Few games generate massive hype based on concept alone, but inZOI was an exception. Long before its official release, the game had already built a steady following. But no long after, the playerbase plunged from one of the top games on Steam to averaging poor concurrent players. What happened?

How “The Sims Killer” Wilted

inZOI, developed by Krafton - the studio known for PUBG and PUBG Mobile - was pitched as the next major life simulation game a couple years back. Naturally, it drew comparisons to The Sims, Electronic Arts’ long-dominant series in the genre. Many saw inZOI not just as a competitor, but as a potential successor.

Early access was granted to playtesters and select content creators, and the life-sim community was stunned by the game’s ultra-realistic visuals. As launch day approached, anticipation surged. Fans of The Sims eagerly wishlisted inZOI, ready to explore a new virtual sandbox. On release, it delivered a strong debut, breaking into Steam’s top 10 most-played games with over 77,000 concurrent players.

But the excitement didn’t last.

Just two weeks after launch, inZOI saw a staggering 90% drop in its player base. Now, two months later, the game averages just 1,000 to 3,000 concurrent players.

What caused this dramatic fall-off? How did one of the most anticipated life sims of the decade lose its momentum so quickly?

A Look Into InZOI’s Dramatic Fallout

inZOI launched with bold ambition, introducing fresh concepts to the life simulation genre that set it apart from The Sims. However, its execution fell short in several areas, likely contributing to its rapid decline in popularity. 

Here are the primary weaknesses that may have led to its downfall:

1. Shallow Early Access Content

Despite the hype, inZOI’s early access version lacked depth in gameplay. Many players described the experience as "soulless" - you create a character, have them go to work, wander around their apartment, and… not much else. Interactions felt hollow, and the world lacked the dynamic charm fans expect from a life sim.

While there’s hope that the full release could flesh things out, the lack of depth made a poor first impression. Comparisons to The Sims are inevitable, and The Sims has had decades to evolve with expansions and a thriving modding community, making inZOI seemingly far behind.

2. Controversial Use of AI

inZOI leaned heavily into AI technology, a decision that sparked controversy. From AI-generated assets to in-game dialogue, the reliance on artificial intelligence became a sticking point for many players. Concerns about ethical sourcing and the overuse of AI dampened enthusiasm.

It came to the point that the developers acknowledged community’s concerns regarding AI, clarifying that all generative content is created using licensed images and open-source materials. Still, the presence of AI-generated interactions throughout the game left many players feeling disconnected, as it contributed to a sense of artificiality in a genre that thrives on emotional engagement.

3. Visual Realism May Not Be All Positive

The game’s ultra-realistic visuals were a double-edged sword. Initially praised as groundbreaking, the hyperrealism quickly veered into uncanny valley territory for some. Instead of feeling immersive, the realism could make the simulation feel eerie.

To add to the confusion, inZOI introduced an odd meta-narrative: you’re an employee working for a cat-like boss who oversees the simulation, meaning you’re playing a simulation within a simulation. 

The concept may be intended to be quirky, but it can be a massive turn off to the experience. The combination of realism and surreal lore make it hard to emotionally connect with the world of Zois.

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However, despite the discouraging playerbase drop, this is not the end for inZOI. The game is still in early access, meaning there is more to come. It’ll be exciting to see what the devs pull out to save the game.