suit Gundam RG XARX-ZERO takes place roughly 100 years before GUNDAM ROGUE ORBIT, with the events of the anime directly shaping the world players will later experience in the game.
The anime is directed by Kenji Kamiyama, known for Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex and Star Wars: Visions, while acclaimed science-fiction writer Toh EnJoe contributed to the world’s science-fiction setting. Animation is being produced by SOLA ANIMATION.
During the panel, Kamiyama reflected on his lifelong connection to the franchise, saying, “That first series I watched inspired me to get into the industry. When I got the offer, it was not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘how’ I would create a new storyline while honoring the Gundam universe.” His comments were shared during the San Diego Comic-Con presentation hosted by Bandai Namco Filmworks.
RG XARX-ZERO follows humanity after the Apocalypse
Bandai Namco also revealed new story details for the anime. Set in the After Apocalypse (A.A.) timeline, humanity has abandoned Earth after an aggressive self-replicating alien ecosystem known as the Apocalypse overwhelms the planet.
The story follows Ray Azumi, voiced by Takeo Otsuka, a war orphan who awakens on the Moon and becomes the pilot of the Gundam Zero. Humanity’s rapid expansion across the solar system was originally made possible by three revolutionary technologies delivered by an Autonomous Interstellar Object—gravity control, faster-than-light communication, and cognitive materialization. However, the same mysterious object later unleashed the Apocalypse, forcing humanity to begin a new era beyond Earth.
Producer Yasufumi Kobashi also described the creative process behind the project, stating, “You have to break taboos to create something new,” highlighting the team’s ambition to take the Gundam franchise in a fresh direction.
GUNDAM ROGUE ORBIT expands the universe through gaming
The panel also showcased additional footage and concept art for GUNDAM ROGUE ORBIT, the action game first announced during Summer Game Fest 2026. While the game can be enjoyed independently, Bandai Namco confirmed that players who experience both the anime and the game will gain a deeper understanding of the shared universe.
Producer Shinya Satake introduced the Gundam Helix, explaining that its heavier appearance was intentional. “It must feel like the player’s body, so it is a human-like design,” he said while discussing the philosophy behind the new mobile suit.
Model kits, figures, and card game support announced
Alongside the entertainment announcements, Bandai Namco revealed an extensive lineup of merchandise based on the RG Project. Gundam Zero will receive an HG Gunpla kit, premium figures in the GUNDAM UNIVERSE and METAL ROBOT SPIRITS collections, and appearances in the GUNDAM miximize and Gundam Cross product lines. Meanwhile, the Gundam Helix will also receive Gunpla kits, including a limited-edition version bundled with the game.
The company also confirmed that both RG XARX-ZERO and GUNDAM ROGUE ORBIT will join the Gundam Card Game. In addition, THE GUNDAM BASE will expand to Minneapolis and Seattle later this year, while Gundam Official NA has launched a new TikTok account to support the growing North American community.
