Miiza’s Zhu Yuan Animation Breaks the Internet: Behind the Viral Moment
On January 5, 2026, a short 14.6-second 3D animation by artist Miiza (@Mii_rza) captured the hearts of Zenless Zone Zero fans and exploded across social media. The animation depicts Zhu Yuan, a beloved NEPS officer from the game, flustered at an outdoor café while subtly fidgeting and blushing—a scene lifted directly from her in-game Hangout Event. By January 6, it had already garnered 44,730 likes, 3,630 reposts, 115 replies, and 495,737 views, signaling massive resonance within the ZZZ community.
Audio is from in-game, the first time i heard it i melted
— Miiza (@Mii_rza) January 5, 2026
Miiza’s post, captioned “Dont stare at Zhu Yuan ;”, was not just a simple recreation. Using the original in-game audio, Miiza meticulously animated every detail: Zhu Yuan’s hair antennae reacting to her embarrassment, her expressive eyes darting shyly, and fluid, bouncy movements mimicking the game’s signature style. The linked reply clarified the audio source: “Audio is from in-game, the first time i heard it i melted” (328 likes, 15,958 views). This highlights how fan creations can amplify existing game moments, making them more emotionally impactful.
What sets this animation apart is the gap moe factor: Zhu Yuan’s tough exterior contrasted with her unexpectedly cute, vulnerable side. This duality is central to her appeal, explaining the overwhelmingly positive reactions in the 115 replies, which ranged from technical admiration to playful, heartwarming expressions. Users praised the “fluidity” and “bouncy physics” of the animation, while others joked about feeling personally flustered or falling in love with the character. Light-hearted memes and humor, such as references to Ryan Gosling, further emphasized the community’s engagement and emotional investment.
Analyzing the engagement patterns provides key insights into fan culture. The high number of bookmarks (15,260) suggests lasting interest, while the views-to-likes ratio indicates viral spread beyond the core fanbase. The replies show a mix of appreciation, personal reactions, and encouragement for more content—typical traits of highly supportive gacha game communities. Fans even discussed the technical execution, noting Miiza’s skill in replicating ZZZ’s 2D aesthetic in 3D space.
From a broader perspective, this fan-driven content reflects the evolving role of player creativity in game communities. By animating an in-game scene, Miiza bridges the gap between developers’ storytelling and fan expression, turning a short cutscene into a shareable cultural moment. Zhu Yuan’s popularity and Miiza’s precise animation craft combined to create a viral phenomenon that is wholesome, engaging, and technically impressive.
In conclusion, Miiza’s animation is more than fan art—it’s a case study in how detail, emotional fidelity, and community engagement converge to elevate a simple game moment into a viral event. Fans’ reactions, technical analysis, and widespread sharing prove that in today’s gaming landscape, creative reinterpretations of beloved characters can resonate globally, amplifying both game and community culture.
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