Producer of Zenless Zone Zero approaches the Gacha Grind in a novel way: "You Can Have A Coffee"
For gacha enthusiasts and invested players among the several HoYoverse options that predominate in this field, the release of Zenless Zone Zero looms big. That descriptor came up very often while talking to producer Zhenyu Li; it's taking a different slant to the way its developer often presents her games, which feels pretty story- and character-first as a "urban fantasy" game that emphasizes mostly on its visuals. Although Zzz based on its earlier closed betas has such components, its city life and environmental design stand out thus far.
Something less evident than the several streetwear, video game, and anime inspirations scattered across Zenless Zone Zero is what its approach will look like to the Daily Grind that either attracts or desposes the gacha community. Saying that dailies can make or break a game is not hyperbole; in our roundtable conversation with Zhenyu Li during a Zzz media event, he offered a novel perspective on how the next Urban Fantasy adventure will address such a fundamental component of its design: We have a unique design for daily grinding. Unlike Honkai: Star Rail, for which players would have to engage in core battle [for dailies], our game centers on urban life. Our device is geared at urban living, hence, for instance, you might have coffee in the morning or engage in urban-related hobbies and finish daily grinding that way."
The daily grind's solution offered by Zenless Zone Zero consists on grinds.
Li's response might not be very fascinating for those less acquainted with the larger panorama of Gacha Games. After all, it's essentially a sign that, should you so want, you may skip daily battle in favor of some urban lifestyle roleplay to get the same benefits; it's also often challenging to explain just why that's so crucial to the people who play these games. Basically, gacha gaming tends to demand daily logins to accrue resources for free just for playing, letting individuals earn currencies and stuff that will help them get future characters in the gacha without essentially needing to spend money.
For those who enjoy games like Zenless Zone Zero, daily login is therefore essential and usually the only continuous approach to gather resources. HoYoverse titles could revolutionize how daily logins and player interaction are facilitated by having dailies concentrated on player immersion and environmental and world creation. I knew when I heard the response I was immediately more inclined to choose Zenless Zone Zero as part of my daily rotation; I would much rather have a leisurely coffee with loved characters than fight the same little mobs for the 100th time.
The release date of Zenless Zone Zero will aim to prove conceptually.
Of course, a novel response isn't necessarily the right one. Li frequently mentioned the Urban Fantasy environment as the main selling feature of his game in our interview, but at essence it is an action-RPG with various mechanical concepts fresh to the HoYoverse catalog. In a perfect world, players like the dodge system, chain-swapping, and stylish attacks enough that they're happy to do both fighting and coffee for their dailies; in a less ideal world, they'll lean simply to one or the other because the alternative is less fun.
Though it's obviously aiming high, it remains to be seen where Zenless Zone Zero will land. This is a game that knows its identity pretty completely thanks to its producer's acute attention on the values guiding its design decisions; it is not a game playing it safe. Though I have usually loved combat in past beta tests, I know I will grabbing coffee and traversing the city as often as I can to accomplish dailies at launch; if enough people share that mentality, ZZZ may find itself with a highly committed core population pretty early.
Zenless Zone Zero: Examining the Gameplay and Environment
Developed by miHoYo, Zenless Zone Zero is a forthcoming action RPG set in an original Urban Fantasy environment. Inspired by several streetwear, video game, and anime influences, the game has a vivid and stylish universe. A mystery force called the "Hollows" that rise from the ground and threaten to devour mankind has devastated Zenless Zone Zero. Assuming the role of "Proxies," people with unique talents to combat the Hollows and guard their city.
The combat mechanism of the game is meant to be interesting and quick-paced. For a dynamic and satisfying battle experience, players can chain-swap between several characters, use many weapons and skills, and dodge assaults. The urban environment offers a special background for the action since the game's universe consists of famous sites motivated by actual cities. The estimated release date for Zenless Zone Zero is someplace in 2023.
Effects of Zenless Zone Zero on the Gacha Community
Zenless Zone Zero is the most unique among the HoYoverse family of games and is shortly to join them. That's good. HoYoverse is well-known for its wildly popular Gacha Games, which have attracted a sizable global following like Genshin Impact and Honkai Impact 3rd. Key elements in the developer's success have been its dedication to narrative and interesting gameplay. HoYoverse is exploring new terrain and a distinctive urban fantasy setting with Zenless Zone Zero, straying into a new genre. The gacha community will surely be much changed by the game's emphasis on the Daily Grind and creative approach to player involvement.
Release of the game is likely to thrill gacha gamers and those drawn to the urban fantasy theme. Zenless Zone Zero's original approach to the Daily Grind and its focus on player immersion in urban events could define gacha games going forward. The capacity of the game to keep gamers with its interesting gameplay and gripping narrative will determine its success.
