Summary
Project Reneis still likely some years away, and it’s difficult to know what to expect while it’s still so early in development. There are a number of mistakes thatThe Sims 4made at launch, and in the ten years since, thatProject Reneneeds to avoid and that EA Maxis needs to take into account before launching it.
The Sims 4launched with very sparse features when compared to its predecessors, and didn’t include basics such as pools, basements, toddlers, and ghosts. These features were added in later patches, but the problems didn’t end there. Content packs have become increasingly sparse, with features that once appeared in one expansion pack now split over several, all at full price, with fewer gameplay features and depth than previous entries inThe Simsseries.
The Sims 4 Takes Years to Update Basic Features
The Sims 4 Splits One Expansion Pack Over Many Packs and Years
Many of the features, such as toddlers, horses, a compatibility and milestone system, and other long-awaitedupdates were only added years after the launch ofThe Sims 4, some nearly a decade after its launch. Not only did these updates take forever to be released, many similar updates that should have been released all in one content pack, such asThe Sims 4: Parenthood,The Sims 4: High School Years,The Sims 4: Toddler Stuff, andThe Sims 4: Growing Together, were released over a period of six years and in completely separate packs, whereas all the content in these packs were available in justThe Sims 3: Generationsexpansion pack.
The Sims 4 Dropped The Ball With Diversity
Another issue thatThe Sims 4took far too long to address was theskin tones and hairstyles available in Create-a-Sim.The Simscommunity had been complaining for years that the limited skin tones and hairstyles inThe Sims 4did not reflect real life and only represented a small percentage of the population. A free update was eventually released that added over 100 skin tones, but it was only released in December 2020, more than six years afterThe Sims 4’s launch.
Project Rene Needs to Do Better Than The Sims 4
Base Game Content Needs an Upgrade
Aside from these issues, other content has been traditionally a part of expansion packs that have become so ingrained inThe Simsexperience that it’s expected that they should be a part of the base game rather than paid DLC.Weather systems that typically come withSeasonsexpansion packsare the classic example of content that is so essential toThe Simsthat many players believe it shouldn’t be paid content. As many other games come with weather systems, and asThe Simsis a life simulator,Project Reneshould consider launching with a seasonal weather system in its base game.
Everything Needs to Be Available From Launch
To avoid the missteps ofThe Sims 4, all thecontent expected fromThe Simsshould be available inProject Renefrom launch, even if it’s all paid (with the exception of weather).Project Reneshould have all the skin tones, hairstyles, and expected expansion packs such as university, travel, pets, family play, and build packs. These packs also need to be released in full, rather than have their content split across packs.
Project Rene Can’t Leave Simmers Wanting
All the features expected fromThe Sims, such as pools, all life stages (including infants, thenew life stage introduced inThe Sims 4: Growing Together), ghosts, and other content that had been excluded fromThe Sims 4launch needs to be there whenProject Renelaunches. Players can’t be expected to wait for over five years for basic features to be implemented in free updates or, worse, across multiple paid content packs.
The Sims 4
WHERE TO PLAY
Unleash your imagination and create a unique world of Sims that’s an expression of you. Download for free, and customize every detail from Sims to homes and much more. Choose how Sims look, act, and dress, then decide how they’ll live out each day. Design and build incredible homes for every family, then decorate with your favorite furnishings and décor. Travel to different neighborhoods where you’re able to meet other Sims and learn about their lives. Discover beautiful locations with distinctive environments and go on spontaneous adventures. Manage the ups and downs of Sims’ everyday lives, and see what happens when you play out scenarios from your own real life. Tell your stories your way while developing relationships, pursuing careers and life aspirations, and immersing yourself in this extraordinary game, where the possibilities are endless
