“The Sims” franchise has new competition. 

“InZOI” is the new upcoming indie game on Steam is turning heads of Simmers. While other games like Paralives and Vivaland have grasped Simmer’s attention, making some noise as potential competition, nothing has held a candle to the talk of “InZOI.” 

“The Sims” community is debating whether to make a switch to a better game, causing a stir on social media such as YouTube, TikTok and Reddit. “InZOI” may be something to consider switching to, as it has more fruitful gameplay.

Electronic Arts, owner of “The Sims” franchise, decided to make “The Sims 4” a free to play game on Steam. This was most likely done to combat the upset reviews of people who also think the expansion packs are lackluster. Every Simmer and even people outside of the Simmingsphere are aware of the expansions and extra downloadable content of Electronic Arts.

Adding up all the downloadable content (DLC), it would cost players about $1,200. While most of the purchasable content is mostly cosmetic and a few fun usable items, many of the expansion packs for the game include parts that should already be in a game about simulating life. For example, players must purchase weather components, funerals or restaurants. 

It does not make sense as to why players would need to purchase so much of this content for a life simulation game. At this point, “The Sims 4” may be more of a cash grab than a game created with passion. Not only that, but the DLCs are slow and laggy. Many simmers complain about their $40 DLCs not functioning correctly.

In the Simming world, there are two “art style” approaches to the game. One is called “Maxis Match,” and the other is called “Alpha.” Maxis Match refers to the style of the game in “The Sims 4.” Its clay cartoony look is very appealing to those who want a more lighthearted experience. 

Maxis Match is a good route to go when downloading CC, because it fits in with the aesthetic of the game without looking like it sticks out too much. Alpha CC, however, looks very different and realistic, almost having a resemblance of the art style in “The Sims 3.” I did not find the aesthetics enjoyable at all, and quite honestly, it gave me a headache and nausea more than anything.

The main important thing to me and one of the main drawbacks to “InZOI” is the simple fact that I do not find this art style appealing. I, among many, agree that the art style is headache inducing, too realistic, and loses the charm that “The Sims 4” has. They’re colorful, abstract, cartoony, but not so much in a way where you cannot make a more serious, alluring sim.

All in all, “InZOI” seems like a very possible contender to “The Sims.” The game is being created by the new and upcoming gaming company KRAFTON. As of right now, it is only on the gaming software Steam for $39.99. (about the price of one Sims expansion) and all DLC’s are going to be included until full release. A person who is debating on playing either “InZOI” or “The Sims” might be very tempted to pick “InZOI,” as the reasons I have listed. 

I thought “InZOI” on its own, not compared to “The Sims,” is pretty. However, I got bored very quickly as there was just not that much substance yet. I think a price point of $40 is insane, especially considering it’s only the beta version and not much is out there. Only time will tell what the developers add to the game.

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