Loading...
Loading...
Movie Theaters - Version 9 vs Version 10
May 25, 2026, 02:20 PM
Corrected wikilink existence flags
Jun 8, 2026, 11:00 PM
Removed duplicate in-body wikilinks
11Overview22Movie theaters are an entertainment venue and business type introduced in the March 2026 update (v0.7.0), inZOI's first anniversary patch. They allow Zois to watch films spanning four different genres, make and eat popcorn from dedicated machines, and even open and operate their own cinema as a commercial enterprise. Movie theaters bring a new form of passive entertainment to the game, giving Zois a social outing option beyond dining, shopping, and visiting parks.44Theaters exist both as public venues that Zois can visit in cities like Dowon, Bliss Bay, and Cahaya, and as player-operated businesses that can be set up on commercial properties. Whether visiting a public theater for a night out or running one as a profit-generating venture, the cinema experience adds depth to the social and economic simulation.66How Movie Theaters Work88Zois can visit a movie theater by traveling to a public cinema location in the city. Once inside, they select a film to watch from the available schedule. The theater screens films across four distinct genres, each offering a different mood and atmosphere for the viewing experience. While watching, Zois react to the on-screen content based on their personality traits and current emotions, making the experience feel personal and dynamic.1010Visiting a movie theater counts as a recreational activity. It satisfies entertainment needs and can serve as a social outing when Zois attend with friends, family members, or romantic partners. Going to the movies together can strengthen relationships between Zois, similar to other shared activities like dining out or attending events.1313Film Genres1515Theaters screen films across four genres. Each genre offers a distinct experience:1717GenreDescriptionHorrorScary and suspenseful films. Zois may react with fear or excitement depending on their traits.ComedyLighthearted and humorous films. Generally boosts mood and leaves Zois feeling happy.Teen RomanceRomantic storylines aimed at younger audiences. Can inspire romantic feelings or nostalgia in Zois.DocumentaryEducational and informative films. Appeals to Zois with intellectual or curious personality traits.1919The genre of film being screened may influence the emotions a Zoi experiences during and after the viewing. For example, a horror film might leave a nervous Zoi feeling unsettled, while a comedy could lift the spirits of a Zoi in a bad mood.2020Popcorn Machines2222Every movie theater comes equipped with popcorn machines, adding an authentic cinema atmosphere. Zois can interact with popcorn machines to make fresh popcorn and eat it during the film. The popcorn machine is a functional object that can be placed in both public theaters and player-owned cinema businesses.2424Making popcorn is a simple interaction that does not require any special skills. Any Zoi can walk up to a popcorn machine, prepare a batch, and carry it to their seat. Eating popcorn during a movie adds to the overall enjoyment of the outing and can provide a small hunger satisfaction boost.2626Running a Movie Theater Business2828Beyond visiting theaters as a customer, Zois can open and run their own movie theater as a business venture. This turns the cinema from a recreational venue into a revenue-generating property. To set up a movie theater business, you need two essential pieces of equipment: a large movie screen and at least one popcorn machine, both installed on a business property.3030Setting up a Cinema3232To open a movie theater business:3434Acquire a business property through the real estate system or use an existing commercial lot.Enter Build Mode and install a large movie screen. This is the centerpiece of the theater.Place at least one popcorn machine near the screen or in a lobby area for customers.Add seating in front of the screen so visiting Zois have somewhere to sit during showings.Furnish the space with additional items like lighting, decorations, and counters to create an inviting atmosphere.Open the business for operation through the business management panel.3737Business Operations3939Once open, the movie theater functions like other businesses in inZOI. Customer Zois will visit the theater, purchase tickets, watch films, and buy popcorn. The income generated depends on foot traffic and how well the theater is set up. A well-furnished theater with comfortable seating and working popcorn machines will attract more customers and generate higher revenue.4141Theater owners can choose which genres to screen, allowing them to cater to the local population's preferences. Managing a cinema involves balancing operational costs with ticket revenue, similar to running a restaurant or retail shop. The movie theater business type complements other commercial ventures available in inZOI, offering entrepreneurs a creative alternative to food service or retail.4343Movie Theaters vs. Other Entertainment4545Movie theaters join several existing entertainment options available to Zois. Here is how they compare:4747ActivityTypeSocial BenefitCostMovie TheaterPassive entertainmentHigh (shared viewing experience)Ticket priceDining OutActive socialHigh (conversation during meals)Meal priceKaraokeActive entertainmentHigh (singing with friends)Room feePark VisitFree-roam leisureMedium (shared space)FreeGamingActive entertainmentMedium (competitive or cooperative)Varies4949What sets the movie theater apart is its passive nature. Unlike karaoke, where Zois actively participate, or dining, where conversation is the main draw, the cinema experience centers on shared viewing. This makes it a good option for Zois who want a low-effort social activity or need to satisfy entertainment needs without heavy interaction.5050Public Theaters in Cities5252Public movie theaters have been added to the existing city environments in Dowon, Bliss Bay, and Cahaya. These are pre-built venues that any Zoi can visit without the player needing to construct one. They function as community lots where Zois from across the city gather to watch films, making them natural social hubs.5454Public theaters are visible on the city minimap as property icons, making them easy to locate. Zois can travel to a public theater by walking, driving, or using a taxi. The existence of public theaters means players do not need to invest in building their own cinema just to enjoy the feature; it is immediately accessible to all Zois from the moment the update is installed.5656Tips for Movie Theater Owners5858Location matters: Place your theater in a high-traffic area to attract more customers. Properties near residential zones or commercial districts tend to see more foot traffic.Multiple screens: You can install more than one movie screen to accommodate different genres simultaneously, increasing the variety of films on offer.Concessions add up: Popcorn machines are not just for atmosphere. Customers buying popcorn adds to your revenue stream, so place multiple machines in visible, accessible locations.Seating capacity: More seats mean more simultaneous customers. Use Build Mode to add rows of chairs or benches in front of each screen.Ambiance: A well-decorated theater attracts repeat visitors. Consider adding themed decor, mood lighting, and comfortable furniture to create a premium experience.6060Need Fulfillment6363Watching a movie fills two of the core needs that every Zoi has:6565NeedEffectFunModerate to high increase. The primary benefit of going to the movies.SocialModerate increase when attending with other Zois. Minimal effect when going alone.6767The combined Fun and Social gain makes movie theaters competitive with other entertainment venues like karaoke and bars. For Zois who prefer lower-energy activities over physical ones like sports or fitness, the cinema is an excellent choice.6868Date and Social Outing Tips7070Movie theaters make excellent date locations. If your Zoi is pursuing a romantic relationship, suggest a movie outing through the phone or by interacting with the partner directly.Group outings with friends are a time-efficient way to boost Social need for multiple Zois at once.Pair a movie with dinner at a nearby restaurant for a complete evening out that covers Fun, Social, and Hunger needs.Zois with the Entertainment preference may autonomously choose to visit the cinema when their Fun need drops.The cinema is part of the broader nightlife scene. Consider visiting during evening hours for the full experience.7272Version History7474VersionDateChangev0.7.0March 26, 2026Movie theaters introduced as both a public venue and ownable business type7676Related Features7777Business: overview of the business system in inZOIMarch 2026 Update: the anniversary patch that introduced movie theatersEmotions: how Zois react emotionally to different film genresRelationships: how shared activities like moviegoing affect social bondsKaraoke: another entertainment venue for social outingsBuild Mode: how to set up and furnish a movie theaterDowon, Bliss Bay, Cahaya: cities with public movie theaters
