While Electronic Arts (EA) is hard at work with the next The Sims game, it updated fans on the addition of cross-platform play. Currently, select players are able to access an early version of The Sims 5 through playtesting, which the developers have been using to improve the game.
First revealed during the Behind the Sims Summit last October, The Sims 5, also known as Project Rene, is said to have better furniture customization and a collaborative mode that lets gamers play with friends in their virtual spaces. Some playtesters have already leaked details of the new Sims game, which included screenshots of apartments, new customization tools, and how building and decorating might look like.
The next game in the Sims franchise doesn't have a final release date yet, but Project Rene game director Grant Rodiek revealed in a recent "Behind the Sims" video that development is still ongoing. Apart from refining the furniture customization and other in-game matters, he said they're also working on the cross-platform compatibility of The Sims 5, which would allow players to access their Sims' homes on PC and mobile in an attempt to "remove the barriers to play for The Sims." Rodiek admitted that the process has been difficult, but they're dedicated in making the mobile experience more accessible.
As for The Sims 5's multiplayer mode, Rodiek clarified that the game won't turn into an MMO-type title where people can randomly enter homes. Instead, it would allow players to invite a specific number of friends to collaborate on a space. They're also continuously analyzing playtest information to know what works and what doesn't, so they could improve on the overall gaming experience. Rodiek added that they still have "a long path ahead of us," so Sims fans shouldn't expect the game to come out this year.
Many The Sims players in the YouTube comment section expressed their excitement after hearing the Project Rene updates, with some saying that they're particularly looking forward to playing with their friends. It's a big deal considering that The Sims 5 will be the first in the franchise to have cross-platform capabilities where players can continue managing their Sims' lives and customize their homes while on the go.
With EA already doing playtests for The Sims 5's furniture customization and building, it might also do test runs for cross-play in the future to see how the game performs on mobile devices. Nonetheless, fans might want to keep an eye out for the next playtester sign-up to experience snippets of the new game.
The Sims 5 is in development.