In Brief:
- GensoKishi Online (Elemental Knights) has signed a memorandum of understanding to transfer game operations to Japanese company Hanabi-tei Inc.
- The new operator plans a reboot focused on reducing costs and improving revenue, with development starting around mid-May 2026.
- A new service launch is targeted for August to September 2026, with a formal contract expected by late April or after Japan‘s Golden Week holiday.
GensoKishi Online is changing hands. The Web3 MMORPG‘s current operator announced on April 21 that it has completed an MOU with Hanabi-tei Inc. to transfer operations of the game.
Hanabi-tei is led by two individuals who are active within the GensoKishi Online community itself. The announcement described them as deeply experienced with the game and called them the strongest possible partners for the transition.
Reboot plan in progress
The two sides are currently working together on a reboot plan aimed at making the service more sustainable. The focus is on cutting operating costs and improving the revenue model.
The timeline laid out in the announcement:
Late April to early May 2026 (after Golden Week): formal contract signing. Mid-May 2026: development begins on the reboot plan. August to September 2026: new service launch.
The team noted these dates may shift depending on progress.
What it means for the game
GensoKishi Online, also known as Elemental Knights Online, is a Polygon-based MMORPG with NFT land, a marketplace and native tokens MV and ROND. The game has operated with UGC tools, guild systems and staking mechanisms, but like many Web3 gaming projects, has faced declining engagement and token pressure.
Handing operations to community members who already know the game from the inside is an unusual move. Whether Hanabi-tei can execute the reboot and bring players back will depend on what the new service looks like when it launches later this year.
The team said it will share updates on changes and progress as the transition moves forward.
