The .hack//Sign anime series premiered in Japan, introducing audiences to the unique story revolving around the MMORPG 'The World'.
The manga adaptation of .hack//Sign began serialization, expanding the franchise's storytelling through another medium.
The original soundtrack for .hack//Sign was released, featuring musical scores from Yuki Kajiura that contributed heavily to the show's ambiance.
.hack//Sign was released on DVD in North America, increasing the show's accessibility outside of Japan and growing its international fanbase.
The MMORPG called The World R:2, the latest installment in The World series, is officially launched, becoming popular among players worldwide.
Tsukasa, the protagonist, finds himself unable to log out of The World R:2. He wakes up in the game without memories of his real life, beginning his mysterious entrapment inside the game.
Other players in The World begin to take notice of Tsukasa's strange behavior and his inability to log out, leading to interactions that reveal more about his condition.
Players including Subaru, Bear, and Mimiru form a small party to help Tsukasa understand his situation and find a way out of The World.
It is revealed that the Key of Twilight, a mysterious item, may be instrumental in freeing Tsukasa from his entrapment and is tied to the secrets of The World.
Tsukasa encounters Ovan, a key figure who holds knowledge about the mysteries of The World and may have a connection to Tsukasa’s condition.
It is discovered that Aura, the virtual god of The World, has disappeared, which is central to the anomalies happening in the game, including Tsukasa's inability to log out.
Tsukasa ultimately confronts the root cause of his entrapment and awakens from The World, restoring balance to the game and allowing players to log out normally again.
