Rumors

Overview

The rumor system lets players weaponize gossip against other Zois. Spreading rumors damages the target's reputation, lowers their Recognition need, and strains their relationships. Rumors propagate through Bubbly, the in-game social media platform, and through word-of-mouth in face-to-face conversations. The system is tied to the karma system. Spreading rumors is an antisocial act that requires the perpetrator to have already lowered their karma from neutral.

Karma requirements

A Zoi starting at neutral karma cannot spread rumors. The perpetrator must first lower their karma by performing negative actions. Different rumor types require different karma levels:

How to lower karma

To unlock rumor-spreading, a Zoi needs to perform antisocial actions that lower their karma:

• Discarding trash improperly (dropping litter on the ground instead of using a bin)

• Sending mean or hostile text messages to other Zois

• Fighting or physically threatening other Zois

• Stealing money from other Zois or locations

• Robbing ATMs

• Destroying vending machines

• Selecting negative or cruel dialogue options in conversation

Each action chips away at karma incrementally. Several antisocial acts may be needed before karma drops enough to unlock the rumor options.

Spreading rumors via Smartphone

The text-based method works through the Smartphone:

1. Click the active Zoi to open the solo action menu.

2. Select Personal Action.

3. Choose either "Send a Rumor Text" or "Send a Malicious Rumor Text."

4. Select the target Zoi from the contacts list.

The rumor is sent digitally and begins spreading through the social network. Bubbly, the in-game social media app, amplifies the rumor's reach as other Zois see, react to, and share the post.

Spreading rumors in person

For face-to-face gossip:

1. Click on another Zoi to start a conversation.

2. Navigate to More > News.

3. Select the rumor option.

4. Choose the target of the rumor.

In-person rumors spread through word-of-mouth. The Zoi you told may relay the gossip to others they interact with, creating a chain of information (and misinformation) spreading across the social network.

Tracking rumor spread

After initiating a rumor, the perpetrator receives text message updates on the Smartphone tracking how far the rumor has spread. These messages show how many Zois have heard the gossip and how the target has been affected. The updates arrive periodically as the rumor propagates through the community.

Consequences for the target

The rumor's target suffers in multiple ways:

Consequences for the perpetrator

Spreading rumors is not free. The perpetrator's karma drops further with each rumor spread. Continued rumor-spreading pushes karma deeper into negative territory, which has long-term consequences. A Zoi with bad or terrible karma who dies becomes a ghost instead of passing peacefully to the afterlife.

NPC responses

Zois targeted by rumors do not always take it quietly. Possible NPC responses include:

How a target responds depends on their traits and current emotional state. An Authoritarian Zoi is more likely to confront. A Dreamer may internalize the damage.