Ah, The Sims 4! If you’re into virtual worlds and the idea of playing god (in the most fun, non-messy way), then this game is probably already on your radar! Developed by EA Games and Maxis, The Sims 4 is the fourth installment of the beloved Sims series, where you get to create, control, and nurture a world filled with virtual people called Sims. Think of it like a sandbox game where the possibilities are only limited by your imagination—and sometimes the number of expansion packs you own!
The game has been around since 2014, but it’s still super relevant today because of the crazy amount of content that’s been added over the years. We’re talking expansion packs that let your Sims become wizards, go to college, or even live off the grid. There’s stuff packs full of cute furniture, and game packs that bring new mechanics like owning a restaurant or visiting an alien planet.
But what really keeps The Sims 4 community buzzing is the modding scene! Players can customize pretty much everything, thanks to mods and custom content (CC). From fashion and furniture to new gameplay features, the mods are where the Sims universe really explodes with creativity. There’s literally a Sims version of everything, from K-pop superstars to entire fantasy lands.
Will There Be a Sims 5?
According to EA’s recent blog post, the answer seems to be: No. Sort of.
EA confirmed that The Sims 5 is not in development. Instead, The Sims 4 will continue to be supported with updates and expansion packs. EA is shifting away from replacing previous Sims titles and focusing on building a continuous universe across multiple platforms.
There’s a lot to unpack about EA’s big update for the future of The Sims franchise—so I’ve got you covered with the key highlights:
Sims 4 is Still Getting Love
No need to pack up your virtual dollhouse yet—The Sims 4 is here to stay and is getting major updates. EA’s doubling down on technical improvements and base game updates. Plus, they’re introducing fun events like the upcoming Reaper’s Rewards Event on September 24, 2024—yes, you’ll get to hang out with Grim! Expect updates every few months to keep the game fresh.
Creator Kits are Taking Over
The Sims is leaning hard into community-made content with the all-new Sims 4 Creator Kits. These kits, entirely designed by community creators, allow players to create and sell custom in-game content. Players whose content is featured in the kits will be compensated, marking a new revenue stream for community creators.
Expect to see them in November 2024, adding even more customization options to your Sims’ world. It’s a huge step in supporting creators and giving players exciting new ways to play.
The Sims Creator Program
Calling all aspiring Simfluencers! EA is launching the Sims Creator Program to officially partner with content creators worldwide. From early access to packs, collaborations with The Sims team, and even exclusive swag, this program is a dream for any creator who’s passionate about The Sims. Whether you’re a modder, CC maker, or a budding YouTuber, this is your time to shine!
Progress Carry-Over
Unlike previous iterations of The Sims, EA will not force players to reset their progress. Future expansions will allow them to keep their creations and gameplay from The Sims 4.
What is Project Rene?
First off, “Project Rene” is the codename for the upcoming installment, which EA teased back in 2022. They’ve been clear that this is a new era for the Sims franchise. The name “Rene” comes from words like “renewal” and “renaissance,” signaling a fresh approach, though it’s still The Sims at its heart. Think of it as The Sims, but with a lot more innovation and creativity packed in!
Project Rene isn’t canceled, but it’s evolving. EA is focused on building a social, multiplayer experience, and playtesting for this new world will happen Fall 2024. It’s all about connecting players in new ways while still delivering the classic Sims chaos we love.
The much-anticipated Project Rene, long rumored to be The Sims 5, is actually a separate project introducing multiplayer elements into the Sims universe. It aims to offer real-time, social multiplayer gameplay, though it’s not connected to The Sims 4.
This one’s still cooking, but there’s more to come!
My Thoughts on The Sims 5 News
Alright, Simmers, I’ll be honest—I was totally ready for Sims 5. The idea of a fresh start, new mechanics, and a whole new world was exciting! But when I heard that EA decided not to release The Sims 5 and instead focus on The Sims 4, I had some mixed feelings. After all, it’s been 10 years since Sims 4 launched. Isn’t it time for the next big thing?
But then I took a step back. Yes, I get the frustration of not getting a brand-new Sims game, but when you really think about it, The Sims 4 is already an incredible platform. With the continuous updates, expansions, and now the introduction of Creator Kits (where actual players can create and sell their custom content), the game is evolving in a way that goes beyond a simple numbered release. Plus, the fact that EA is focusing on not erasing all the hard work and countless hours we’ve spent building families, houses, and entire legacies in Sims 4? That’s huge. No one wants to start from scratch, right?
And let’s not forget Project Rene. Sure, it’s not the long-awaited Sims 5, but the prospect of a multiplayer Sims experience? That’s pretty exciting in itself! The Sims Online was ahead of its time, and I’m hopeful that with all the lessons learned, this new multiplayer world could be a game-changer.
Of course, I do wish they’d dive deeper into fixing some of Sims 4’s lingering bugs and glitches (we’ve all had that one Sim get stuck doing something forever). But it’s clear that EA is committed to improving the base game—especially with the big fixes rolling out soon.
So, while it’s not the Sims 5 dream we imagined, this new era for The Sims feels promising. It’s less about restarting, and more about expanding—and honestly, that feels like a good thing for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Other The Sims News
Incoming Expansion! The next Sims 4 expansion, “Life & Death,” is set to release in October, with major game updates and bug fixes coming soon.
More Sims FreePlay. Mobile Simmers, rejoice! The Sims FreePlay is getting a new, mountainside-inspired region soon. It’s all about cozy vibes and exploration, perfect for those upcoming holiday simming sessions.
For the OG Simmers who’ve been around since the early days, MySims and MySims Kingdom are getting a retro re-release on Nintendo Switch. Set for November 19, 2024, these cozy, adventure-filled games will bring back that cute, nostalgic magic, along with upgraded graphics and some fun extra content.
A Sims Movie is Happening! Yep, the Hollywood buzz is real! EA is teaming up with Amazon MGM Studios to create a Sims movie. Directed by Kate Herron (known from Loki), this movie has everyone talking. While details are hush-hush for now, stay tuned for updates as they plan to celebrate The Sims’ 25th anniversary in 2025.
Finally, we’re approaching the 25th anniversary of The Sims! EA is kicking off celebrations with a special episode of Behind The Sims in January 2025, and they promise plenty more surprises in the months leading up to it.
Well, that’s it for now!
Stay cozy, gamers.