Facial Capture

Facial Capture is a feature in inZOI that allows players to translate their own facial expressions onto their controlled Zoi in real-time. This adds a layer of personalization and immersion, enabling Zois to display more genuine and reactive expressions based on the player's own face.

Overview

Using the camera on a supported external device, the Facial Capture system reads the player's facial movements and mirrors them onto the Zoi character within the game. This connection happens over a local Wi-Fi network. The primary goal is to enhance player expression and create a more personal connection with their Zoi.

Availability

During Early Access, Facial Capture is exclusive to iOS devices like iPhone. This is because the feature currently relies on specific hardware and technology utilized by the required Live Link Face application, potentially related to Apple-owned patents.

The developers have expressed openness to potentially exploring webcam-based solutions for non-Apple devices in the future, but for the initial release phase, iOS is the only supported platform.

How to Set Up and Use=

Setting up Facial Capture involves linking an iOS device to the game via a dedicated app. While described as potentially tricky initially, it becomes straightforward after the first setup.

Prerequisites

• An iOS device (iPhone).
• The PC running inZOI and the iOS device must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Setup Steps

1. In inZOI (either during Character Creation or later in-game), click the Facial Capture icon located in the top toolbar (usually center-top, unless the UI is customized).
2. An in-game window will appear, guiding you through the setup. First, confirm your PC and iOS device are on the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Proceed to the next step, where a QR code will be displayed.
4. Use your iOS device's camera to scan the QR code. This will direct you to the App Store page for the "Live Link Face" app.
5. Download and install the "Live Link Face" app.
6. Open the app. You may need to grant it permissions to use the camera, microphone, and access devices on the local network. Select the "Live Link" feature if prompted (ignore options like "MetaHuman Animator").
7. Find your PC's IP address. The inZOI setup window provides a convenient button ("Read") to display this information directly.
8. In the "Live Link Face" app, go to Settings (often in the top-left corner).
9. Navigate to the Streaming section and select Live Link.
10. Tap Add Target.
11. Enter your PC's IP address into the app. Leave the default port number unchanged.
12. Important: Exit the Settings menu within the "Live Link Face" app. The game may not detect the device if the app remains in the settings menu.
13. Back in the inZOI setup window, proceed until you reach the screen titled "Choose a device to connect".
14. Select your iOS device from the list (it might appear simply as "iPhone" or display a custom device name).
15. A confirmation message will appear in inZOI once the connection is successful. Zoom in on your Zoi's face in-game to see your expressions mirrored in real-time.

Activating/Deactivating In-Game

After the initial setup, Facial Capture can be turned on or off at any point during gameplay by:

• Clicking the Facial Capture icon in the game's UI.
• Connecting or disconnecting the device via the setup prompts or the Live Link Face app.

Benefits

While primarily a cosmetic feature that doesn't directly alter core gameplay mechanics (as of Early Access), Facial Capture offers several advantages:

• Enhanced Immersion: Allows players to express themselves directly through their Zoi.
• Genuine Expressions: Zois can display real-time, nuanced reactions to in-game events like dates or new discoveries.
• Creative Content: Useful for taking unique screenshots and videos, especially when combined with tools like the Themed Studio. Captured images might even be usable on in-game billboards.