Krafton’s new life simulation game, inZOI, has taken the gaming world by storm, achieving the top spot on Steam just 40 minutes after its early access launch on March 28, 2025. The game has captivated players globally, reaching number one in sales across several major countries.
As of 9 AM on the launch day, inZOI recorded approximately 60,000 concurrent users, showcasing its immediate popularity. This surge in interest was also reflected in its performance on Steam’s global wish list, where it had ranked first with over 250,000 wish list entries prior to its release.
According to Kim Hyun-yong, a researcher at Hyundai Motor Securities, if inZOI maintains a peak concurrent user count of 200,000 over its first weekend, sales could reach between 1 million to 1.5 million copies. Should that number rise to 300,000, the sales estimate could soar to between 1.5 million and 2 million copies. The game is priced at 44,800 won, making it accessible to a wide audience.
inZOI is a product of Krafton’s inZOI Studio, a subsidiary dedicated to developing innovative gaming experiences. The game allows players to create characters called ‘Zois’ and explore various life scenarios within a virtual world. This immersive experience is enhanced by the incorporation of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, including on-device generative AI tools and Smart Zoi characters that learn and adapt to player interactions.
The game’s development has been marked by a strong pre-launch marketing campaign, which included a global showcase that attracted over 450,000 viewers. During this campaign, players were given access to a demo build of inZOI, which helped generate buzz and anticipation ahead of the official release.
As of the morning of March 28, inZOI not only topped the sales charts in South Korea but also achieved number one rankings in the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, and China. In several other countries, including Germany and Switzerland, it secured the second spot in sales.
Krafton’s strategy with inZOI is to diversify its portfolio beyond its flagship title, PUBG, by establishing a new franchise. The company aims to reduce its reliance on a single game by developing long-term intellectual properties (IPs) like inZOI, which they hope will become as iconic as The Sims.
Despite the initial success, analysts warn that inZOI faces challenges ahead, particularly regarding game optimization and localization. Early feedback has pointed out issues with translation errors and user interface (UI) convenience, which could hinder its long-term success. Krafton is aware of these potential pitfalls and has committed to ongoing quality improvements and bug fixes post-launch.
Kim Hyung-joon, head director of inZOI Studio, expressed optimism about the game’s future, stating, “We will sincerely communicate with creators around the world until the official release and grow the game into an even more advanced form.”
inZOI features over 250 character customization options and more than 400 emotional elements, aiming to provide a rich and diverse gaming experience. The game is built on Unreal Engine 5, which allows for realistic graphics that enhance player immersion.
Furthermore, the early access version supports 13 languages, including Korean, English, French, and Spanish, ensuring that a wide audience can enjoy the game. Krafton plans to continue updating the game with new content, including additional cities and modeling tools, as it moves toward its official release.
As the gaming community keeps a close eye on inZOI’s performance, it remains to be seen how effectively Krafton can address the technical challenges and optimize the game for a broader audience. The company’s commitment to innovation and quality will be crucial in determining whether inZOI can establish itself as a lasting franchise in the competitive gaming landscape.
With its unique blend of life simulation and AI technology, inZOI is not just another game; it represents a shift in how players can engage with virtual worlds. As players step into the shoes of creators and shape the lives of their characters, the potential for storytelling and creativity is boundless. The next few days will be critical in assessing whether this ambitious project can sustain its early momentum and achieve the long-term success that Krafton envisions.
