In inZOI, cities can become eerily deserted if too many Zois die with poor karma. Discover how inZOI's unique karma system shapes gameplay and learn about its upcoming early access release.
inZOI Cities: A Ghostly Threat
A City's Fate Hinges on Karma
inZOI introduces a compelling twist: cities can transform into ghost towns if too many spectral Zois linger. This innovative mechanic, highlighted in a recent PC Gamer interview with Director Hyungjun Kim, significantly impacts the player experience.
Kim explains that every Zoi action accumulates karma points. Upon death, a karma evaluation determines their afterlife. Low karma results in a ghostly existence, requiring karma redemption before rebirth. A surplus of these ghosts severely impacts the city's vitality; new Zois cannot be born, and families cannot form, placing the responsibility of maintaining a thriving city squarely on the players' shoulders. They must carefully manage the karma of their Zois to prevent their cities from becoming desolate.
Kim emphasizes that this system isn't about simplistic good versus evil. "Life isn't simply divided into good and bad," he states. "Every life has its own meaning and value." The karma system encourages exploration of diverse life experiences and narratives within the game.
Respecting The Sims Legacy, While Forging a New Path
While inZOI is poised to be a significant contender in the life simulation genre, challenging the dominance of The Sims, Kim views it not as direct competition, but as a complementary offering. He expresses deep respect for The Sims' legacy, acknowledging the immense challenge of capturing the multifaceted concept of "life" within a life simulation game.
inZOI differentiates itself through its unique features: a realistic visual style powered by Unreal Engine 5, extensive customization options, and AI-driven creative tools, empowering players to craft their own unique life stories.
inZOI Early Access and Livestream Showcase
inZOI's early access launch is set for March 28, 2025, at 00:00 UTC on Steam. A global release time map is available on the inZOI website.
A livestream showcase on March 19, 2025, at 01:00 UTC on inZOI's official YouTube and Twitch channels, will unveil details on early access pricing, DLC, the development roadmap, and answer community questions. A new early access teaser is also available on their YouTube channel.
inZOI launches its early access on Steam on March 28, 2025, with planned releases on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Specific release dates for consoles are yet to be announced. Visit the official inZOI page for the latest updates.
