inZOI’s Karma System Allows for Literal Ghost Towns

inZOI's unique karma system can transform bustling cities into eerie ghost towns. Learn how this mechanic shapes gameplay and discover the upcoming early access release.

inZOI Cities: A Balancing Act Between Life and Death

Ghost Towns: A Consequence of Poor Karma

inZOI introduces a compelling twist: overpopulation of ghosts can effectively shut down entire cities. In a recent interview with PC Gamer, Director Hyungjun Kim revealed the profound impact of the game's karma system.

Kim explains that every action a Zoi (inZOI's citizen) takes affects their karma score. Death triggers a karmic evaluation; low scores result in a ghostly afterlife, requiring karmic redemption before rebirth. The accumulation of these ghostly Zois has serious consequences. If too many linger, new Zois cannot be born, and families cannot form, placing the burden of maintaining a thriving city squarely on the players' shoulders. This dynamic adds a layer of strategic depth, forcing players to consider the ethical implications of their Zois' actions.

However, Kim emphasizes that the system isn't about simplistic good versus evil. "Life isn't simply divided into good and bad; every life holds meaning and value," he states. The karma system is designed to encourage diverse narratives and explorations of life's complexities.

inZOI: A Unique Offering, Not a Competitor

While inZOI is poised to be a significant contender in the life simulation genre, often compared to The Sims, Kim clarifies their perspective: "We see inZOI not as a competitor, but as another option for fans of the genre." He expresses deep respect for The Sims' legacy, acknowledging the immense challenge of capturing the multifaceted nature of life in a video 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. The goal is to empower players to create and live their own unique stories within the game's world.

inZOI Early Access and Livestream Showcase

inZOI's early access launch on Steam is set for March 28, 2025, at 00:00 UTC. A global release schedule is available on the official website.

A live showcase on March 19, 2025, at 01:00 UTC, will stream on inZOI's official YouTube and Twitch channels. This will cover early access pricing, DLC plans, the development roadmap, and answer community questions. A new early access teaser is already available on their YouTube channel.

inZOI's early access begins on Steam March 28, 2025, with future releases planned for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned to the official inZOI page for the latest updates.