MiHoYo Co-Founder's AI Chatbot AnuNeko to Permanently Shut Down

AnuNeko, the cat-themed AI companion chatbot developed by miHoYo co-founder Cai Haoyu's startup Anuttacon, will permanently shut down on July 30. The development team announced they are redirecting their resources toward other projects. The shutdown highlights the volatile nature of experimental AI companion apps and reflects a strategic shift in resource allocation for Cai Haoyu's AI ventures. It also marks a setback for the project's initial ambition to evolve into a next-generation AI-driven NPC engine for gaming. Before the shutdown on July 30, users can request customer support to delete their chat history, after which all user data will be permanently deleted in accordance with privacy policies. AnuNeko was known for its distinct cat personas, such as "Orange Cat" and "Exotic Shorthair," which offered highly personalized and emotional interactions.