The Sims is an enduring franchise that has done crossover content with numerous brands, media IPs, and organizations, including Moschino, Star Wars, Katy Perry, and GLAAD. Although The Sims 4 has been released for almost a decade, the advent of new updates and expansion packs for the game conjures up new possibilities for collaboration. Since Electronic Arts owns an arsenal of incredible video game IPs, it only makes sense for The Sims 4 to partner with other standout franchises owned by the publisher, like Mass Effect.
Some Sims fans may be unaware that The Sims 4 and Mass Effect have had a crossover in the past. For instance, during the 2022 celebration of "N7 Day" - a yearly celebration of the Mass Effect fans and franchise - Electronic Arts unveiled a set of free Sims 4 items themed around Mass Effect. With the popularity of both franchises and the proven crossover appeal, Electronic Arts could push the envelope further by creating an entire Sims 4: Mass Effect expansion pack.
A Sims 4: Mass Effect Expansion Pack Could Take Sims to the Citadel or the Normandy
Although the latest Mass Effect title, Mass Effect: Andromeda, took players outside the Milky Way galaxy, the Sims 4 expansion pack might be most effective when featuring iconic locations, characters, and items from the original trilogy. The pack could somehow link to the political or astronaut careers already established in The Sims 4, inviting Sims to fly through a mass relay and into the world of Mass Effect. Sims could arrive at the flight deck of the iconic Normandy spaceship or in the Presidium Commons, able to freely explore and engage. Given the Sims 4 recreated Star Wars, it would be easy for both Mass Effect locations to be built.
The Sims team could take inspiration from the Sims 4 modding community, who have spent years recreating aspects of the Mass Effect universe. For instance, creators have rebuilt furniture and architecture from the Mass Effect 3: Citadel DLC, made almost the entire Mass Effect cast as Sims, and even designed trilogy-accurate armor and clothing items. It would be awesome to see Sims be able to interact with Liara and Garrus, mess around with the mechanics on the Normandy, or even work with Shepard to solve a cosmic problem in a custom quest line.
A Mass Effect Expansion Pack Could Get Players Excited About the Future of the Franchise
Electronic Arts and BioWare have confirmed the development of Mass Effect 5, which is exciting news after Mass Effect: Andromeda received primarily mixed reviews. Since it's been almost six years since the release of Andromeda, The Sims 4 would be a great platform to tease the upcoming game and create exclusive content for fans to enjoy. Some fans have rumored that the upcoming Mass Effect game will be centered around the Geth, while the announcement trailer hinted at the reappearance of the Reapers. It would be awesome to peek at the future of outer space through a platform like The Sims 4.
While very little is known about Mass Effect 5 and The Sims 5 - aka Project Rene - a potential crossover could be found in the next-generation technology used to develop both projects. While The Sims 4 has struggled to accommodate significant updates and more dynamic content, there's a chance that The Sims 5 could accurately re-create the Mass Effect universe for players. For now, The Sims team could gift players with Andromeda-themed gear or clever callback items. This could be anything from "Commander Shepard" kids' costumes, a Reaper statue, Mass Effect theme music on the radio, and other cheeky nods to the iconic franchise.
The Sims 4 is available now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.