Zenless Zone Zero Developers Admit Heavy Overtime Has Become the Norm
Zenless Zone Zero, the action RPG from HoYoverse, has once again become a topic of discussion after a behind-the-scenes development video revealed the team’s demanding work conditions. The footage highlights how overtime has become a normal part of development for live-service games that require constant content updates, raising important questions about the long-term sustainability of such working practices in the modern game industry.
Zenless Zone Zero Reveals the Reality of Heavy Overtime Behind the Scenes
In a recent episode of the behind-the-scenes series “ZTALK,” the Zenless Zone Zero development team spoke casually and openly about their workflow. Despite the lighthearted tone, the content revealed a rather intense reality. Team members admitted that overtime occurs “very frequently,” and whenever tasks remain unfinished, additional work hours begin immediately in order to keep up with the game’s demanding update schedule.
As a live-service title, Zenless Zone Zero follows a tight six-week update cycle. Each update typically introduces new characters, story content, events, mini-games, and system improvements, all of which can amount to dozens of hours of gameplay. The developers also revealed that much of their regular workday is often consumed by meetings, forcing them to rely on overtime hours to complete remaining tasks before deadlines.
This situation aligns with previous comments from Shuhei Yoshida, former head of PlayStation Studios, who noted that Chinese game development has become increasingly competitive. One contributing factor, he explained, is an environment that allows studios to hire large teams capable of working extended hours—something that developers in other regions may struggle to replicate. These realities have further fueled ongoing discussions about work-life balance within the global game industry.
While the team’s dedication has allowed Zenless Zone Zero to maintain high standards and meet player expectations for quality and consistency, it also raises unavoidable concerns about the human cost behind such success. This case reflects a broader issue within the live-service game model, where frequent content updates may come at the expense of developer well-being. As live-service games continue to dominate the market, both players and creators are increasingly encouraged to reflect on how sustainable these production models truly are in the long run.
Zenless Zone Zero is set in a post-apocalyptic metropolitan world, featuring futuristic art direction, striking characters, and fast-paced action gameplay. Players take on the role of a Proxy and embark on adventures alongside various allies to defeat enemies and uncover mysteries in New Eridu, humanity’s last refuge. The game boasts anime-style 3D graphics and fluid combat, allowing players to chain skills and combos seamlessly, delivering a highly satisfying experience for action game fans.
Source: Push Square
