Rumors

Rumors are a social interaction feature that allows Zois to spread gossip about other Zois, often with the intent of damaging their reputation and influencing social dynamics within the game world.

• Note: inZOI is in Early Access, and gameplay features like the rumor system may change over time.

Overview

The rumor system adds depth to social interactions, allowing players to engage in mischievous behavior and observe the consequences. Unlike potentially scripted reactions in other games, inZOI's AI allows Zois to react dynamically and sometimes unpredictably to gossip. Rumors can spread through the community, affecting relationships and potentially creating rivalries or changing how Zois perceive each other.

How Rumors Work

• Spread Mechanism: Rumors primarily circulate via Bubbly, the in-game social media app accessible through the Zoi's smartphone. They can also spread through word-of-mouth interactions between Zois.
• Detection: Certain dialogues and interactions within the game may appear with a Rumor tag, enabling Zois to listen and potentially spread what they've heard.
• Tracking: After a rumor is initiated via smartphone, the player receives text message updates from Bubbly regarding the rumor's progress, potentially indicating its reach or popularity (like views). Some rumors may gain attention while others get ignored.
• Impact: Negative rumors can potentially reduce the target Zoi's need for recognition and negatively affect their relationships and interactions with others.

How to Spread Rumors

Spreading rumors is linked to the game's Karma system.

Prerequisites: Lowering Karma

To unlock the ability to spread rumors, a Zoi must have a low Karma score. All Zois start with Neutral Karma.

Karma can be lowered by consistently choosing negative or "bad" dialogue options (often marked with a red icon) when interacting with others, or performing actions considered negative, such as:

• Throwing away trash in inappropriate places
• Sending mean or prank texts
• Threatening people
• Ignoring Zois in need
• Farting secretly
• Fighting or punching other Zois
• Destroying vending machines
• Stealing money from cashiers
• Robbing ATMs

A Zoi's Karma level can be checked on their Zoi Card (default key O) or via the Karma Report.

Methods of Spreading Rumors

There are two primary ways to spread rumors once the Karma requirements are met:

Via Smartphone (Bubbly)

1. Click on the active Zoi.
2. Scroll down and select the Personal Action.
3. Choose one of the following actions (availability depends on Karma level):
   • Send a Rumor Text: Available at Slightly Bad Karma.
   • Send a Malicious Rumor Text: Available at Bad Karma. This type is described as harsher and potentially causing more chaos.
4. The selected rumor is then circulated via Bubbly.

In Person

1. Initiate a conversation with another Zoi.
2. Navigate through the dialogue options: More -> News.
3. Select the option Spread Rumor About [Zoi's Name].
4. This method requires Bad or lower Karma.
   • This action may only be possible once per target Zoi and might not affect the spreader's Karma level directly, though this requires further confirmation within the game.

Consequences and Effects

• Reputation and Relationships: Rumors can damage the target Zoi's reputation and negatively impact their relationships with other Zois.
• Need for Recognition: A target Zoi's need for recognition may decrease due to negative rumors.
• Karma Impact: Actively spreading rumors will further lower the acting Zoi's Karma score and can potentially lower the overall city Karma.
• Dynamic Reactions: The game's AI allows target Zois and others who hear the rumor to react in various ways, including confrontation, changing opinions, spreading counter-rumors, or even seeking revenge against the source.
• Strategic Use (Implied): There might be little "real value" beyond fun or achieving low Karma, others suggest rumors can be used strategically to influence social status, create opportunities (like removing rivals), or simply observe complex AI interactions.