In a Singapore hotel where tropical humidity clings to the windows like static electricity, Zhenyu Li – the visionary producer behind HoYoverse’s Zenless Zone Zero – sits surrounded by recording devices and eager journalists. The palpable tension in his posture melts away as he speaks about his team’s four-year journey to build New Eridu, a city balancing mundane life and supernatural chaos. For players accustomed to HoYoverse’s epic narratives, this game feels like swapping a knight’s armor for a leather jacket – gritty, stylish, and surprisingly relatable.

The HoYoverse Machine: 400 Developers and Counting

Li’s team has ballooned to 400 members since 2020, operating under what insiders describe as a "creative beehive" structure 🐝. Unlike traditional hierarchies, ideas flow freely: artists designed cassette tape covers for in-game rental stores with the same care as major character models. This approach mirrors a symphony orchestra – individual virtuosos given freedom within a grand composition.

Key Development Philosophies:

  • Parallel Pipelines: Multiple content tracks ensure 6-week updates (like Genshin and Honkai) without burnout

  • Bug Hunters: Players joke about "compensation bugs," but Li’s team treats glitches like uninvited party crashers 🎉

  • Artistic Autonomy: From neon-lit arcades to coffee shops, environments are crafted with "controlled chaos"

Slice-of-Life Meets Supernatural Showdowns

New Eridu’s charm lies in its duality. While exploring Hollows (hostile pocket dimensions) forms the combat core, Li emphasizes:

"If we only had players fight... they’d get sick of it. So they get to have different lives."

Imagine Scott Pilgrim’s Toronto invaded by Evangelion’s angels – that’s New Eridu. Protagonists Belle and Wise run a video store between monster-slaying gigs, while NPCs fret over lost packages and school projects. Playable characters like Billy (arcade enthusiast) and Nicole (caffeine addict) invite players into mini-games and quirky quests.

Combat Philosophy: Skill Over Wallet

Li’s team built combat to reward creativity, not credit cards:

  • Dual Difficulty: Story mode vs. hardcore challenges (smarter AI, buffed enemies)

  • Faction Synergy: Teams from same in-game groups unlock secret combos 💥

  • Zero Healers (For Now): Launch roster prioritizes aggressive playstyles

Personal Take: Hands-on demos reveal combat that dances between Devil May Cry’s flair and Hades’ strategic depth. Dodging feels like threading a needle during an earthquake – terrifying yet satisfying.

FAQ: Burning Questions Answered

🔮 Will there be auto-battle?

"We’re listening. It must enhance fun, not replace engagement."

⌚ Time commitment vs. other HoYoverse games?

"Between Genshin’s exploration and Honkai’s pacing. Play in free moments."

🎮 Why urban fantasy?

"To blend the extraordinary with relatable struggles – like finding good Wi-Fi during an apocalypse."

The Road Ahead

With July 4, 2024 launch approaching, Li’s team balances polish and player feedback. Future plans hint at:

  • 2-character team modes (currently 3)

  • Healer characters (if they fit the "vibe")

  • Seasonal events blending arcade culture and supernatural threats

As Li signs off with an awkward peace sign for photos, one senses a studio evolving like New Eridu itself – chaotic, ambitious, and thrillingly alive. Zenless Zone Zero isn’t just another gacha title; it’s a love letter to finding magic in the mundane.