How a Father-Son Gaming Session Led to the Birth of inZOI

Video game inspiration can come from just about anywhere, but often, it strikes when a developer dives into one of their beloved games and feels driven to not just replicate it, but also enhance it with their own unique flair. Take inZOI, for example. While it shares a similar beginning, its vision is to transcend merely crafting a superior life simulation game; instead, it strives to reshape what the genre can be.

Recently, Game Rant had the chance to chat with Hyungjun “Kjun” Kim, who helms the role of CEO at inZOI Studio and also serves as the director-producer for inZOI. Kim shared an intriguing tale about where the concept for inZOI originated—it all began during a gaming session with his son. Inspired by this moment, Kim decided to channel his extensive industry experience into bringing inZOI to life.

Interestingly, the creation of inZOI wasn’t birthed from extensive market analysis or a boardroom decision aimed at tapping into trending flavors. It began with a personal and meaningful gaming interaction, sparking Kim’s realization that even though the life simulation genre had provided countless hours of entertainment, it still held untapped potential. Explaining how inZOI came to be, Kim reflected,

“I’ve enjoyed countless simulation games with my son, especially The Sims. Once, he asked why there weren’t more games like it. That question lit a fire in me to create something fresh for this genre, leading me to start developing inZOI.”

Game developers often strive to offer refreshing and novel experiences, even if they carry influences from their predecessors. Kim understood that to simply add another game to the life sim genre wouldn’t suffice; he needed to innovate decisively. Thankfully, his MMORPG background—the realm of expansive worlds, deep character customization, and high player autonomy—equipped him with the necessary skills and insights. Kim elaborated further,

“My prior experience in MMORPGs, where world building and sophisticated item systems are key, was incredibly valuable. It taught me how to construct elaborate environments effectively. Building an open world for inZOI required similar finesse, especially to integrate the vast resources needed for diverse life aspects. The expertise I gained from character and architecture systems in MMORPGs was essential.”

However, crafting a truly vibrant and convincing life simulation is more than just world-building; it requires authentic, dynamic social interactions. Despite MMORPGs not focusing on profound NPC systems like Kim envisioned, his exposure to the player interactions in MMOs offered a crucial source of inspiration for developing life-like social dynamics in inZOI. Recognizing the formidable challenge ahead, Kim expressed,

“My background in designing NPC systems and player interactions in MMORPGs directly influenced the development of inZOI’s social dynamics. Although it’s a tough hurdle, the challenge is invigorating, and my commitment to innovate within the life simulation genre remains unwavering.”

All this ambition traces back to a simple yet profound experience many gaming parents know well. As we anticipate inZOI’s impact on life sims, it’s a testament to the profound inspiration that our shared gaming experiences can bring. Only time will reveal the heights these ideas will reach and the unique accomplishments they may bring.