01. Introduction
In the realm of life simulation games, The Sims series has undoubtedly set the benchmark. However, due to a lack of competition, its evolution has been relatively slow. With the unveiling of inZOI, a new game from a Korean developer, this field might be on the verge of a revolution—or at least, that’s the hope sparked by its trailer.
The name “ZOI” in inZOI is derived from the Greek word “ζωή” (zoˈi), meaning “life.” Combined with “in,” it signifies “living life.” To some extent, inZOI is about celebrating life itself. Much like The Sims, it allows players to build their own simulated societies, appealing to a similar audience.
Since its reveal, comparisons between inZOI and The Sims have been inevitable.
The game is set to enter early access on March 28, 2025. Interested players can wishlist it on Steam to receive updates and notifications about its release. The true experience, however, will only unfold once players get their hands on it.
This article provides a brief overview of the currently available test version.
02. A Substitute for The Sims 5
Since its debut in February 2000, The Sims series has captivated players with its open-ended sandbox gameplay. Players control virtual characters called “Sims,” fulfilling their needs and desires while planning fulfilling lives for them. They can also build homes and customize interiors, while expansions and mods add richness and depth to the game, securing its place in the hearts of simulation enthusiasts.
However, with over 80 DLCs since its 2014 release, The Sims 4 has become a long-running saga, and the prospect of The Sims 5 feels increasingly distant.
inZOI, however, fills the void perfectly. The moment I launched the game, I was struck by its heightened realism. Players can create characters that are strikingly lifelike, set them in hyper-detailed environments, and observe them navigating a world far more immersive than ever before.
Unlike the stylized EA aesthetic of The Sims, inZOI focuses on hyper-realistic character modeling. Players can customize gender, age, personality, facial features, hairstyles, clothing, and accessories, allowing for near-perfect replicas of themselves or others.
As a Korean-made game, its aesthetic leans towards East Asian preferences, offering intricate details down to body hair density and jawline contours. On high-performance PCs, even pores are visible, making the character creation process endlessly fascinating for fans of simulation games.
03. Everything is Customizable
When I first watched the trailer, I was skeptical, fearing it might be an example of “trailer fraud.” However, the game truly delivers on its visual promises, with customization options that are astonishingly diverse.
Beyond characters, every in-game item is customizable. Players can not only adjust colors but also import local image files for personalized designs without relying on complex mods.
AI technology further enhances customization, such as a 3D model generator that creates models from image inputs. Additionally, a manual “clipping” feature in the building mode allows objects to overlap creatively, breaking collision restrictions for imaginative designs.
Customization extends beyond characters and interiors—entire cities can be edited. Players can adjust greenery, decorations, advertisements on skyscrapers, stray animals, and even the degree of urban decay. Whether you envision a futuristic metropolis or a post-apocalyptic wasteland, the tools are at your disposal.
Despite being a stellar home décor simulator in its incomplete state, inZOI transcends mere customization. It aims to create a platform for true life simulation.
04. An Ambitious Framework
Life simulation games typically launch with a foundational framework, with additional content delivered through updates—The Sims and Cities: Skylines are prime examples. inZOI, however, showcases an evident ambition from the outset.
Its core gameplay includes character traits, NPC interactions, daily activities, careers, and a system for unlocking items and features—clearly inspired by The Sims. However, inZOI prioritizes immersion, setting it apart.
Players can create families, add relatives, and build homes with intricate interior details. Public spaces like vending machines, claw machines, shops, and parks are interactive. Players can even seamlessly enter others’ homes, hinting at potential online multiplayer features akin to a metaverse society.
Unlike The Sims, where characters primarily move via point-and-click, inZOI supports real-time control using WASD keys or a controller. Players can freely roam the open world, transitioning from god-like oversight to third-person immersion. This open-world freedom includes vehicles, enabling players to drive through cities and even cause traffic accidents, with detailed incident tracking.
NPCs form friendships, romantic relationships, and more, with player actions influencing their lives. Such systems breathe life into inZOI’s world, making it vibrant and interconnected.
Additionally, a work-in-progress scheduling system allows players to plan weekly routines for their characters, enabling semi-autonomous lifestyles—a welcome feature for multi-character gameplay enthusiasts.
05. Conclusion
While inZOI is far from perfect and still incomplete, it presents an ambitious framework for the future. From character customization to scene interaction, open-world exploration, and intricate detail, it offers an unparalleled realism for life simulation games.
The phrase “promising future” feels like the highest praise for a simulation game yet to be released. With its potential to reshape the genre, inZOI may well become a landmark in life simulation gaming.
