inZOI’s Karma System Allows for Literal Ghost Towns

In inZOI, the choices you make have real-world consequences. Poor karma can lead to literal ghost towns, a chilling reflection of your Zois' actions. Read on to discover how inZOI's unique karma system works and prepare for its upcoming early access release.

inZOI Cities Can Become Ghost Towns

A City's Fate Hinges on Karma

inZOI introduces a compelling mechanic: cities can become overrun by ghosts, impacting the entire city's vitality. In a recent interview with PC Gamer, inZOI Director Hyungjun Kim explained the game's intricate karma system.

According to Kim, "Every action a Zoi takes accumulates karma points." He continued, "Upon death, a karma evaluation determines their soul's state. Low karma results in becoming a ghost, requiring karma redemption before reincarnation."

The accumulation of ghosts significantly alters a city's fate. Kim stated, "Too many ghosts prevent new Zois from being born and families from forming, placing the responsibility of maintaining karmic balance squarely on the players." This adds a crucial layer of strategic depth, demanding players carefully consider the consequences of their Zois' actions.

Kim clarified, "This isn't about simply rewarding 'good' and punishing 'bad' actions." He emphasized, "Life's complexities can't be reduced to simple binaries; every life holds meaning and value." Players are encouraged to explore the nuances of inZOI's karma system, creating diverse narratives and uncovering the multifaceted nature of life within the game.

Respecting The Sims' Legacy, Forging a New Path

inZOI is poised to be a significant contender in the life simulation genre, potentially challenging the dominance of The Sims. However, Kim doesn't view it as a direct competitor.

He explained, "We see inZOI not as competition, but as another option for fans of the genre." He expressed respect for The Sims' legacy, stating, "We deeply respect the legacy The Sims has built. Achieving such depth in a short time is incredibly challenging, especially given the vast complexity of capturing 'life' in a life sim."

inZOI aims to offer a distinct experience, emphasizing its unique features. Kim highlighted, "inZOI empowers players to shape their desired lives using creative tools. This is achieved through realistic visuals powered by Unreal Engine 5, in-depth customization, and AI-driven creative tools. We encourage players to explore these features, become their own protagonists, and bring their imaginations to life."

inZOI Early Access and Livestream Showcase

inZOI's early access release date has been announced. The game launches on Steam on March 28, 2025, at 00:00 UTC. A worldwide release map detailing regional launch times is available on the inZOI website.

A livestream showcase will be held on March 19, 2025, at 01:00 UTC on inZOI's official YouTube and Twitch channels. This showcase will cover early access pricing, DLC, the developmental roadmap, and answer community questions. A new early access teaser is also available on their YouTube channel.

inZOI launches in early access on Steam March 28, 2025, with future releases planned for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Check the official inZOI page for the latest updates.