There are very few gaming franchises that have been as enduring asThe Sims. It appeals to gamers thanks to the way it effectively offers wish fulfillment, and the ability to live out a second life as a criminal mastermind, a famous author, a stay-at-home mother, or anything else one’s imagination can conjure up. Although the latest entry in the series,The Sims 4, was released in 2014, it has managed to stay alive and relevant thanks to a steady stream of expansion packs that add new clothing, furniture, career paths, and features. Nevertheless, gamers are ready for the next chapter ofThe Sims, and some are already imagining whatThe Sims 5might bring.
The Sims 5has the potential to be another gaming phenomenon for Maxis and Electronic Arts. However, it is also very easy for the game’s release to go wrong and for the franchise’s reputation to be tarnished. One of the ways Maxis can ensureThe Sims 5receives a positive reception is by launching the game with all thefeatures ofThe Sims 4.
RELATED:Features That Could Improve The Sims 5
The Sims 4 Proves Gamers Do Not Like it When Features Are Removed
The Sims 4is an undeniable runaway hit, and to date, the game has attracted over 36 million players and generated over a billion dollars in profits. When analyzing these raw numbers, it is easy to overlook how much controversy the game kicked up inThe Simscommunityaround its launch.
In the lead-up to the game’s release, EA revealed that among other features, Create-a-Style (a feature that allows players to color customize items) would not make the jump fromThe Sims 3toThe Sims 4. Although a design tool is present, it does not provide the same level of freedom as Create-a-Style. After release, missing features such as swimming pools and the toddler stage of a Sim’s lifetime were patched in, but for some, it was a little too late.
According to Maxis, the removal of some features was due to technical limitations, while Graham Nardone added that time constraints made it difficult to add “complex features that require months of man-hours of work across multiple disciplines.” Additionally, the developers also had to deal with the difficulty of working with a new game engine designed forThe Sims 4. WithThe Sims 5, Maxis will have greater technology available and, hopefully, the need to build a new engine will not be there. If so, Maxis may avoid some ofThe Sims 4’s mistakes.
The Sims 4 Demonstrates That Perception Matters
Although features were removed, and this was the main source ofThe Sims 4’s criticisms, it is not necessarily the case that the game is inferior toThe Sims 3. Arguably, more features were added than were removed. Most notably,The Sims 4introduces the Emotion gameplay mechanic which affects the way a Sim behaves, how they interact with the world, and how their relationships turn out. Create-a-Sim and Build Mode are also greatly expanded.
Nevertheless, a certain false perception arises whereby gamers are far more sensitive to features being removed than they are to features being added. Consequently, it causes more of a stir when features are removed as compared to when new features are included. For this reason, it would be wise for Maxis to ensure that everything thatThe Simsseries has established to this pointcan be replicated inThe Sims 5before it begins working on what new features can be added. While it may feel like a step backward to developers, history has shown that the removal of features is something that gamers do not tolerate easily.
The Sims 4has enjoyed an unusually long lifespan, and during those years many gamers have expanded their base game with plenty of DLC to build the perfect dream life for their Sims. An easy way for Maxis to please its customers is to make sure that all the features ofThe Sims 4are available inThe Sims 5at launch instead of leaving them out entirely or hiding them behindThe Simsexpansion packs.
