Smilegate has recapped a successful first appearance at Anime Expo 2026, where its upcoming titles MIRESI: Invisible Future and Chaos Zero Nightmare (CZN) attracted strong fan engagement across the four-day event in Los Angeles.
Held from July 2 to July 5, North America’s largest anime and pop culture convention gave Smilegate an opportunity to introduce MIRESI to Western audiences while strengthening Chaos Zero Nightmare’s growing community through developer interactions, exclusive reveals, and hands-on activities.
According to the publisher, MIRESI: Invisible Future generated some of the longest queues on the show floor despite being an unreleased IP. Meanwhile, Chaos Zero Nightmare kept fans engaged with collectible card events, autograph sessions, and a panel featuring the first look at its upcoming season. Source: Smilegate Press Release.
MIRESI demo becomes one of Anime Expo’s biggest attractions
Making its North American playable debut, MIRESI: Invisible Future maintained average wait times of nearly three hours throughout Anime Expo, highlighting strong interest in Smilegate’s next-generation subculture RPG.
Players who completed the demo also received a MIRESI-themed Happi Coat, which Smilegate said quickly became one of the convention’s most sought-after giveaway items. The booth remained busy throughout the event with interactive activities designed to introduce attendees to the game’s world and characters.
One of the most popular presentations was the Developer Talk, where the development team discussed MIRESI’s setting, combat system, and character design while answering questions from attendees. Smilegate also hosted live drawing sessions featuring Art Director Hyung-sup “Hyulla” Kim alongside guest illustrators REIQ, Karory, and Ruca, giving fans an inside look at the game’s artistic direction.
On July 4, Hyulla and REIQ returned for a separate hour-long live illustration event. Despite MIRESI not yet being released, nearly every seat was filled as the artists created exclusive illustrations while interacting directly with fans.
Chaos Zero Nightmare reveals its next season
While MIRESI introduced itself to new audiences, Chaos Zero Nightmare focused on rewarding its growing North American community.
The game’s physical card collection event proved especially popular, encouraging attendees to collect all 15 combat cards for a chance to enter a raffle to win a 24K Gold Card. Fans actively traded cards and participated in exchange events throughout the convention, with many lining up before the exhibition hall opened each morning to secure a raffle opportunity. Smilegate also confirmed that most Chaos Zero Nightmare merchandise available through AmiAmi’s booth sold out during the event.
Developers also met fans during autograph sessions featuring Super Creative Studio Co-Head and Game Director Hyung-suk Kim, Art Director Su-been So, and Epic Seven Art Director Han-kyung Ryu.
Smilegate sees strong momentum in North America
During a special panel held on July 3, Hyung-suk Kim discussed the origins of Chaos Zero Nightmare and the team’s philosophy of creating 2D animation games rooted in sincerity. The presentation concluded with the world’s first reveal of the upcoming season, “Shattered Light and Claw,” drawing enthusiastic applause from attendees.
Reflecting on the event, Smilegate Director of Marketing Noju Lee said, “Anime Expo gave us a valuable opportunity to see firsthand the passion North American fans have for 2D animation games and the culture surrounding them.” Lee added that the company hopes its first appearance at Anime Expo will help Chaos Zero Nightmare continue expanding its community while allowing MIRESI: Invisible Future to establish itself successfully in the North American market.
The strong turnout, lengthy demo queues, sold-out merchandise, and packed developer sessions suggest Smilegate has built solid momentum ahead of both games’ future releases and updates.
