Summary
As the development ofThe Sims 5,codenamedProject Rene, continues, Electronic Arts has offered even more information on the game, such as how its free-to-play platform and content monetization will work. ThoughThe Sims 4continues to be supported by frequent updates, many players would agree that the game has reached its limit, both from a technical standpoint and a creative one. The numerousexpansion packs forThe Sims 4have also made it pricey for the average gamer, despite its shift to free-to-play. For most players, whether old veterans or potential newcomers, a clean slate is preferred.
Though not much is officially known about Project Rene, Electronic Arts has revealed rough gameplay snippets through the Behind the Sims video series on YouTube, giving players an early look at howThe Sims 5would tackle some of the franchise’s gameplay – such as Build Mode, hair customization, Sim interactions, and even the direction of its UI. While the response to these reveals has largely been positive,The Simscommunity is worried thatThe Sims 5will have even more aggressive monetization when compared to its predecessor.
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Thankfully, in the latest Behind the Sims video, the developers finally revealed their plans for Project Rene: that it would be a free-to-playSimstitle from the get-go, and that it would be supported by content packs comparable toThe Sims 4. Though it can be expected that Project Rene will have fewer features than its predecessor, at least initially, players can also expectThe Sims 5 toborrow features fromThe Sims 4. As revealed in the video, many of these features will be free updates added to the game, instead of needing to purchase the content for a steep price.
The Sims 5puts emphasis on accessibility, where players will be able to invite or join their friends, and potentially experience the new features together. By lowering the barrier of entry and establishing a stronger baseline experience shared by all players, the developers are hoping to strike a perfect balance and build a healthy foundation for the game to grow. Though it remains to be seen ifThe Sims 5will feature a battle pass, transforming the game into a live-service format with regular free updates seems like an inspired choice.
Despite the announcement, skeptics in The Sims community remain apprehensive about the project. Though the latest information aboutThe Sims 5receiving new gameplay features through free updates is promising, the full scope of its content packs and microtransactions remains a mystery. Electronic Arts also announced thatThe Sims 4would still be supported even after Project Rene’s launch, whichmay setThe Sims 5apartfrom its predecessor if the developers lean into its marketing as a non-traditional sequel.
The Sims 5is in development.
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