The life simulation genre has garnered widespread acclaim for its diverse appeal among gamers. Launched in early access in March, inZOI aimed to offer players the freedom to create any character they envisioned. The developers emphasized their commitment to inclusivity by ensuring that equal marriage rights were integrated from the start, affirming the belief that love transcends gender.
However, upon release, players quickly recognized an imbalance. Although adult Zois could express romantic intentions towards any age-appropriate character, the likelihood of encountering a computer-controlled Zoi interested in same-gender romance was virtually nonexistent. This meant that relationships among NPCs would only flourish if players deliberately crafted them, leaving no room for organic, diverse interactions.
The launch also presented other inconsistencies regarding relationships, such as teenage Zois showing no romantic interest in one another and unmarried couples being unable to conceive, failing to replicate authentic social dynamics. These peculiarities seemed minor in the grand scheme, especially with the release of Version 0.2.0, which introduced significant enhancements just in time for Pride Month.
Editing Gender and Attraction in inZOI
The latest update includes robust customization options for gender and romantic attraction, located in the Profile section of Create-a-Zoi. Players will now find a third option alongside the traditional male and female selections, allowing for a more nuanced approach to gender identity in the game.
When modifying a Zoi’s gender, players can select from three independent options:
- Select Gender Identity: You can choose Male, Female, or Nonbinary. Note that only one can be selected at a time, and this choice won’t alter the Zoi’s physical appearance or primary gender in Create-a-Zoi.
- Romantic Relationships: Indicate whether the Zoi is interested in romantic relationships. Deselect this option to prevent the Zoi from forming romantic bonds, which will also grey out the following option.
- Attracted To: Options include Male, Female, and Nonbinary. Here, you can select as many or as few attractions as desired, including opting out entirely, without impacting other selections.
By default, a Zoi’s gender identity aligns with their physical presentation, and romantic interests will typically gravitate toward the opposite sex. Thus, if players wish for characters to embody anything beyond traditional norms, it is essential to make these adjustments during the creation process.
Starting a fresh save with at least one edited Zoi will generate NPC Zois with a randomly assigned gender identity and potential attraction to all genders. However, the update’s phrasing implies that unless a gender-diverse Zoi is intentionally introduced, any NPCs created will adhere to the old default settings.
Beyond LGBTQ+ identity options, Version 0.2.0 enhances relationships further. Couples with compatible equipment can now conceive children without the confines of marriage. Additionally, teenage Zois are more open to forming romantic connections, paving the way for a more realistic depiction of love and relationships in the game.
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