inZOI’s Karma System Allows for Literal Ghost Towns

In inZOI, the choices you make have profound consequences. Live a life of poor karma, and you might find yourself contributing to a literal ghost town. Read on to discover how inZOI's karma system works and prepare for its upcoming early access release.

inZOI Cities: A Ghostly Possibility

Too Many Ghosts, No New Zois

In inZOI, the accumulation of karma directly impacts your city's fate. Director Hyungjun Kim, in a recent PC Gamer interview, highlighted the system's significance. Every action earns karma points. Death triggers a karma evaluation; low scores result in a ghostly afterlife, requiring karmic redemption before rebirth. An excess of ghosts, however, creates a chilling consequence: new Zois cannot be born, nor can families be formed, leaving the city's future in the players' hands. Maintaining a balance of karmic actions is key to preventing ghostly overpopulation.

Kim emphasizes that the system isn't about strict good vs. evil. "Life isn't simply divided into good and bad," he explains. "Every life holds meaning and value." The karma system encourages players to explore diverse narratives and the multifaceted nature of life itself.

A Nod to The Sims Legacy

While inZOI is poised to be a significant contender in the life simulation genre, Kim refrains from framing it as a direct competitor to The Sims. "We see inZOI not as a competitor, but as another option for fans of the genre," he states, expressing deep respect for The Sims' enduring legacy and the complexity of capturing the essence of life in a game.

inZOI's focus is on providing a distinct experience, leveraging Unreal Engine 5 for realistic visuals, in-depth customization, and AI-driven creative tools. The goal is to empower players to craft their ideal lives and become the protagonists of their own unique stories.

Early Access and Livestream Showcase

inZOI's early access launch on Steam is set for March 28, 2025, at 00:00 UTC. A worldwide release schedule is available on the official website. A livestream showcase on March 19, 2025, at 01:00 UTC (on YouTube and Twitch) will detail early access pricing, DLC plans, the development roadmap, and answer community questions. A new early access teaser is also available on their YouTube channel.

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