The Sims franchise has become iconic for immersive and realistic gameplay. Like in the real world, The Sims 3 and The Sims 4 have included specific expansions and game packs focused on gameplay within certain life stages. For instance, The Sims 4 High School Years included content almost entirely exclusive to teen Sims, allowing players to experience a brand-new interpretation of puberty, popularity, and other elements themed around growing up. This pattern is possibly upended with the announcement of The Sims 4 Growing Together because this pack is supposed to provide content for every life stage.
The Sims franchise isn't new to content balance issues, specifically regarding the different life stages. For instance, although there have been numerous packs that allow Sims to go to college - including The Sims 2 University and The Sims 4: Discover University - the content mainly caters to young adult Sims. There have been no expansion or game packs designed for newborn or elderly Sims, causing many Simmers to speed through or skip those life stages entirely. Growing Together has the opportunity to give new life to underutilized life stages, especially with the advent of a new infant life stage.
The Sims 4 Growing Together Should Avoid The Pitfalls of Aging That Have Plagued The Game
The Sims 4 has frequently taken inspiration from content introduced in previous games, which might explain why even newer released content has parity issues. The "Elderly" life stage is often drab due to the sheer lack of content created for it. This isn't helped by the fact that elder Sims have a finite amount of energy and a slower walking speed, making it even more crucial to have content specifically designed for them. Although this issue might seem limited to later life stages, the "Toddler" life stage is only more interactive with The Sims 4: Parenthood. This paid DLC pack essentially gives toddlers the same interactivity options as children.
Although every life stage in real life comes with its unique rewards and challenges, The Sims 4 has struggled to reflect the dynamism that makes being human so exciting. It's not enough to have Sims age; they should be given new opportunities to connect, grow, and thrive. For instance, The Sims 3: Generations might be the closest example of balanced content for all Sims life stages. The expansion includes newborn strollers, costumes, tree houses for children, new social events for teens, careers for young adults, and new ways for elder Sims to interact and live their lives. Hopefully, Growing Together will go above and beyond, surpassing even Generations.
How The Sims 4 Growing Together Could Provide Content For All Sim Life Stages
Very little is known about The Sims 4 Growing Together expansion pack outside its March 16th release date, though the gameplay trailer provides some clues. It appears as though the pack will be focused on family-oriented gameplay, specifically adding social chemistry and family dynamic mechanics. These elements might already provide balanced gameplay as they can be used by any Sim regardless of life stage. The trailer also shows Sims across all life stages interacting with each other in different ways. From helping with childcare to going on group walks with their younger family members, it seems as though elder Sim gameplay is getting an upgrade as well.
Including the new infant life stage is a possibly game-changing choice. Based on the Growing Together gameplay trailer, infants could invite a host of new social interactions that involve the entire family. New teen content seems to be missing, although previous DLC content has been created for them. What remains to be seen is if the upcoming Sims 4 paid content will provide satisfying gameplay for young adult and adult Sims, especially given the focus on childcare and family life. It will be interesting to see how Growing Together might evolve how Sims meet and interact with each other, especially across life stages.
The Sims 4 is available now for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
