inZOI's Karma System Creates Ghost Towns

Discover how inZOI's innovative karma system can transform thriving cities into ghost towns, and learn about the game's upcoming early access release.

inZOI Cities Can Be Overrun By Ghosts

inZOI introduces a unique gameplay mechanic where cities can become ghost towns if an excess of Zois die with negative karma. In a recent feature in PC Gamer Magazine, inZOI Director Hyungjun Kim delved into the significant impact of the game's karma system on player experience.

Kim explained, "Every action a Zoi takes contributes to their karma points." He further noted, "Upon death, a karma evaluation takes place. If a Zoi's karma is too low, it turns into a ghost, necessitating redemption of karma points before reincarnation."

If the situation escalates with too many Zois dying with poor karma, the city's status can drastically change. Kim stated, "An overabundance of ghosts can prevent new Zois from being born and halt family formation, challenging players to maintain the city's karma balance." This adds a layer of complexity, urging players to manage the karma system effectively to prevent their cities from becoming ghost towns.

Kim emphasized, "The system doesn't aim to enforce 'good' actions over 'bad' ones." He elaborated, "Life is not just black and white; every life has its own meaning and value." He encouraged players to explore the karma system to "create diverse events and stories, exploring life's many facets."

inZOI Director Has Great Respect for the Legacy The Sims Built

inZOI emerges as a strong contender in the life simulation genre, traditionally dominated by The Sims. However, inZOI Director Hyungjun Kim views his game not as a competitor but as an alternative within the genre.

Kim shared, "We consider inZOI not as a rival to The Sims, but as another choice for fans of life simulation games." He expressed admiration for The Sims, stating, "We deeply respect the legacy The Sims has built. Achieving such depth in a short time is challenging, given the broad and complex nature of 'life' that these games aim to simulate."

The goal for inZOI is to offer a distinct experience by emphasizing unique features. Kim highlighted, "inZOI allows players to craft the life they envision with a suite of creative tools. Our game leverages Unreal Engine 5 for realistic visuals, offers in-depth customization, and utilizes AI-driven tools to help players bring their visions to life, making them the protagonists of their own stories."

inZOI Early Access and Online Showcase Livestream

inZOI has set the date for its early access release. According to an announcement on their official website, inZOI will launch its early access on Steam on March 28, 2025, at 00:00 UTC. A global map on the site details specific release times for different regions.

Additionally, fans can look forward to a live showcase on March 19, 2025, at 01:00 UTC, which will be streamed on inZOI's official YouTube and Twitch channels. The event will cover early access pricing, details on downloadable content (DLC), and the game's developmental roadmap, as well as addressing community questions. A new early access teaser has also been uploaded to their YouTube channel.

inZOI's early access will be available on Steam, with future releases planned for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Keep an eye on our inZOI page for the latest updates and announcements.