InZOIis in early access, and still needs to get its first major update. Because it’s still in the very early stages of early access,InZOIhas many features missing, particularly relating to gameplay. One major part of life simulation games is family gameplay, which forms the core for many life sim players. Generational gameplay, where players create one family and play out their lives and subsequent generations, is a popular gameplay strategy for other life sim games likeThe Sims 4.InZOIwill likely need to have its family gameplay reach at least the same level of depth asThe Sims 4if it’s going to succeed.
As of May 2025, there are several features that show promise forInZOI’s family gameplay, such as the Family Happiness meter, and the different types of relationships and dynamics Zois can have with each other. There are, however, a lot of gameplay features missing fromInZOI, some of which are considered staples by many gamers. Newborns and Toddlers cannot be created in Create-a-Zoi, which is incredibly limiting for players. Other issues include the restrictions on what types of Zois can have children, shallow gameplay, and restrictions on Toddler interactions.
Overall Family Gameplay Improvements That InZOI Needs
More Diverse Family Structures
One of the draws of life simulation games is the ability to create characters and families that represent ones that can be found in real life. Diversity in a life sim game gives players more opportunities for storytelling.InZOI’s current state only allowsZois in a straight marriage to have children. This is incredibly limiting and doesn’t represent the diversity of families in the real world.InZOIneeds to include single-parent households, adoption for gay couples, pregnancy for couples who aren’t married and for same-sex couples that include a trans Zoi. Without these additions, family gameplay would be extremely limited, with only one kind of family unit possible.
Parent Conflicts
Raising children is a difficult task, and parents often don’t agree on certain parenting styles or how their partner raises their family.Parents inInZOIshould be able to disagree on how to raise their children, alongside options for resolution based on their traits and life goals.
Clashing over parenting styles and decisions about their children is a realistic scenario, and creates conflict and drama that players can tap into to create storylines, both for the parents and their children. Zoi parents could clash over Values, Skills for their children that are prioritized, or when to ground their children. This would also require implementing new systems, such as a curfew system for Teens.
InZOI’s Children Need More Dynamic Gameplay
Age-Specific Needs
Like in the real world,Zois should have different needsat different life stages. Toddlers and children need more attention from their parents, while teenagers need more help navigating peer pressure and developing their social skills. At the moment, Zoi toddlers only have four skills to develop with the help of their parents, and they can’t use most of the toddler furniture that’s available to them, which will presumably change in an update.
Developing Values
Zois can develop Valuesthrough gameplay, and certain actions can reinforce or remove the Values that they already have. Parenting Children and Teens should play a role in developing a Zoi’s Value system, which could also be influenced by their school and social group. Children and Teens could develop certain Values at school or from their friends, and parents could choose to intervene and discourage that Value, while encouraging others that they approve. Teens especially could develop Values that go against what their parents want, and impact their relationship.
