Updated on July 4, 11:42 a.m. (GMT+8): Improved relevancy.
You may be familiar with it, caught a glimpse in your readings, or even dabbled in a few minutes of playtime — but what is Zenless Zone Zero, exactly?
Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ) is HoYoverse’s eighth title, a new video game that explores the action RPG genre within a post-apocalyptic world.
In ZZZ, a supernatural disaster called the “Hollows” has devastated modern civilization, giving rise to chaotic dimensions inhabited by mysterious creatures known as the “Ethereal.”
The last surviving city, New Eridu, thrives by extracting valuable resources from the Hollows using advanced technology.
Players take on the role of “Proxies,” special professionals guiding others through the Hollows. They assist individuals in exploring these dimensions, engaging in battles, achieving goals, and uncovering stories.
Notably, Zenless Zone Zero breaks from the tradition of its predecessors — Honkai Impact 3rd, Genshin Impact, Honkai Star Rail — by not incorporating the words “houkai,” “honkai,” or “impact” in its name. So what is Zenless Zone Zero, and where does it stand in the HoYoverse multiverse?
In an exclusive interview with ONE Esports, we sat down with HoYoverse’s video game producer, Zhenyu Li (李振宇), to find out the meaning behind the name “Zenless Zone Zero” and the creative process that led to its creation.
What is Zenless Zone Zero? Title and meaning explained
Breaking down the title, “zenless” conveys the absence of zen or relaxation, “zone” refers to an area or place, and the number “zero” signifies nothingness.
However, for the HoYoverse team, zero holds a deeper meaning.
“Our team regards the number ‘0’ as a beautiful circular shape that symbolizes the beginning of everything,” Zhenyu revealed to ONE Esports. “It represents our team’s first product and marks my debut as the producer leading its development.”
Despite considering over 10 different product name proposals, the HoYoverse team ultimately settled on “Zenless Zone Zero,” aligning with the team’s “aesthetic philosophy of simplicity and structure.”
“Considering the importance of the number ‘0’ to the project, we decided to include the word ‘zero’ in the title,” he said. “We then took the initials of these three words to design the logo everyone can see today in line with our signature style.”
The circular shape of the number zero also corresponds to an important element in the game — the Hollows.
Hollows are apocalyptic-level disasters, characterized by abnormal spherical dimensions that materialize out of thin air, engulfing everything in their path.
The internal space-time environment within these Hollows becomes chaotic due to mysterious influences, giving rise to dangerous mutant creatures known as the “Ethereal.”
In the game, this chaotic realm serves as the battleground where players challenge their strength, strategy, and skills by engaging in combat against these monstrous creatures.
Players can explore and experience the thrill and danger of these Hollows on Microsoft Windows, iOS, Android devices, and PlayStation 5.
READ MORE: Exclusive: Zenless Zone Zero is a love letter to this iconic era, says HoYoverse producer
