[12.19.25] General Feedback, or what I expect from inZOI before release (based on the USP and the devlogs)

[GDfromRivendell]

tbh, I can’t really evaluate the update, since it included almost none of the core features that were mentioned starting from the first roadmap and up to the December brainstorms. Assessing the add-on features, which essentially replaced/delayed the core systems, is quite difficult, because the pipeline (if it’s a pipe) has an odd shape, whereas it could’ve been straight if there had been a roadmap.

So, from what I expect from inZOI before release (based on the USP and the devlogs). ofc, there may be more core systems, but I’ll only add those I mentioned earlier.

• Roadmap (!!!)
• Group activities, blended via multitasking, including walking hand in hand, pushing a stroller, sitting together on a bench and talking while rocking a stroller, and so on. - [12.19.25] inZOI needs / about the journey / jobs brainstorm results (July 2025)
• Improved High/Ultra settings (distance culling, Lumen GI, RTGI, shaders etc.)

@Kjun

keeping current visuals for others.

• Improved NPC crowds, adaptive behaviour model, LLM (AI dialogue system): recognition, relationships, memory, family groups with strollers and children on playgrounds, couples, social groups (joggers, commuters etc.) (1) - [12.19.25] inZOI needs / about the journey / jobs brainstorm results (July 2025)
• Memory system (initially scheduled for Dec 2025) and enhanced storytelling features – improved quality photo mode / video, Timeline (reel) / photo album, Calendar system. – [12.12.25] Memory/Timeline, photo album, calendar, and other storytelling features
• Bubbly social media, accounts, followers, posts (milestones, moments, text/photos), reactions, city-wide news, rumors, trends, community activity, maybe dating app, and other immersion-enhancing features. – [12.12.25] Bubbly social network, dating app / date spots, and other immersion-enhancing features
• Improved Karma system + Ghost Play + reincarnation / fate (Fate Engine). – [12.12.25] i have a suggestion fitting for the crime thing but also in general - #9 by GDfromRivendell
• Improved personality model (Traits and Characteristics) with progression and evolution across life stages and experience (not hardcoded). – [12.12.25] Personality Traits and Characteristics Design
• Fixed and improved Control City Status / Manage City options (City Safety, Conversation Positivity etc.) for flexibly customizable experience. – [12.12.25] Please fix and bring back “Conversation Karma Positivity” and other Control City Status options
• Improved City Appearance option (holiday city decorations available for customization and advanced Canvastown settings). – [12.19.25] General Feedback, or what I expect from inZOI before release (based on the USP and the devlogs) - #2 by GDfromRivendell
• Staying in hotels instead of buying houses via Move Cities, with other existing systems improved and working across all cities (ocean exploration, yachts, hotels, spa etc.) – [12.12.25] Staying in hotels instead of buying houses and other content across all cities
• Fixed and improved Vehicle parking and management, functional parking lots and garages; convertibles, pickup trucks etc. – [12.12.25] Please bring back pickup trucks, jet skis, and convertibles
• Customizable HUD, ability to free up screen space as an option and choose pre-v0.3 (smaller avatar, tiny emotion dots/bars, wants etc.) – [12.12.25] HUD Design

Link: Discord

(1) Regarding NPC crowds/groups, by December the following was intended to be implemented:

@Kjun

Some of you also asked for a “living world” — where stories between NPCs unfold on their own, such as witnessing accidents or arguments, allowing the player to feel like part of the world rather than its center. Although inZOI is still limited in this regard, I’m always happy when I read your comments and see how closely your ideas align with the development team’s vision.
In the October update, a small portion of this system will be included. We’re removing static shop visitors and implementing a system where crowds can now enter nearby stores. NPCs will have 4–6 different occupations and exhibit interconnected behaviors — for example, if someone drops litter, a cleaner will come to pick it up. It’s still in an early stage, but my long-term dream is to create a world like Ready Player One.
You also suggested giving players powerful in-game storytelling tools and AI-driven NPCs that allow them to create their own stories. As shown at Gamescom, this is already under development. This new system uses an LLM-based model, not the current “Smart Zoi,” enabling NPCs to form relationships and retain memories. It offers major advantages in story generation — with natural emotions, consistent logic, and contextual behavior.
It’s such a promising area that I’d like to hold a separate discussion dedicated to this topic soon.

@Kjun

Players also requested more realistic relationship dynamics, such as betrayal, jealousy, and rumors — as well as NPCs who recognize each other and behave differently depending on their relationships. To achieve this, we’re enhancing multitasking, group behavior, and the event system. These improvements will be included in the December update.
For example, during dates or family trips to amusement parks, Zois will engage in more conversations and interactions with each other. Once this system is implemented, families will naturally talk more often and move together when visiting parks. That’s the development goal — it’s a difficult system to build, but I’m determined to make it happen.
Does this match what you were hoping for? If so, please leave a comment and let me know.

[GDfromRivendell]

Advanced Canvastown settings

I’d like to see advanced settings inside the existing Edit City / City Appearance – definitely trees/vegetation, animals, decorations as they are now, but perhaps more expanded? Things like region (lat/long), weather, terrain types (soil, grass), vegetation density, style, backdrop, roads and sidewalks, street props (lamps/poles/benches/…), water, FX, and as I mentioned earlier – holiday city‑wide decorations, etc.

There was also mention of the NPC customization, adjusting population, gender, race, and appearance to populate the world, as it is currently hardcoded in Data Assets for each city + Control City.

I think that if such logic is enabled, then essentially the devs can later just keep adding various sizes, road structures, and variety of settings with updates / DLCs, while players would be able to customize to their liking, whether it’s the Dowon district, a forest region, a canyon, or the North Pole, or post-apocalyptic, or Wild West, or retro-futurism, or cyberpunk – and share and download what they want.

Link: Discord

@Kjun

5. Game Identity

While we value your feedback, the inZOI team also adheres to its own development philosophy—for example:
• Using AI to make ZOIs behave and communicate more like humans.
• Building systems that empower players to create diverse user-generated content.

[GDfromRivendell]

@Kjun

Once this system is implemented, families will naturally talk more often and move together when visiting parks.

Done

[mxmun20]

I think this feature isn’t included in the December update, right?

[GDfromRivendell]

Why? Actually, it is included.

[mxmun20]

I didn’t notice

[GDfromRivendell]

Try visiting the park during an event rather than just wandering the streets. The game probably spawns them for events.

[mxmun20]

Does this apply to other families as well, or just to my family?

[GDfromRivendell]

Only NPC families. You own family you have to gather yourself via the group feature with group priority, manually, etc. Kjun wrote only about NPCs.