The Sims 4 is now free! And if it’s only the basic game, Electronic Art still plans new kits and expansions. But the publisher is already talking about the next highly anticipated opus, The Sims 5!
As promised by Electronic Arts (EA) and Maxis, the game The Sims 4 becomes free for everyone from October 18! It’s a big change in the economic model since it becomes “free-to-play” – a free game, but which then calls for microtransactions to be able to benefit from all the content – on all platforms: PC – via EA, Origin and Steam apps –, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S – but there is a little catch. EA also took advantage of its event “Behind The Sims Summit“to discuss upcoming games…including what appear to be the Sims 5 !
The Sims 4: Free with Paid Add-ons
Released in September 2014 already, The Sims 4 is the latest version of the simulation game launched in 2000. Using multiple expansion packs and kits, the player creates characters, builds their house and evolves them in a city during the different stages of their life – adolescence , university, work, wedding, funeral, etc. – while ensuring their happiness – or not. It can even follow a family over several generations! Whether The Sims 4 had put an end to the principle of an open world at the center of Sims 3, he had however introduced the mechanics of emotions, which indicate the state of mind of the Sims taking into account his environment, his work, his interactions with others, the action he is doing, etc. But now, eight years later, the players are impatiently awaiting the Sims 5and EA’s announcement suggests that it won’t be for now…
Indeed, the announcement of the passage of Sims 4 free-to-play means the studio has found a way to further exploit the fourth installment. The free game will in theory attract new players, who were not interested enough to buy it, and then, once they got caught up in the game, make them go to the cash register. Because yes, only the base game is free. However, without the multitude of extensions – which are themselves well paid – it is rather empty, and we quickly went around in circles. You have to buy all 12 expansions – Seasons, Work, Dogs and Cats, etc. – at €40 each, the 12 game kits at €20, the 18 object kits at €10 and the 13 mini-kits at €5 to enjoy the entire game – we let you calculate the final price.. For those who would still like to be tempted by this expensive adventure, Steam is offering great promotions until November 1, ranging from 25 to 50% – the set costs “only” €641. To those who have already paid for the game, the publisher will offer them the kit as compensation Luxury in the desertwhich will allow Sims to “relax in a modern oasis”. Ditto for those who subscribe to EA Play – which offers a catalog of games with The Sims 4 and the expansion At work – and to EA Play Pro – which additionally includes the kit Toddlers.
What future for the Sims?
Far from closing the manna of gold, EA has already announced that it will continue to produce expansion packs and kits with new content. Two expansion packs are already planned for 2023. Phill Ring, the executive producer of the sims 4, unveiled some concept art that provides us with some clues. The dentures, the presence of children and the playpen may suggest at least a toddler update, which SimGuruFrost, one of The Sims’ community managers, seems to confirm. on Twitterr, which teases an early 2023 arrival. Sims 4. The goal is to allow players to download mods validated by the developers so as not to risk catching malware or creating annoying bugs.
The Maxis studio also took advantage of the event to discuss the next installment in the saga, which is highly anticipated by players. Called Project Rene, the game is advertised as “the next generation of The Sims game”, but is still in an early stage of development. According to the few images revealed, it seems that we can modify the color, shape and patterns of each object. But, above all, EA has hinted that it will be possible to play alone, but also to collaborate with others, and this across the different platforms! “There will be more information to come soon,” said Lyndsay Pearson. We just wanted to give a glimpse of what we’re building. I have a long to-do list on my wall. I can assure you that I won’t forget to talk about it.”
