InZOI Preview: Gorgeous Design, Limited Depth

InZOI Preview: Gorgeous Design, Limited Depth

In Krafton’s ambitious life simulator, inZOI, you’re less of a deity and more of an all-powerful office worker handling HR for tiny worlds, guided by an adorable cat boss. Your role involves more than just managing the everyday lives and relationships of your customizable characters, known as Zois; you’ll also build entire cities filled with homes, businesses, and parks. Managing challenges like city-wide mood swings, unpredictable weather, and roaming wildlife adds depth and excitement to the gameplay. Still, despite its vibrant and detailed design, the experience currently feels somewhat incomplete.

Before fully stepping into my new role, I explored inZOI’s incredibly realistic character creator, a feature so engaging it nearly consumed my entire preview session. The level of detail available for customizing my avatar’s facial features felt akin to molding a precise Play-Doh sculpture. However, my attempts at creating a stylish, realistic version of myself were quickly abandoned when I discovered hilarious player-made presets like Shrek or Handsome Squidward. Game director and producer Hyungjun Kim explained, “We aim to offer players as much creative freedom as possible. Having created custom content for The Sims myself, I know what players love, and I wanted to deliver that same creative depth.”

Creating your Zoi involves choosing their gender expression, age (from child to senior), and personality traits before diving into the detailed character editor. “Initially, we thought about using a stylized approach similar to The Sims, but we opted for realism to help players feel a stronger connection,” Kim said. “Ultimately, my hope is that players reflect on their lives and find greater meaning through their experiences in the game.”