Rumors

Overview

Rumors are a social interaction feature in inZOI that allows Zois to spread gossip about others, potentially influencing relationships and social dynamics. This feature is tied to the game’s Karma System and is accessible only to Zois with low Karma levels. Rumors can be spread through the in-game social media platform, Bubbly, or directly in person, adding depth and unpredictability to the game’s AI-driven character interactions.

In inZOI, rumors serve as a tool for players to create drama, damage reputations, or manipulate social standings, though they reportedly offer little tangible benefit beyond entertainment value. The system is noted for its realism and complexity, setting it apart from traditional life simulation games by allowing dynamic, unscripted reactions from AI-controlled Zois.

Note: inZOI is currently in Early Access, and the rumor system may evolve with future updates.

What Are Rumors?

Rumors are described as stories—often negative or malicious—about a Zoi’s actions or behavior. They can circulate through Bubbly or word-of-mouth among Zois, potentially reducing a targeted Zoi’s need for recognition or affecting their relationships with others. Certain in-game interactions and dialogues are marked with a “Rumor” tag, indicating they can be listened to and spread by Zois with the appropriate Karma level.

The spread of rumors can lead to varied outcomes, such as confrontations, shifting opinions, or even counter-rumors, depending on how other Zois react. Some rumors gain traction and popularity, while others may be ignored, with the success possibly linked to the spreading Zoi’s Karma level (though this is not fully confirmed).

How to Spread Rumors

To spread rumors, a Zoi must have a low Karma level—specifically Slightly Bad or Bad. Below are the methods and requirements to unlock and use the rumor system:

Requirements

1. Lowering Karma:

  * All Zois begin with Neutral Karma. To unlock rumor-spreading capabilities, players must reduce their Zoi’s Karma by performing negative actions.
  * Examples of actions that lower Karma include:
    * Choosing dialogue options marked with a red icon (e.g., rude or threatening responses).
    * Physical acts like punching, fighting, or farting secretly.
    * Mischievous behaviors such as throwing away trash improperly, sending prank texts, littering, or ignoring requests for help.
    * Criminal acts (unlocked at lower Karma levels) like destroying vending machines, stealing from cashiers, or robbing ATMs.
  * The more negative actions performed, the lower the Karma falls, unlocking additional interactions.
  * Players can check a Zoi’s Karma level via the Zoi Card (accessed by pressing 'O' on the keyboard) or the Karma Report.

2. Karma Levels for Rumors:

  * Slightly Bad Karma: Unlocks the ability to send a basic Rumor Text.
  * Bad Karma: Unlocks the ability to send a Malicious Rumor Text, which may have a harsher impact.
  * Terrible Karma: Enhances rumor-spreading potential, though specific differences are not fully detailed.

Methods to Spread Rumors

1. Via Smartphone (Bubbly):

  * Steps:
    # Click on the Zoi with Slightly Bad or Bad Karma.
    # Select the Smartphone option from the menu.
    # Choose either Send a Rumor Text (Slightly Bad Karma) or Send a Malicious Rumor Text (Bad Karma).
  * Outcome: The rumor is posted on Bubbly and may spread among Zois by word of mouth. Players receive text message updates from Bubbly about the rumor’s progress, including views or attention it garners.

2. In Person:

  * Steps:
    # Interact with another Zoi.
    # Select the More option, then News.
    # Choose Spread Rumor About [Zoi’s Name] (requires Bad or lower Karma).
  * Details: This action can only be performed once per interaction and does not affect the spreading Zoi’s Karma further.

Types of Rumors

Rumor Text: Available at Slightly Bad Karma; causes medium social impact.
Malicious Rumor Text: Available at Bad Karma; potentially causes higher social impact, though exact differences from a standard Rumor Text are unclear.

Effects of Rumors

Social Impact:

 * Negative rumors can lower a Zoi’s recognition need, damage relationships, or shift social rankings.
 * Positive rumors (if any exist) might boost confidence, though this is less emphasized in the guides.

Gameplay Consequences:

 * Spreading rumors further lowers the Zoi’s Karma and may contribute to the city’s overall Karma level.
 * AI-driven Zois may react unpredictably, such as confronting the rumormonger, changing opinions, spreading counter-rumors, or seeking revenge.

Strategic Use:

 * Players can use rumors to remove romantic rivals, alter friend group dynamics, or reshape how others perceive their Zoi.
 * However, there is no significant in-game reward beyond creating drama or pursuing a Terrible Karma status.

How to Check Rumors

Players can monitor rumors via the Bubbly app:

Steps:

 # Open the Zoi’s Smartphone (press 'P' on the keyboard).
 # Navigate to the Messages app.
 # Read updates on rumors spread by the player’s Zoi or others in the community.

Details: Bubbly provides notifications on a rumor’s popularity, such as how many Zois it reaches or whether it gains traction.

Notes

The rumor system’s full mechanics (e.g., exact differences between Rumor Text and Malicious Rumor Text, or the precise factors affecting a rumor’s success) are not entirely clear in Early Access.
Spreading rumors is optional and primarily serves as a chaotic or narrative-driven feature rather than a core gameplay mechanic with substantial rewards.