Zenless Zone Zero devs speak on huge version 1.4 changes, where the game stands among the HoYoverse catalogue, and being a dev team ‘who actually listens’

With the release of version 1.4 Zenless Zone Zerothe game found itself in a soft relaunch of sorts. Big changes, redesigned functions, large-scale adjustments to combat and story missions. This is a new era for the game, which clearly hopes to both improve the experience for die-hard fans and win back those who have bounced off it.

So I wanted to check in to learn more about the team’s approach. to huge changesand where they think the game fits into the HoYoverse catalog and the wider gaming landscape. My questions were answered via email by ZZZ producer Zhenyu Li and a pair of mysterious employees called Game Designer-X and Game Designer-Y.

One change that perhaps reflects the development style of Zenless Zone Zero is the TV mode missions. Version 1.0 of the game was met with mixed reactions, as it had been significantly improved in past major updates. HoYoverse has now retroactively added the ability to avoid them completely in the main story missions, replacing them with exploration missions in 3D Eous. It’s safe to say that this decision will require a lot of time and money based on fan feedback.

Lee and company: “Since the launch of Zenless Zone Zero, we have been actively listening to player feedback. We truly value our players’ honest opinions, whether supportive or critical. At the same time, we strive to solve the problems of players. with every game update, staying true to the core vision and unique features of Zenless Zone Zero. So far, many Zenless Zone Zero players have noticed our efforts and even jokingly called us the development team that “really listens to us.” as recognition of the improvements we have made to the game.

“TV mode has always been a hot topic among players. After we released the Dev Face-to-Face video in September, many players shared their concerns, saying that TV mode was a unique storytelling tool that they didn’t want to see. In fact, we never planned to remove TV mode entirely, but rather to reduce its overall content share to provide smoother gameplay and combat.”

“With the release of version 1.4, we will continue to monitor player feedback on these changes. Because Zenless Zone Zero is built to last, listening to players and constantly optimizing and innovating the game is a long-term goal for us. obligations that can evolve dynamically over time.”

When asked if the developers were worried that this shift would result in fewer opportunities to experiment with the TV mode (which they clearly want to do, as evidenced by the Golden Week event and the huge RPG hidden in the game’s side missions), the group assured me that the opposite.

Lee and company: “Honestly, we’re not worried. We take negative feedback about TV Mode seriously, but we won’t ignore the fact that there are still many players who enjoy it. The real problem may be the need for more players. Variety of content. As we take our attention away from the quantity of TV Mode, we can focus more on making it more enjoyable and playable, building on ideas from our previous successful innovations to create a more refined and engaging TV Mode gaming experience.”

There is one more important topic that I wanted to touch on. As Hoyoverse expands its repertoire, its games take up a significant portion of the calendar. This makes being a HoYoverse fan more of a full-time endeavor than a side hobby. Especially if you love spending money on these games. Was the team at all concerned about how crowded it was?

Lee and company: “I believe player retention is critical not only for Zenless Zone Zero, but for any long-term game. These days, every new game competes not only with other games, but also with many entertainment platforms that require the user’s time. , such as social networks, video streaming platforms and other non-gaming products. So when we think about making Zenless Zone Zero more competitive, we look at it in the broader context of the overall market.”

“In an increasingly competitive environment, our priority remains to create a truly unique product. Whether it’s the graphics, music, or combat, we strive to ensure that players feel the thoughtfulness and originality of Zenless Zone Zero every time they play. At the same time, we are constantly listening to player feedback – working in isolation is simply not an option. With a new game released this year, Zenless Zone Zero’s continued growth relies heavily on both player support and constructive criticism. We want players to know. that their voices are not only heard, but also translated into tangible improvements in the game.”

“That’s why Zenless Zone Zero has already undergone significant changes from version 1.0 to the current version 1.4. Going forward, our team will incorporate feedback from our players while staying true to the core aspirations of Zenless Zone Zero.”

Okay, if trying to create a unique product is important, then what exactly makes the game stand out in the team’s mind? Also, where do they see the game among the wider HoYoverse pantheon – the underdog? Ambitious newbie?

Lee and company: “HoYoverse operates each of its games independently, so it is difficult to determine the exact “status” of Zenless Zone Zero among them. I believe that every game, whether it is widely popular or the subject of heated debate on the Internet, should be assessed in the larger context of the gaming market. Of course, Zenless Zone Zero is the youngest of the HoYoverse games, and our team is also relatively young – so I believe we still have a long way to go.”

So here it is, peaking in the minds of the development team as the game finds itself in the midst of its relaunch. Whether this kind of thinking will lead to a better, more popular game is a question worth revisiting in the coming months, but this approach will certainly make fans feel heard. Perhaps in this day and age, when community building is everything, that’s enough.