Highlights
- The Sims 5 will be a free-to-play game with content packs, aiming to address concerns of high prices for expansion packs in The Sims 4.
- Project Rene, the codename for The Sims 5, will introduce new gameplay features through free updates, emphasizing accessibility and shared experiences with friends.
- Despite positive response to early gameplay reveals, some skeptics are concerned about the extent of microtransactions and content packs in The Sims 5, as well as its marketing as a non-traditional sequel.
As the development of The Sims 5, codenamed Project 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. Though The Sims 4 continues 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 numerous expansion packs for The Sims 4 have 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 how The Sims 5 would 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 Sims community is worried that The Sims 5 will have even more aggressive monetization when compared to its predecessor.
Thankfully, in the latest Behind the Sims video, the developers finally revealed their plans for Project Rene: that it would be a free-to-play Sims title from the get-go, and that it would be supported by content packs comparable to The Sims 4. Though it can be expected that Project Rene will have fewer features than its predecessor, at least initially, players can also expect The Sims 5 to borrow features from The 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 5 puts 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 if The Sims 5 will 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 about The Sims 5 receiving new gameplay features through free updates is promising, the full scope of its content packs and microtransactions remains a mystery. Electronic Arts also announced that The Sims 4 would still be supported even after Project Rene's launch, which may set The Sims 5 apart from its predecessor if the developers lean into its marketing as a non-traditional sequel.
The Sims 5 is in development.