inZOI's Karma System Creates Ghost Towns

In inZOI, a life simulation game, cities can become eerily deserted if too many citizens, known as Zois, die with poor karma. Let's delve into this unique karma system and its impact, ahead of the game's upcoming early access release.

inZOI Cities: A Ghostly Threat

The Ghostly Consequence of Low Karma

In inZOI, a city's prosperity is directly tied to the karma of its inhabitants. As inZOI Director Hyungjun Kim explains in a recent PC Gamer interview, "Each Zoi action accumulates karma points. Upon death, a karma evaluation determines their soul's fate. Low karma results in becoming a ghost, requiring karma redemption before rebirth."

The accumulation of ghosts significantly impacts the city's vitality. Kim states, "Too many ghosts prevent new Zois from being born and hinder family formation, placing the burden of karmic balance squarely on the players." This dynamic adds a compelling layer of responsibility, encouraging players to actively manage the city's collective karma.

Kim clarifies the system's intent: "It's not about enforcing 'good' over 'bad.' Life isn't simply good or bad; every life holds meaning and value." Players are challenged to explore the nuanced karma system, fostering diverse narratives and exploring the complexities of life within inZOI.

A Nod to The Sims Legacy

While inZOI is poised to be a significant competitor in the life simulation genre, challenging the dominance of The Sims, Kim emphasizes that it's not a direct rivalry. He explains, "We see inZOI not as competition, but as another option for genre fans." He expresses profound respect for The Sims legacy, acknowledging the immense challenge of achieving such depth and complexity in the life simulation genre. The vastness and intricate nature of "life" make capturing every aspect incredibly difficult.

inZOI aims to offer a distinct experience, highlighting its unique features: a realistic visual style powered by Unreal Engine 5, extensive customization, and AI-driven creative tools. The goal is to empower players to shape their desired lives, become their own protagonists, and bring their imaginations to life within the game's world.

Early Access and Livestream Showcase

inZOI's early access launch is set for March 28, 2025, at 00:00 UTC on Steam. A worldwide release map on the official website details regional launch times.

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

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