Smilegate has officially launched its highly anticipated presence at Anime Expo 2026, unveiling dedicated booths for its upcoming titles Chaos Zero Nightmare (CZN) and MIRESI: Invisible Future. The event, held at the Los Angeles Convention Center from July 2 to July 5, 2026, marks one of the publisher’s most ambitious global showcase strategies to date.
Organized by Smilegate, the booths aim to immerse attendees in fully interactive experiences inspired by each game’s world-building and visual identity. From cinematic demo zones to live drawing sessions and collectible-based gameplay activations, both titles are designed to bridge digital storytelling with real-world fan engagement.
As Anime Expo continues to grow as a major international entertainment hub, Smilegate’s presence highlights the rising importance of playable, experiential marketing within the gaming industry.
MIRESI Booth Delivers Immersive Visual Experiences
The MIRESI: Invisible Future booth stands as a central attraction at Anime Expo 2026, offering visitors a variety of interactive installations. Fans can experience a hands-on demo zone designed to showcase the game’s core mechanics and visual storytelling.
A four-sided LED installation surrounds attendees with dynamic world-building visuals, while a 360° photo zone allows visitors to capture immersive themed content inspired by the game’s futuristic aesthetic. These features are built to reflect MIRESI’s emphasis on cinematic immersion and artistic presentation.
The booth also hosts multiple live stage events throughout the convention, featuring developers and artists discussing the game’s creative direction and production journey.
Live Art and Developer Panels Expand Fan Engagement
One of the most notable aspects of the MIRESI booth is its live drawing sessions featuring prominent illustrators such as REIQ, Karory, and Ruca. These artists create original artwork throughout the event, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process.
A special panel scheduled for July 4 will feature Control9 executives, including Creative Director Se-woong Kwon and Production Director Sun-gu Cho, who will discuss MIRESI’s development vision. The panel will also include Art Director Hyung-sup “Hyulla” Kim, who will present a live drawing session alongside guest illustrator REIQ.
Visitors attending the booth can also obtain exclusive merchandise, including the signature MIRESI Happi Coat, earned through participation in interactive activities.
Chaos Zero Nightmare Booth Brings Game World to Life
The Chaos Zero Nightmare booth, located in the South Hall Lobby, focuses on recreating the dark, atmospheric setting of the SS Nightmare and the Chaos battlefield. Designed as the franchise’s first major offline activation in North America, the booth emphasizes immersive storytelling through physical interaction.
Fans are invited to collect physical versions of the game’s signature cards through on-site activities. Completing the full collection enters participants into a special draw for a rare 24K Gold Card, adding a competitive layer to the experience.
Developers, including Co-Head and Game Director Hyung-suk Kim and Art Director Su-been So, are also present for autograph sessions and fan photo opportunities, strengthening direct engagement between creators and audiences.
On July 3, the Chaos Zero Nightmare development team will host a dedicated panel discussing the current and future direction of 2D animated games. The session will include insights from senior creative staff, including Art Director Han-kyung Ryu, offering behind-the-scenes perspectives on the game’s development.
The discussion aims to highlight industry trends and the evolving relationship between animation-driven design and interactive gameplay systems, reinforcing Smilegate’s position in modern gaming terrain.
