When Zenless Zone Zero launched, one thing immediately stood out to players familiar with Genshin Impact. Instead of orchestral scores and cinematic melodies, the game leaned heavily into EDM, lo-fi, funk, and experimental sounds. This shift wasn’t accidental. According to the developers, Zenless Zone Zero’s music was never designed to function as traditional “game music” in the first place.
In an exclusive interview with IGN, composer Yang Wutao explained that the team approached the soundtrack with a completely different philosophy. Rather than treating music as background support, they set out to create tracks that could exist independently as full-fledged songs. This creative decision is what makes Zenless Zone Zero’s audio identity feel so distinct.
Music Designed as Standalone Art
One of the biggest differences in Zenless Zone Zero’s approach is how its music is conceptualized. Yang Wutao made it clear that the team never frames their work as either “game music” or “pop music.” Instead, they focus on quality and emotional impact above all else.
He explained,
“While in the studio, we’ve never once asked ourselves, ‘Is this game music or a pop single?’”
That mindset allows the team to push beyond functional scoring and create tracks that feel complete on their own. When a piece of music resonates emotionally, it stops being tied to a specific purpose and becomes something listeners can enjoy independently.
This philosophy is especially evident in the character EPs. These tracks are crafted with a higher standard, designed not just to enhance gameplay but to connect with audiences even outside the game’s context. It is a rare approach in gaming, where soundtracks are often secondary to gameplay.
Emotion Takes Priority Over Genre
Another key reason the soundtrack feels different is the team’s refusal to start with genre. Instead of deciding whether a track should be EDM, jazz, or lo-fi, the composers begin with the character or scene.
Yang Wutao emphasized this point clearly, stating,
“Music exists to express emotion — otherwise it’s just sound.”
This means every track is built around what a character feels or what a moment represents, rather than what genre is currently popular.
This approach leads to a wide range of musical styles within the same game. However, the diversity never feels random because each piece is rooted in emotion. The result is a soundtrack that feels personal and intentional rather than formulaic.
Why Zenless Zone Zero Avoids Traditional Game Music Rules
Most modern games rely on consistent musical styles to maintain cohesion. Zenless Zone Zero takes a different path by allowing variety while still maintaining identity. The team achieves this by ensuring every track fits its specific context rather than forcing uniformity.
Yang Wutao acknowledged that the game shifts between styles frequently, but explained why it still works. Each piece of music is designed to belong to its moment, whether it is a relaxed street scene or an intense combat sequence. As long as the emotion matches, the transition feels natural.
This flexible structure reflects the game’s design as a live-service experience. Unlike single-player titles with fixed narratives, Zenless Zone Zero evolves over time. Its music follows that same philosophy, adapting to different scenarios without losing its core identity.
