inZOI’s Karma System Allows for Literal Ghost Towns

In inZOI, cities can become eerily deserted if too many Zois die with poor karma. Learn more about inZOI's intriguing karma system and its upcoming early access release.

inZOI Cities Can Become Ghost Towns

A City's Fate Tied to Karma

In inZOI, a city's prosperity hinges on the karma of its inhabitants. As detailed in the latest PC Gamer magazine, Director Hyungjun Kim explains the profound impact of the game's karma system. Every action a Zoi takes accumulates karma points. Upon death, this karma determines their fate. Low karma results in becoming a ghost, requiring karmic redemption before rebirth.

An overabundance of ghosts significantly impacts the city. Kim explains that too many spectral residents prevent new Zois from being born and families from forming, placing the responsibility of maintaining a city's vitality squarely on the players' shoulders. This necessitates a delicate balance, demanding players consider the karmic consequences of their actions to prevent their cities from becoming ghost towns.

Importantly, Kim clarifies that the system isn't about enforcing strict "good" and "bad" actions. He emphasizes that life's complexities defy simple categorization, and the karma system is designed to encourage exploration of diverse life experiences and narratives.

Respecting the Legacy of The Sims

While inZOI is poised to be a significant competitor in the life simulation genre, Director Kim doesn't view it as directly competing with The Sims. Instead, he sees inZOI as an alternative offering for fans of the genre, expressing profound respect for the legacy The Sims has built. He acknowledges the immense challenge of capturing the vast complexities of "life" in a life simulation game, a challenge The Sims has masterfully addressed over the years.

inZOI's unique approach focuses on providing players with creative freedom. The game utilizes Unreal Engine 5 for realistic visuals, in-depth customization, and AI-driven tools, empowering players to shape their in-game lives and create their own unique stories.

Early Access and Livestream Showcase

inZOI launches its Steam Early Access on March 28, 2025, at 00:00 UTC. A worldwide release map on the official website details regional release times. A livestream showcase on March 19, 2025, at 01:00 UTC (on inZOI's YouTube and Twitch channels) will cover early access pricing, DLC, the development roadmap, and answer community questions. A new early access teaser is also available on their YouTube channel.

inZOI will be available on Steam Early Access, with future releases planned for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Specific release dates for those platforms are yet to be announced. Visit the official inZOI page for the latest updates.