Realistic Pregnancy System

A more realistic pregnancy system in inZOI could become one of the game’s most immersive features. Instead of simply being a countdown timer, each stage of pregnancy could bring meaningful physical, emotional, and social changes.

Realistic Pregnancy System

1. Realistic Trimesters

Each trimester would have its own unique changes.

First Trimester

  • Morning sickness.
  • Constant fatigue.
  • Mood swings.
  • Food cravings.
  • Increased need for rest.
  • Some Zois may choose to keep the pregnancy a secret.

Second Trimester

  • The baby bump gradually begins to show.
  • The baby starts kicking.
  • Increased energy.
  • Shopping for furniture and baby clothes.
  • Optional gender reveal.

Third Trimester

  • Fully developed baby bump.
  • Slower walking animations.
  • Difficulty sleeping.
  • Braxton Hicks contractions.
  • Preparing for labor.

2. Fully Dynamic Body Changes

The Zoi’s body would change naturally over time.

  • Baby bump grows week by week.
  • Natural weight gain.
  • Gradual posture changes.
  • Pregnancy-specific walking animations.
  • Swollen feet.
  • Slightly fuller face.
  • Optional stretch marks.
  • Breast size changes.

All of these changes would happen progressively instead of appearing overnight.


3. Prenatal Checkups

Players could actively experience the entire pregnancy journey.

  • Ultrasound appointments.
  • Listen to the baby’s heartbeat.
  • Watch the baby grow.
  • Learn the baby’s gender (or keep it a surprise).
  • Receive medical advice from doctors.

4. Preparing for the Baby

Before the birth, players could prepare everything.

  • Decorate the nursery.
  • Buy a crib.
  • Purchase a stroller.
  • Baby clothes.
  • Toys.
  • Diapers.
  • Infant car seat.
  • Organize a baby shower.

5. Family Interactions

Other Zois would naturally react to the pregnancy.

  • Offer congratulations.
  • Give hugs.
  • Ask when the baby is due.
  • Gently touch the baby bump.
  • Attend medical appointments together.
  • Take family photos.
  • Organize celebrations.

Children could even talk to the baby through the mother’s belly.


6. Emotional Experience

Every pregnancy would feel different.

Some Zois might experience:

  • Anxiety.
  • Happiness.
  • Fear.
  • Excitement.
  • Insecurity.

These emotions would depend on the Zoi’s personality, financial situation, relationship status, and family support.


7. Pregnancy Lifestyle

During pregnancy, Zois would naturally adjust their routines.

  • Need more rest.
  • Go to bed earlier.
  • Take light walks.
  • Attend prenatal yoga classes.
  • Go swimming.
  • Follow recommended exercise routines.
  • Avoid dangerous activities.

8. Childbirth

Players could choose between different birth options.

  • Hospital birth.
  • Home birth
  • Cesarean section.
  • Natural birth.

The partner could:

  • Hold the mother’s hand.
  • Cut the umbilical cord.
  • Take photos.
  • Meet the baby immediately after birth.

9. Postpartum Recovery

The experience wouldn’t end after the baby is born.

  • Physical recovery.
  • Hormonal changes.
  • Fatigue.
  • Sleepless nights.
  • Learning how to care for the newborn.
  • Visits from family members.
  • Parental leave.
  • Adjusting to a new family routine.

10. Family Memories

Every pregnancy would automatically create meaningful memories.

  • First ultrasound.
  • First kick.
  • Gender reveal.
  • Baby shower.
  • Final pregnancy photo.
  • Birth day.
  • First family photo.
  • Baby’s first outing.

These memories could be stored in a family album and remembered by Zois years later.


11. Every Pregnancy Is Unique

No two pregnancies would be exactly alike.

Examples include:

  • Mild or severe morning sickness.
  • Small or large baby bump.
  • More active or calmer baby.
  • Different amounts of weight gain.
  • Slightly different pregnancy lengths within a realistic timeframe.
  • Twins or triplets (rare cases).
  • Different emotional experiences based on each Zoi’s personality and family circumstances.

This would make every pregnancy feel unique, making family life much more immersive, emotional, and true to real life.

12. Partner Involvement System

The partner could play an active role throughout the pregnancy instead of simply waiting for the baby to arrive.

  • Attend every prenatal appointment.
  • Help assemble nursery furniture.
  • Massage the pregnant Zoi.
  • Bring food during cravings.
  • Read parenting books.
  • Practice breathing exercises together.
  • Feel the baby’s kicks.
  • Talk or sing to the baby.
  • Take maternity photos together.
  • Pack the hospital bag.

A supportive partner would strengthen the relationship, while a neglectful one could create tension.


13. Baby Personality Development Before Birth

The baby’s personality could begin developing during pregnancy.

Factors such as:

  • Parents’ personalities.
  • Family environment.
  • Stress levels.
  • Emotional support.
  • Genetics.

Could slightly influence early traits after birth, while still leaving plenty of randomness.


14. Pregnancy Journal

Every pregnancy would automatically generate a personal journal.

Examples:

  • “Today I felt the baby kick for the first time.”
  • “We finished decorating the nursery.”
  • “Our first ultrasound.”
  • “Only two weeks left until the due date.”

Years later, Zois could reread these memories.


15. Dynamic Conversations

NPC dialogue would naturally evolve during pregnancy.

Friends might ask:

  • “How are you feeling?”
  • “Have you picked a name yet?”
  • “Is it your first baby?”
  • “Do you know if it’s a boy or a girl?”

Older relatives could share parenting advice, while children might ask innocent questions.


16. Baby Name Planning

Parents could create a shortlist of names before birth.

  • Favorite names.
  • Family names.
  • Cultural names.
  • Random suggestions.
  • Vote between both parents.

The final name could be chosen before or after delivery.


17. Pregnancy Photoshoot

A dedicated maternity photography session.

Options could include:

  • Studio photos.
  • Beach.
  • Forest.
  • Home.
  • Seasonal themes.

Photos would become permanent family memories.


18. Nursery Decoration

Preparing the baby’s room could become its own gameplay system.

Players could customize:

  • Wall colors.
  • Wallpaper.
  • Lighting.
  • Furniture layout.
  • Toys.
  • Curtains.
  • Rugs.
  • Decorations.
  • Theme (animals, space, nature, fantasy, modern, etc.).

19. Hospital Bag Checklist

Before labor, players would prepare a hospital bag.

Items could include:

  • Baby clothes.
  • Blanket.
  • Bottles.
  • Phone charger.
  • Camera.
  • Snacks.
  • Important documents.
  • Extra clothes.

Having everything ready could reduce stress during labor.


20. Birth Announcements

Once the baby is born, parents could:

  • Send announcements.
  • Share family photos.
  • Introduce the baby to relatives.
  • Host a welcome-home gathering.

Friends and family would react differently depending on their relationship.


21. Pregnancy Classes

Parents could attend classes before birth.

Examples:

  • Childbirth preparation.
  • Parenting classes.
  • Infant CPR.
  • Breastfeeding guidance.
  • Baby care lessons.

Completing classes could unlock parenting skills.


22. Genetics Preview

Ultrasounds could occasionally hint at inherited features.

Players might notice:

  • Nose shape.
  • Hair color prediction.
  • Eye color probability.
  • Facial resemblance.

The final appearance would remain a surprise until birth.


23. Sibling Reactions

Children in the household would react based on their personalities.

Some might:

  • Become excited.
  • Feel jealous.
  • Help prepare the nursery.
  • Talk to the baby.
  • Draw pictures for their future sibling.

This would make family dynamics feel much more authentic.


24. Due Date Uncertainty

Instead of every baby arriving on the exact same day, births could happen naturally within a realistic window.

  • A few days early.
  • On the expected due date.
  • Slightly later.

This would make each pregnancy less predictable.


25. Cultural Pregnancy Traditions

Each city could have its own customs and celebrations.

Examples:

  • Baby showers.
  • Blessing ceremonies.
  • Family gatherings.
  • Traditional gifts.
  • Religious celebrations.
  • Community festivals for expecting parents.

This would make pregnancies feel unique depending on where the Zoi lives.


26. Family Heirlooms

Parents and grandparents could pass down meaningful baby items.

Examples:

  • Handmade blankets.
  • Family cribs.
  • Stuffed animals.
  • Baby clothes.
  • Jewelry.
  • Memory boxes.

These heirlooms could be passed from generation to generation, strengthening the game’s legacy system.


27. AI-Driven Pregnancy Experience

No two pregnancies would follow the exact same journey.

The AI could dynamically generate:

  • Different symptom combinations.
  • Unique conversations.
  • Personalized events.
  • Family reactions.
  • Random memorable moments.
  • Unexpected but realistic experiences.

This would ensure that every pregnancy feels personal and creates a different story for every player.

Hospital Stay & Newborn Care System

To make childbirth feel even more realistic and emotional, the hospital experience shouldn’t end immediately after delivery.

Family Hospital Visits

After the baby is born, family and friends could visit the hospital.

Visitors could:

  • Meet the newborn.

  • Hold the baby (with the parents’ permission).

  • Bring flowers, gifts, balloons, or baby clothes.

  • Congratulate the parents.

  • Take family photos.

  • Spend time talking with the new parents.

Different relationships could lead to different reactions, making each visit feel unique.


Hospital Recovery Stay

Instead of going home immediately after birth, the mother and baby could remain in the hospital depending on the difficulty of the delivery.

For example:

  • Easy delivery: 1 day.

  • Normal delivery: 2 days.

  • Difficult delivery: 3–4 days.

  • Cesarean section: Longer recovery period.

During this time, parents could interact with nurses, doctors, and visitors while learning to care for the newborn.


Premature Birth System

Sometimes, babies could be born prematurely.

In these cases:

  • The baby would stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

  • The newborn would be placed in an incubator.

  • Doctors and nurses would provide specialized care.

  • Parents could visit the baby every day.

  • The baby’s condition would gradually improve over several in-game days before being discharged.

This would create emotional and memorable storytelling moments while remaining respectful and realistic.


Visiting the NICU

Parents and close family members could:

  • Visit the baby.

  • Talk softly to the newborn.

  • Hold the baby’s hand through the incubator.

  • Watch medical staff care for the baby.

  • Receive daily health updates from doctors.

  • Celebrate when the baby is finally healthy enough to go home.


Going Home

Once the doctor approves the discharge:

  • Parents would place the baby in a car seat.

  • Family members could welcome them home.

  • The nursery would finally be used.

  • The baby’s first day at home would become a permanent family memory.

This would make bringing the newborn home feel like a major milestone instead of an instant transition after childbirth.

Expanded Childbirth & Hospital System

To make pregnancy and childbirth feel like a true life experience, players should have complete freedom to decide how the birth and recovery unfold.


1. Choose Who Can Visit

Players could decide whether they want visitors after the baby is born.

Options could include:

  • Everyone can visit at the hospital.

  • Only close family.

  • Only the partner.

  • No visitors.

  • “Please visit us after we return home.”

NPCs would respect the parents’ wishes and adjust their behavior accordingly.


2. Stay Home After Discharge

Even after receiving medical clearance, the Zoi wouldn’t immediately return to normal life.

During the first few days at home, they would naturally:

  • Spend most of the day resting.

  • Recover from childbirth.

  • Feed the baby.

  • Sleep whenever the baby sleeps.

  • Move more slowly.

  • Receive help from family members.

The newborn would require frequent care throughout the day and night.


3. Full Freedom With the Baby

Players shouldn’t be limited to scripted interactions.

Instead, they could freely:

  • Carry the baby around the house.

  • Rock the baby to sleep.

  • Sit on the couch while holding the baby.

  • Walk around the garden.

  • Show the baby to family members.

  • Place the baby in a crib.

  • Put the baby in a stroller.

  • Place the baby in a bassinet.

  • Use a baby swing.

  • Use a baby carrier.

  • Place the baby on a changing table.

  • Put the baby in a car seat.

This would make caring for a newborn feel much more natural.


4. Multiple Ways to Get to the Hospital

When labor begins, players could choose how to get to the hospital.

Options include:

  • Drive themselves.

  • Ask their partner to drive.

  • Ask a family member or friend.

  • Call a taxi.

  • Call an ambulance.

Each choice could feature unique animations and interactions.


5. Call the Hospital Before Arrival

Parents could notify the hospital that labor has started.

After calling:

  • Hospital staff would prepare the delivery room.

  • Nurses would be waiting at the entrance.

  • Medical records would already be available.

  • The chosen doctor would be informed.

This would make the experience feel much more realistic.


6. Personal Doctor

Throughout the pregnancy, players could choose an obstetrician.

The same doctor would:

  • Conduct prenatal checkups.

  • Perform ultrasound appointments.

  • Monitor the pregnancy.

  • Deliver the baby whenever possible.

  • Continue postpartum follow-up visits.

This would create a stronger emotional connection with the healthcare team.


7. Different Hospital Types

Not every hospital would offer the same experience.

Public Hospital

  • Lower cost or free.

  • Longer waiting times.

  • Shared maternity rooms.

  • Standard services.

  • Good medical care.


Private Hospital

  • Faster service.

  • Private recovery room.

  • More personalized care.

  • More comfort.

  • Additional delivery options.


Luxury Hospital

Designed for wealthy and celebrity Zois.

Features could include:

  • Luxury maternity suites.

  • Personalized room decoration.

  • Gourmet meals.

  • Private nurses.

  • Personal photographer.

  • Spa-style recovery services.

  • VIP entrance.

  • Maximum privacy.

  • Family lounge.

  • Premium newborn care.


8. Customize the Hospital Room

If staying in a private or luxury hospital, players could personalize the room.

Examples:

  • Wall colors.

  • Flowers.

  • Balloons.

  • Family photos.

  • Music playlist.

  • Lighting.

  • Blankets.

  • Baby decorations.

  • Welcome signs.

  • Gift baskets.

The room would feel warm and personal rather than generic.


9. Dynamic Hospital Staff

Every hospital would have its own medical team.

  • Obstetricians.

  • Pediatricians.

  • Midwives.

  • Nurses.

  • Lactation consultants.

  • Receptionists.

Each staff member would have their own personality, experience level, and interactions.


10. Hospital Reputation

Hospitals could build reputations over time.

Some might be known for:

  • The best maternity ward.

  • Luxury care.

  • Pediatric excellence.

  • High-risk pregnancy specialists.

  • Friendly staff.

  • Fast service.

  • Affordable healthcare.

Players could choose where to give birth based on their Zoi’s budget, preferences, and medical needs, making each childbirth experience feel unique and adding another layer of realism to family gameplay.

Pregnancy Emotions & Parenthood Feelings System

One feature that could make inZOI much deeper is allowing every Zoi to have their own feelings and opinions about pregnancy and becoming a parent. Not every Zoi should react the same way.


Parenthood Preferences

Each Zoi could have a hidden preference about having children.

For example:

  • Wants children.

  • Wants a large family.

  • Wants one child.

  • Unsure about having children.

  • Doesn’t mind either way.

  • Doesn’t want children.

  • Strongly doesn’t want children.

These preferences could naturally change over the course of life depending on experiences and relationships.


Emotional Reactions to Pregnancy

A pregnancy wouldn’t always be received with happiness.

Depending on the Zoi’s personality, life goals, relationship, finances, and parenthood preference, they could experience different emotions.

Examples:

  • Excited.

  • Overjoyed.

  • Nervous.

  • Anxious.

  • Shocked.

  • Confused.

  • Overwhelmed.

  • Worried.

  • Scared.

  • Unprepared.

  • Hopeful.

  • Calm.

This would make every pregnancy feel unique.


Unplanned Pregnancy

If the pregnancy wasn’t planned, Zois could react differently.

Some might:

  • Become happy after the initial surprise.

  • Feel stressed.

  • Need time to accept the situation.

  • Worry about finances.

  • Question whether they’re ready.

  • Seek emotional support from friends or family.

Meanwhile, the partner could have completely different feelings.


Different Opinions Between Partners

Couples shouldn’t always agree.

Examples:

  • Both want children.

  • Neither wants children.

  • One wants children while the other doesn’t.

  • One wants children now, the other later.

  • One is excited while the other is frightened.

These differences could create meaningful conversations and relationship choices.


Pregnancy Mood Changes

Hormonal changes could affect emotions throughout pregnancy.

Examples include:

  • Becoming more emotional.

  • Crying more easily.

  • Feeling more affectionate.

  • Feeling more irritable.

  • Becoming more protective.

  • Feeling more sensitive to stress.

These changes would vary from one pregnancy to another.


Postpartum Recovery

After giving birth, the Zoi wouldn’t instantly return to normal.

During recovery, they could experience:

  • Physical exhaustion.

  • Low energy.

  • Muscle soreness.

  • Interrupted sleep.

  • Mood swings.

  • Emotional sensitivity.

  • Happiness and pride.

  • Feeling overwhelmed while adapting to parenthood.

The recovery period would gradually improve over time.


Parenthood Isn’t the Same for Everyone

Each Zoi would develop their own relationship with parenting.

Some might:

  • Instantly love caring for the baby.

  • Need time to adjust.

  • Feel nervous holding the newborn.

  • Become a very protective parent.

  • Ask family members for help.

  • Gain confidence through experience.

This would create more believable family stories.


Life Goals Can Change

Major life events could reshape a Zoi’s outlook.

For example:

  • A Zoi who never wanted children might discover they enjoy being a parent.

  • Someone who always dreamed of a big family might decide one child is enough.

  • A Zoi who was unsure could become more confident after positive experiences.

Rather than being fixed forever, parenthood preferences could evolve naturally throughout life, making each Zoi’s personal journey feel more realistic and emotionally authentic.

Body Changes & Parenthood Psychology System

Pregnancy would affect not only a Zoi’s body, but also their emotions, confidence, relationships, and personal identity. Every pregnancy would feel different because every Zoi would experience it in their own way.

Body Image & Self-Confidence

As the body changes throughout pregnancy, Zois could react differently depending on their personality and self-esteem.

Some Zois might:

  • Feel more beautiful and confident.
  • Feel proud of their baby bump.
  • Enjoy taking maternity photos.
  • Love shopping for maternity clothes.

Others might:

  • Feel insecure about weight gain.
  • Miss their previous body.
  • Worry about stretch marks.
  • Feel uncomfortable with physical changes.
  • Avoid social events for a while.

These feelings could gradually change before and after birth.


Changing Relationship Dynamics

Pregnancy could naturally influence romantic relationships.

Examples include:

  • Becoming more affectionate.
  • Wanting more emotional support.
  • Wanting more personal space.
  • Losing interest in romance temporarily.
  • Feeling more protective of their partner.
  • Becoming more emotionally sensitive.

Every couple would adapt differently depending on communication, trust, and compatibility.


Parenthood Adjustment

Not every parent immediately feels ready for parenthood.

Some Zois might:

  • Instantly bond with the baby.
  • Need time to adjust.
  • Feel overwhelmed by the responsibility.
  • Ask grandparents for help.
  • Become extremely protective.
  • Gradually become more confident.

Different Parenting Reactions

Every parent could experience parenthood differently.

Examples include:

  • Excited and fully committed.
  • Nervous but willing to learn.
  • Unsure about becoming a parent.
  • Feeling emotionally distant at first.
  • Discovering they enjoy parenting over time.

Family Conflict

Major life changes can create tension within relationships.

For example:

  • One partner wants more children while the other doesn’t.
  • Financial stress causes arguments.
  • Sleep deprivation creates frustration.
  • Family members disagree on parenting styles.

These situations could lead to conversations, counseling, compromise, or personal growth.


Responsibility & Consequences

Every Zoi would make their own decisions.

Some parents might become deeply involved in raising their child, while others could struggle with the responsibility.

Examples include:

  • Becoming a devoted parent.
  • Sharing responsibilities equally.
  • Relying heavily on relatives.
  • Spending very little time with the child.
  • Leaving the household or ending the relationship.

If a parent chooses to leave, the remaining family members would react emotionally, and the child could remember those experiences as they grow older. This would create long-term storytelling without making any outcome predetermined.

This system would make pregnancy and parenthood feel like a true life journey, where personalities, relationships, choices, and life circumstances shape every family’s unique story.

12 Likes

Hi diachalln

To help us review feature requests efficiently, please keep each thread focused on one request.
If you have additional suggestions, please create a separate thread for each one. Thank you! :wink:

5 Likes

Please, dear @Deys, I’m BEGGING you - don’t listen to the suggestions from this thread! :folded_hands: :folded_hands: :folded_hands:

Make it clear to management that the overwhelming majority of players DO NOT WANT a “Pregnancy Simulator”! We need a “Life Simulator”, not endless clinical trials, blood tests, urinalysis, X-rays, sterilizing every surface in the house, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and all that other nonsense!!!

These kinds of suggestions don’t get a single positive reaction for a reason. I understand that you’re already carefully considering features for implementation, but just in case I still want to emphasize the majority’s position that we don’t need this, so that when the forum text is analyzed by AI, it also takes the objections into account. Thanks! :heart:

9 Likes

I agree, some ideas could have been borrowed to make the gameplay more dynamic. But that amount of detail is overkill.

12 Likes

I agree. At this point it’s not only a life sim, but a lot of other things that are just too much. Pregnancy simulator + hospital simulator + healthcare-class system + family psychology system + legacy-memory system + social-status hospital system.

Detailed systems are nice, but I personally don’t want this in my gameplay. This could size wise either be a whole dlc pack or an entire game altogether. To me, life-sim does not mean taking over EVERYTHING we have in real life. This, in my opinion, would take the fun out of the game. It is hard to draw the line sometimes between what is a fun gameplay mechanic to have in a life sim and what is just too much and to detailed and more a hassle than fun to play.

5 Likes

I agree 100%!!! You could even hold a vote, and it would immediately become clear that no one wants this.

3 Likes

I agree somewhat; as far as pregnancy in game goes, I do want more noticeable belly growth (the current pregnancy bellies look barely even in the first trimester by the time they give birth), buyable cribs (not just cribs that appear when baby arrives/disappear when baby ages), more memory/milestones for current in game pregnancy features like attending first appointment, finding gender, baby showers, rabbit hole hospital childbirths, milestones for family members finding out about pregnancy, etc.

And maybe more things down the line after full release like birth certificates, parenting classes, etc. Pregnancy and childbirth ARE a part of life that should be included in life sim so I don’t think suggestions should be discarded or ignored but I do agree that the extent of this could be a lot for the team, especially since we’re focusing on strengthening the core system right now. Some of this can definitely tie into that though.

6 Likes

I agree that some mechanics could make the way into the game, like you described. Some more events regarding pregnancy is I think not the thing people generally have an issue with. But per example focusing so much on the hospital, like customizing it, different types, reputation and so on, is in my opinion too much for extended pregnancy mechanics. This sounds more like a whole hospital overhaul (which is not bad, but seems more suited for after game release or a dlc).

Also the issues with these posts is, that they sadly often repeat itself within the pictures and its own text. A lot of people just lose interest if these long posts with the help of AI keep repeating the points. I don’t mind the help of AI within posts, but some require a re-edit to prevent the repetition to keep readers engaged

7 Likes

this yeah I can definitely understand that as the repetitive, lengthy AI drowned posts in Discord (and Reddit) are my biggest pet peeves. I would love a basic pregnancy overhaul that has the following improvements/minor additions:

  • definitely cribs (we understand the cultural aspect of babies sleeping on the floor but we still need a crib for babies/toddlers that doesn’t just (dis)appear during/after the baby stage as well as a toddler bed; we can’t even make proper nurseries in game right now due to the heavy lack of baby items)

  • bigger + visible bellies (as mentioned before they’re way too small; the current ones are barely visible EVERY time)

  • hospital child births (definitely would like to click a hospital to go via rabbithole for now vs the baby just appearing; they can be gone longer than a few minutes)

  • multiple births (would love to see the chance for twins & triplets)

  • partner involved in appointments, gender appointment, etc & receiving proper milestones for it

  • more pregnancy related milestones (first appointment/gender reveal milestones, milestones/memories for those we share the news with, additional childbirths, etc)

Some time down the line after full release, I’d like:

  • IVF pregnancies (the current medical assistance option is cool but a further option where the baby doesn’t automatically appear in the zois home & they instead can opt for pregnancy without having to try for baby)
  • physical keepsakes (birth certificates, ultrasounds, etc)
  • more maternity clothing styles
  • throwing baby showers
  • scheduling appointments to check on baby, check gender, etc (basically the current in game pregnancy stuff) rather than randomly going
  • consideration of what can/can’t be done while pregnant (I love realistic touches like this)
8 Likes

And look how concisely you managed to formulate all this! And the main thing is — it’s immediately clear how exactly this can be implemented in the game.

But the initial topic message — this, as I’ve already told this author repeatedly, is an attempt to turn the game into a TV series. I emphasized to her that this is unplayable. That a TV series has a plot written by the director, and that’s the only reason it can be interesting to watch. But she doesn’t listen to me and keeps insisting on “a deep unique story for each family depending on the player’s choice”.

I ask: how, how will we see these deep differences in the game?! How, for example, do we depict a pregnant girl Zoe who over time “becomes more confident”? All the player will see (and this is already my interpretation, the author doesn’t try to explain the implementation at all) — that she will, for example, initially have “fear of responsibility for pregnancy” in her moods, and then this will be replaced by “happiness from pregnancy”. At the same time, we shouldn’t forget that vivid immediate events can always override other moods and make a different mood dominant. That is, our “frightened” girl can be happy from eating well, diving with scuba gear, and having a pleasant conversation — and this will look to the player exactly the same as a late period of pregnancy, where she is already “happy” by default.

You can’t implement unique scenarios in a game with “reputation, intrigues, and a sudden discovery that she didn’t want children, but now she likes being a parent,” unless this is the result of directorial control. Which, in turn, takes away the player’s freedom of choice and puts them in rigid constraints. Will I like it if I want to play a loving mother of many children, but the game dictates to me that my heroine suddenly decided she doesn’t want more than one child — period? And there’s nothing I can do about it? Well, it could be interesting, of course, but only within the framework of some kind of challenge mode (we’ve been discussing that separately for a long time too).

And when I ask her to explain to me (and to the developers as well) exactly how the topic author sees the implementation of everything she wrote — in response I get the same words about “reputation,” and when I insist that she needs to show exactly how this is realized in the game’s mechanics — she somehow never answers. And instead, time and time again she comes up with these AI-generated topics.

That’s why I decided to object decisively this time. Because every time now when @Kjun mentions in his weekly stories that “we want to develop pregnancy and the personality system more deeply” — I shudder in horror at the thought that these improvements might be inspired by proposals like this. Because it will turn the game into a nightmare for 99% of players.

5 Likes

Exactly, I have this issue with so much of what’s posted in the Discord in particular because the ideas are somewhat nice on paper but don’t necessarily add much value to the game and they seem to over complicate things rather than seamlessly tie into what we currently have/could use improvement on in early access.

I’m all for expanding systems when it makes sense and stays in the scope of a life sim vs becoming a whole separate vibe; for example I see suggestions like implementing complex decade stuff that would put the game into different perspectives of different timelines (mainly western which is already an ick but I digress), supernatural-occult stuff that goes BEYOND what the team has envisioned (zombies? :face_with_bags_under_eyes:), stuff like extreme sports & yachts (which sounds good tbh but something like that should be a focus AFTER release), etc.

The list goes on but I think people should sometimes remind themselves that this is the team’s first go around with a life sim, which is already complex on its own, and they’re already doing great with the progress made in this early access stage that having such high expectations and long-listed things mixed in with ideas that can actually improve on what we currently have feels a bit overwhelming. I’d love to see a lot of areas in the game expanded on but not the to extent that that sole feature would basically overtake + clutter the game :relieved_face:

4 Likes

I was also mentioning to her that the topics keep repeating themselves over and over and that she has quite the wishlist collections of similar topics. As you said, a lot with reputation, legacy, betrayal, fame and so on. On one hand, it is supposed to be player freedom with no AI predetermining anything, but in her same posts, it is mentioned that the AI is a “silent director” of these events. It is also often mentioned to be like a Netflix drama. For detailed questions, there usually is no answer.

I told her a while ago in a friendly way, that it would be helpful to just implement the new topics in her wishlist post like the pregnancy in this example here. But it takes twenty other topics with them, that are often not needed for the initial idea.

4 Likes

Absolutely right!

And if you’re proposing something - you need to think right away about how it will be implemented in practice. When someone asks for a new city - the end result is obvious: a new city is added to the game. When they ask for more clothing - similarly, new clothes appear. But when they ask for something like “Make it so that some Sims could say something unpleasant about others, and this would spawn rumors that 10 years later led to the player character’s cousin’s neighbor deciding to get a pet hedgehog, and while chasing it he accidentally dug up an oil field, became a billionaire and founded a hereditary clan of ninja assassins, which led to terror in the city” - well, excuse me, no player will be able to track this chain unless you forcibly drag them by the hand through the storyline. And coming up with several thousand such unique chains so that each playthrough is different from another - that’s also a non-trivial task.

You always have to first think about what exactly interesting the proposed addition will bring to the game? Zombies just for the sake of having zombies? Pointless. Now, if this is a complete DLC where each supernatural creature has its own game system - zombies, vampires, fairies… - and it’s integrated with the normal world - then yes. But then you need to spell out exactly what you’re supposed to expect from the same zombie, besides the action “hunt for brains,” and why this will be interesting to the player.

In short, I completely agree with you! :+1:

Yes, I also tried to be friendly. Honestly tried to explain that you can’t get away with vague phrases. It’s like writing “I want InZOI to be the best game in the world where you can do everything!” while ignoring the question “What exactly are you missing most right now?”

There’s a ball. You can pick it up. Kick it. Throw it at someone. You can sit on it. You can throw it from hand to hand. Burst it. Deflate it with a pump. Lick it. Cut it into pieces. Make boots out of it. Cut a piece off it, put it under a microscope and start examining it. And what - should the game implement all that same stuff? That would be absolute madness, because there will always be someone who says: “But why can’t I climb a pine tree in the game and put this ball on its top? I really want that!”

So here too, sometimes absolutely insane suggestions come up: some kind of sterilization of baby bottles, and almost “at speed” - if you’re even slightly delayed, the milk cools down and the baby starts crying that it’s cold, and if you overheat it - it gets burned and cries all night, not letting anyone in the house sleep. What kind of madness is this, and who would want to play something like this? But the topic author doesn’t hear it and keeps writing the same thing in different variations, crossing the line of reason in an effort to implement the appearance of every pimple on the face if the player didn’t click on the right facial area while washing and didn’t swipe it with a cotton pad soaked in cosmetic lotion…

So now you have to write harsher messages. I don’t insult anyone in any way, I’m only talking about the ideas. But they’re becoming more and more unacceptable to most people, as it seems to me, and we can’t stay silent about it so they don’t, God forbid, end up being implemented.

5 Likes

I agree on your points. The sad thing is that some of the initial ideas are actually not bad, but then it gets completely off the rails. Here per example. How exactly would that influence anything? Do we really need this for a more detailed pregnancy?

And as again for the story telling, here we have the “AI-Director” again. How would it be generated? What events? This has the flavor again of the previous posts. Not to mention the system specs we would need to have every single event AI generated… SmartZoi does not even run properly yet.

6 Likes

As you said, it was going quite well at first, but then it became filled with pages of unnecessary details—details we can’t even tolerate in real life, let alone want in the game.

6 Likes

Yes, I’m wheezing laughing at the hedgehog example because that is EXACTLY how a lot of the brainstorming stuff sounds lol :joy:

When I make posts here or in Discord, I try to think about this from a devs POV. Is this necessary in this stage? Does it enhance or further complicate things (introduce additional bugs, screw up existing systems, etc)? Would this be justified? and so forth… I love that we have such a supportive team who takes our thoughts & ideas into consideration so I try to have that same consideration without demanding stuff, being impatient, saying something HAS to happen, spamming them, and giving overly specific details on random things I want. I love most ideas OP has in Discord so I am not necessarily referring to them as I am a majority of what we see on here and over on the brainstorm server. I hope the team does eventually overhaul pregnancy and other basic necessities in a reasonable and straightforward way. I also think the blood tests, aftercare, etc could be suitable as a mod down the line as I don’t know if the team would deepen those concerns as additional content but I could be wrong :relieved_face:

I also agree with @Minthyuyu on the AI driven stuff; I try not to knock what others do as far as their use of gen AI but all I can say is, we’re never gonna beat the allegations of AI slop with so many requests to increase the AI usage for such random things :sweat_smile: Respectfully, a pregnancy overhaul shouldn’t need its own extensive AI system to personalize pregnancies. We know no two pregnancies are alike and there’s so much complexity within carrying another human (trust me, I’m a mother lol none of my pregnancies irl mirrored the other) but asking the team to consider deepening something already so touchy is a bit extra. Maybe there could be more symptoms like backaches, emotions/hormone changes, cravings etc down the line for the team to consider but it doesn’t need a multilayered approach for every zoi.

4 Likes

:grin: Glad I could make you laugh!

Moreover, in life simulation games, the player’s ability to use their imagination always comes first. Without it, there’s simply nothing to do here: there’s no point in making characters go to the bathroom, eat, and go to work if the player themselves isn’t giving the events some deeper meaning.

And to feel “this was a difficult pregnancy,” you don’t need to literally reproduce the symptoms. This is easily achieved through other gameplay moments: remember how often we might have some plans for the evening, but Zoe comes home tired, hungry, dirty… And if we send her somewhere anyway — she’ll be irritable and exhausted. And this situation can easily happen spontaneously with any character.

And if one girl always manages to have all her needs satisfied — the player can easily decide that “this pregnancy was very easy.” But if there are often episodes with unsatisfied needs — then the player marks it down for themselves that “she had constant difficulties — lack of sleep, feeling unwell, etc.” The developers don’t need to introduce any new features for this; these situations can arise spontaneously whether she’s pregnant or not.

It’s just a matter of how we interpret it. In our imagination. If I want to imagine that “she went for checkups” — I can do that right now by simply sending Zoe to the hospital every day. And even stage her lying in bed while the rest of the household gathers around to get a screenshot in the style of “they’re taking care of her because she’s not feeling well.”


That doesn’t mean nothing should be added. But we shouldn’t go to extremes either. If you lack your own imagination — no amount of directorial approaches from developers will help, no matter how many details and specifics they add. And vice versa.

4 Likes

Oh I fully agree; I don’t use mods myself but I was suggesting that if someone wants additional, deeper content built on top of an existing feature there maybe a mod in the future for it or something. I just couldn’t see the extra realistic stuff being placed in a DLC or anything as someone suggested. Having loads of testing, hospital amenities & selections, etc wouldn’t seem like a DLC thing if that makes sense

2 Likes

I agree with all of you.

4 Likes

I said that with the dlc, but I meant more in terms of content size rather than having an actual dlc. It would be way too much for a normal update. It’s even more than the school update with 0.9 gave us and that was already big.

All of this detailed content could be a whole pregnancy simulator game, but is too much for a life sim. I might have worded it unclear.

4 Likes