Developer Electronic Arts has shared a new update on the future of The Sims franchise. It introduces a new type of downloadable content (DLC) for The Sims 4 and confirms that the series will now “move beyond linear, sequential” releases and instead focus on a “diversity of games and experiences”.
The information posted on this website The Sims websitestates that the “continued deepening, improvements and modernization of The Sims 4“is still a top priority, describing the game as “a fundamental Sims experience”. It will continue to be supported, with separate “innovative experiences” via The Sims Labs – a new platform focused on “experimental ways to play The Sims“.
The Sims Labs will be offering playtests of upcoming products, including features from the previously announced Project Rene. While many had speculated that Project Rene would in fact be The Sims 5it is now clear that this is not the case. It seems more like a multiplayer spin-off that aims for a more special experience.
The news that The Sims 5 is not in sight, which may be disappointing to some, but it does mean there will still be plenty of new content released The Sims 4The post describes a new type of DLC: The Sims 4 Creator Kits. These contain assets that are completely designed by The Sims content creators and will be rolled out from November.
Mobile players are also getting some love, with a new region coming The Sims FreePlay. It will be inspired by mountain villages and is described as potentially “the cosiest region” in the game so far. EA confirms that The Sims FreePlay will continue to receive fresh content in the future, which is reassuring considering EA recently stated that its other mobile simulation title, The Sims Mobilewould no longer receive new updates.
An upcoming film inspired by The Sims is also now officially in the works in partnership with Amazon MGM Studios. It will be directed by Kate Herron and co-written by Herron and Briony Redman. Information is limited at this time, but more details will emerge as the franchise’s 25th anniversary approaches next year.
Finally, EA also reveals some new stats about the series. The Sims has attracted over 500 million players and over 1.2 billion hours of gameplay to date The Sims 4 has been played this year alone.
If you are interested in delving into the world of The Sims, The Sims 4 is currently available as a free-to-play title for PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4, alongside Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PlayStation 5 via backwards compatibility. The Sims FreePlay can be downloaded for free for iOS and Android.
