Yes, Zenless Zone Zero, commonly known as ZZZ, is definitively a gacha game. This classification stems from its core mechanics for character acquisition.
Understanding Gacha Mechanics in ZZZ
Gacha games are characterized by their reliance on a "gacha" system, which is inspired by Japanese vending machine toys (gashapon). In these games, players spend in-game currency (often purchased with real money) to receive random items, typically characters or powerful equipment, from a limited pool.
For Zenless Zone Zero, this mechanic is central to unlocking new playable characters. Players engage with a system known as the Signal Search pane.
Here's how it works in ZZZ:
- Randomized Unlocks: To acquire new characters, players do not earn them through direct progression or story completion alone. Instead, they must perform "pulls" or "rolls."
- Lootbox Drops: Each pull in the Signal Search pane acts like opening a lootbox, with the outcome being a random character drawn from a pre-determined pool. The specific character received is based on chance, adhering to the probability rates set by the game.
- Monetization Model: This system encourages repeated engagement and spending, as players attempt to obtain desired rare characters or specific team compositions. It's a common monetization strategy in free-to-play mobile and PC games.
The necessity to randomly pull characters from a pool of lootbox drops through the Signal Search pane is a defining characteristic that firmly places Zenless Zone Zero within the gacha game genre.
