.hack is a multimedia franchise created by Bandai Namco Entertainment that explores the concept of virtual reality and online gaming. It began with a series of video games released for the PlayStation 2 in the early 2000s, focusing on a fictional MMORPG called The World. Players navigate this game while uncovering mysteries and battling various creatures. The franchise expanded to include anime, manga, and novels, all set in the same universe. Key characters, such as Haseo and Tsukasa, face challenges that blur the lines between reality and the virtual world. The series raises questions about identity, technology, and the impact of gaming on society.