At first glance,inZOImight seem like just another addition to the ever-expanding life simulation genre, but looks can be deceiving. Upon taking a deeper dive into its mechanics and design philosophy,inZOIcan be seen effectively distancing itself fromgiants likeThe Simswith an array of features (check out the InZOI Wiki to dive even deeper) that push the boundaries of life simulation beyond what others in the genre have traditionally offered.
In an interview with Game Rant,inZOIProducer and Director, and CEO of inZOI Studio, Hyungjun “Kjun” Kim, went into detail about the game’s defining features that help set it apart from life simulation games likeThe Sims. Yes,inZOIclearly has a far more detailed exoskeleton thanThe Simshas ever had, but its DNA allows it to offer players a unique and immersive experience unlike any other out there.
inZOI Takes ‘Life Simulation’ Seriously
inZOI Uses Its Visuals to Better Simulate Reality
The primary goal of any life simulation game is, of course, tosimulate real life in a video game. As such, these games offer players a chance to build and shape their virtual lives as they see fit — at least, to the extent that the game allows it. That’s whereinZOItruly distinguishes itself from life sim games likeThe Sims, as it takes full advantage of modern technology to provide an experience that feels closer to real life in a video game than any other title that has come before it. When asked about what features setinZOIapart from other life simulation games, Kim replied,
“The biggest differentiating factors forinZOIlie in its cutting-edge graphics technology and our comprehensive community simulation system. Built on Unreal Engine 5,inZOIoffers high-quality, realistic graphics, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the game. To support in-depth customization, the game includes creative tools powered by AI such as the 3D Printer, Texture, and motion capture features.”
inZOI’s graphical upgrade fromThe Simsis obvious, but it’s far more than just a better-looking life simulation game. inZOI Studio’s intention behind developing such a visually stunning experience isn’t just so players can have something better to look at, but to truly getinZOIas close as possible to being an authentic life simulation game. After all, if its aim is to simulate life, it needs to look like life, andinZOIcertainly captures that sentiment in its visuals. This was a design choice made to increase immersion, whereas titles likeThe Simshave largely relied on their gameplay to achieve that.
inZOI Ensures No Two Playthroughs Will Be the Same
Beyond just the graphics, however,inZOIoffers an unprecedented approach to customization, utilizing the unreserved power of AI as a method for connecting the real world to the virtual world through features like its 3D Printer. With that, players can transform images into in-game decorative elements, making it feel more like a genuine life simulator. AI isn’t just involved ininZOI’s customizationeither, as it directly applies to the game’s ability to offer a world that feels dynamic and alive, to the point of ensuring that no two playthroughs will be the same. Rather than relying on scripted events and actions, asThe Simsdoes,inZOIensures players' interactions with NPCs feel organic and spontaneous. Kim continued,
“The entire city ininZOIis made of up to 300 characters, known as “Zois,” who interact in real-time, dynamically generating various events and stories. This makes the gameplay experience feel more alive and immersive.”
In an effort to be far more than just a simulation of life in a predetermined world,inZOIactually wants its players to have full control over their own stories in its generous handful ofcustomization systems. This effectively allows players to move from simply having a hand in the simulation to being the simulator — the governing force behind almost everything that happens in the game. That being said, it’s impossible to control everything that happens in life, andinZOItakes that into account with events that occur randomly, like rumors and diseases. Kim concluded,
“inZOIaims to provide a platform where anyone can create their own unique story. To achieve this, we developed an extensive build mode and customization systems so that players can freely design everything from their surroundings to their characters. Additionally, we implemented various community elements – such as rumors, trends, and even diseases – to enrich storytelling. There is also an in-depth relationship system, a core aspect of narrative building.”
When looking at everythinginZOIbrings to the table, it’s rather clear that this isn’t just another life simulation game but a reimagining of what the genre is capable of. By utilizing the cutting-edgevisuals offered by Unreal Engine 5, AI-driven interactions, and an unprecedented level of customization,inZOImoves beyond the limitations of scripted interactions and boxed-in ideas and instead offers a world that feels truly alive and customizable. IfThe Simslaid the foundation for life simulation,inZOIaims to build a mansion on top of it, proving that the future of the genre is still very much alive and may even be bigger than originally anticipated.
