Summary
Zenless Zone Zero, the next stylish gacha game fromGenshin Impactdeveloper HoYoverse, is looking to set itself apart from the rest of its free-to-play brethren. The game’s setting and premise aredecidedly distinct fromGenshin Impact’s, which has captured the hearts and minds of HoYoverse fans around the world, who await the game’s official release on July 4.
“Gacha” derives from the term “gashapon,” a popular brand of vending machines in Japan which deliver random items for a fixed price—gacha games essentially provide a digital parallel to this process through their quasi-lootbox mechanics.
Some may be wondering just how differentZenless Zone Zerois fromHoYoverse’s other titles, though. It looks likeZenlessis offering a combat sandbox that has more in common withGenshinImpactthanHonkai Star Rail, as it offers real-time combat cranked up to a breakneck pace, in contrast toHonkai’s turn-based gameplay. At the same time,Zenless’s cyberpunk genre trappings, unique narrative, and urban exploration promise to make it a strong, new creative force in the gacha genre.ZenlessZone Zero’s novelty and innovation could make all the difference when it comes to its success in the increasingly jam-packed live-service market.
The Free-to-Play Gacha Space Might Be Getting too Busy for Zenless Zone Zero
Gacha Gaming Is a Crowded Market
Zenless ZoneZerois releasing soon, but by no means is it replacing HoYoverse’s other free-to-play titles;Genshin ImpactandHonkai Star Railare as popular as ever, providing players with countless hours of entertainment. Then there’s the recently releasedWuthering Waves, a non-HoYoverse gacha game that nevertheless takes clear cues fromGenshin. All these titles have a good deal of overlap with their fan bases; the three are in fierce competition with one another, and the fact that they are all free-to-play makes it easy for fans of one to hop over to another.
BothHonkaiandGenshinreceive regular updates, sharing the mission of virtually all free-to-play titles: to monopolize players' time as much as possible. But of course, time is finite, and there are only so many hours that gacha fans can pour into games likeGenshin,Honkai, andWuthering Waves. More than any other gaming market, the free-to-play, live-service space faces the biggest threat from oversaturation due to its considerable, inherent time demand.Zenlesshas certainly caught the attention of gacha fans, but players only have so much free time, and unless it cannibalizesHonkaiandGenshin(which HoYoverse no doubt wants to avoid), it could wind up falling by the wayside.
How Zenless Zone Zero Can Succeed In Spite of Steady Competition
Players looking tostick with games likeHonkai Star RailandGenshin ImpactalongsideZenless Zone Zeromay be in for a bit of a packed gaming schedule, but this demographic is certainly being targeted: it’s clear thatZenlessis appealing to fans of previous HoYoverse games. At the same time, the way the game departs from its predecessors may be its ace in the hole.
Instead of pulling from the pool of existing gacha fans, many of whom are still preoccupied with the likes ofGenshinandWuthering Waves,Zenlesscould succeed by drawing in new demographics. This may be just what the game is aiming for, as the stylish, white-knuckle combat shown off in the game’s previews is sure to make fans of hack-and-slash titles prick up their ears. Additionally, the game’s approach to exploration, side activities, and art design all help todistinguish it from other HoYoverse games, which may be enough to rope in players who have slept on previous gacha titles.Zenless Zone Zeromight have to do this to sustain itself, appealing to more than the existing HoYoverse fanbase.
Zenless Zone Zero
WHERE TO PLAY
Don’t go into the Hollows.I know, I know, there’s Ether in the Hollows, bizarre creations, even heritage of the old civilization, all precious treasures. But don’t forget, there’s also spatial disorder, monsters and mutants running rampant, and ultimately, a disaster that could swallow the world. They are not a place where ordinary people should go.So don’t go into Hollows.Or at least, don’t go in alone.If you insist on getting into danger, go to New Eridu first.This city where the good and the bad mix has many people who need the Hollows: Powerful wealthy tycoons, gangs that stalk the streets, conspiracy nuts, and ruthless officials.Make your preparations there, find strong allies, and most importantly—Find a “Proxy”.Only they can guide people out of the maze-like Hollows.Good luck!
