Beyond the Fundamentals 2026 Roadmap_Part2

[p]Last Friday, I posted “12.26.25 Fundamentals First & 2026 Roadmap_Part 1” (and quietly edited the title to say Part 1).
To be honest, posting still isn’t something I’m fully used to. I still get nervous every time I hit publish, and that’s when mistakes tend to happen.[/p][p][/p][p]Today, I’d like to briefly share—within what I can reasonably disclose—the development direction and timeline for three important workstreams that I couldn’t communicate clearly enough in the previous post.[/p][p]These items are currently at a stage where we need to validate both technical challenges and market response, so we’re running tests in several different ways.[/p][p][/p][p]The Beyond the Fundamentals 2026 Roadmap is being driven by a dedicated internal team working in parallel with the existing core development team.[/p][p]This work is designed to expand our capabilities without reducing focus, resources, or staffing on ongoing core improvements.[/p][p][/p][p]These initiatives are currently under active R&D validation and development, including Modding, Multiplayer, AI NPCs, and Canvastown (+ Fate Engine).[/p][p]As these initiatives are heavily R&D-driven, timelines and scope may change depending on development progress.[/p][p]In addition, schedules may be altered—or direction and scope adjusted—based on mid-stage test results and the chosen service/operations model.[/p][p][/p][p]After reviewing the materials, please leave your thoughts and feedback. We’ll be listening closely, and your voice will be a valuable input as we shape the direction of future development.[/p][p]I have a feeling 2026 is going to be full of good things. And I truly believe that, along with that, inZOI will become more complete and more mature as well. Start the year with hope.[/p][p][/p][p]Kjun[/p][p]P.S. I’m gathering the courage to share this video and the roadmap materials with you, even though they’re still far from perfect.[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p]

[p][/p][h2]MOD Roadmap 2026[/h2][h3]Development Direction[/h3][p]Because the Unreal Engine used by inZOI can be complex and difficult to learn, we will develop a wizard-style tool to help users approach modding more easily. At the same time, we will continue development toward script-based modding.We’re pushing hard to accelerate script modding, but because it requires deep integration with the game itself, there’s a limit to how much we can pull the schedule forward. We’ll do everything we can to deliver it as quickly as possible.[/p][h3]Schedule[/h3]

• [p]January 2026[/p]
  • [p]ModKit: Improve the structure so assets are handled in a JSON-based format to prevent mod data mismatches.[/p]
  • [p]inZOI: Add an in-game integrated mod management system.[/p]
• [p]March 2026[/p]
  • [p]ModKit: Expand the CAZ Wizard to support accessory, motion, and face modding (a MetaHuman guide will be provided).[/p]
  • [p]Improve project management features (search, asset merging).[/p]
  • [p]Improve the Sound Wizard (partial replacement and addition).[/p]
  • [p]inZOI: For graphics asset mods, allow installation during gameplay and apply changes immediately.[/p]
• [p]June 2026[/p]
  • [p]ModKit: Add vehicle modding, migrate to Unreal Engine 5.6, and test (R&D) content template modding (e.g., farming).[/p]
  • [p]inZOI: Add (R&D) CLO platform integration.[/p]
  • [p]Shared (R&D): Prepare for PS5 and Mac mod support, though availability may be restricted or delayed depending on policy and partnership considerations.[/p]
• [p]October 2026[/p]
  • [p]ModKit (R&D): Test multiplayer-linked modding and a data-modding AI wizard.[/p]
• [p]December 2026[/p]
  • [p]ModKit: Add Lua script modding support.[/p]

[hr][/hr][h2]Canvastown Roadmap 2026[/h2][h3]Development Direction[/h3][p]The core concept is to capture interesting situations you’ve experienced and let others enter that life and play it themselves. Canvastown is intended to become the first stage for the Fate Engine, and later we plan to expand it so the Fate Engine can operate in other cities as well.[/p][p]A key challenge in this genre is that motivation can be hard to sustain. Simulation systems can combine many features to create emergent stories, which can lead to genuinely engaging experiences—but depending on probability, players can also end up with experiences that feel strange or underwhelming. The purpose of this system is to preserve the genre’s value while enabling players to save and share the “good runs”—the moments worth passing on.[/p][p]Canvastown is designed to be small but comfortable, running smoothly even on lower-spec hardware, while still giving players space to build and customize their own city. Although it is smaller than other cities, that smaller footprint improves ease of movement and creates a unique advantage: everything around your home becomes part of your playable space.[/p][h3]Schedule[/h3]

• [p]March 2026[/p]
  • [p]Implement integration so Fate Engine and Canvastown operate together.[/p]
• [p]May 2026[/p]
  • [p]Expand Fate Engine to work in cities beyond Canvastown.[/p]
  • [p]Add update and download features to the Canvastown canvas.[/p]
• [p]June 2026[/p]
  • [p]Release Canvastown #1, a small village with about 40 lots.[/p]
• [p]October 2026[/p]
  • [p]Release Canvastown #2, expanded to about 50 lots, featuring a calm rural countryside atmosphere.[/p]

[hr][/hr][h2]inZOI-online Roadmap 2026[/h2][h3]Development Direction[/h3][p]There are still many unresolved questions that must be validated through internal and external testing to confirm the value of online features. inZOI-online is being developed while continuously migrating and matching the base game, which makes the work both broad and technically challenging.[/p][p]Because this is a new direction for the genre, we are also starting from fundamentals such as defining the target audience. We genuinely hope you’ll enjoy inZOI-online, and throughout 2026 we want to discuss results and direction—based on testing—with the community and build it together.[/p][h3]Schedule[/h3]

• [p]January 2026[/p]
  • [p]Create and save your account-linked personal character (“Zoi”).[/p]
  • [p]Add save-and-resume for hosted sessions, allowing hosts to pause a session and resume it later from the same state.[/p]
• [p]February 2026[/p]
  • [p]Build the online Main, Plaza, and Lobby/Waiting Room pages on the web.[/p]
  • [p]Add new channels for online use and provide online chat rooms.[/p]
  • [p]Update the online-only “My Zoi” feature.[/p]
• [p]March 2026[/p]
  • [p]Freely decorate your own house and save it to your account.[/p]
  • [p]Allow other users to enter your house and play together.[/p]
• [p]June 2026[/p]
  • [p]Provide tools for the room host to adjust game rules and manage participants.[/p]
  • [p]Enable players to enjoy official inZOI mods together in online multiplayer.[/p]
• [p]October 2026[/p]
  • [p]Support large-scale multiplayer with dedicated servers, including content such as visiting major cities.[/p]
  • [p]Enable hundreds to thousands of concurrent players per server to explore, watch, meet others, and make friends.[/p]

[h3][/h3][p]
※ For the video, please check it on Discord or the forum.\[/p][/p][p]🔗 Discord: Link[/p][p]🔗 Forum: Link[/p][p][/p]