Breaking News: EA Plans Revolutionary Shift in "Sims" Franchise

EA Ditches the Sims 5 Sequel, Embraces Expanding "The Sims Universe"

For years, anticipation for The Sims 5 has been high. However, EA is dramatically shifting its approach to the franchise, moving away from numbered sequels. The focus now is on expanding "The Sims Universe" through continuous updates across multiple platforms, including The Sims 4, Project Rene, MySims, and The Sims FreePlay.

The Sims 4: A Foundation for the Future

EA acknowledges the immense popularity of The Sims 4, citing over 1.2 billion hours of playtime in 2024 alone. Addressing fan concerns about the game becoming obsolete, EA assures continued updates, bug fixes, and quality-of-life improvements. A dedicated team was even formed in May to tackle technical issues. EA's Laura Miele confirmed The Sims 4 will remain the core of the franchise's future growth, receiving ongoing support and new content.

Expanding the Universe: Creator Kits and Beyond

EA is introducing Sims 4 Creator Kits, allowing players to purchase community-created digital content. This initiative aims to fairly compensate creators while enhancing the game's offerings. The Kits will launch in November across all Sims platforms.

Project Rene: A New Multiplayer Experience

While not The Sims 5, Project Rene is a significant new project. Described as a platform for social interaction and collaborative gameplay, it will feature multiplayer capabilities—a feature largely absent since The Sims Online. A limited playtest is planned for this fall via The Sims Labs.

EA's 25th Anniversary and The Sims Movie

EA is celebrating its 25th anniversary in January 2025 with a "Behind The Sims" presentation, promising updates on the franchise's future. A film adaptation, a joint venture with Amazon MGM Studios, is also in the works. The movie, produced by Margot Robbie's LuckyChap and directed by Kate Herron, will be deeply rooted in Sims lore and include Easter eggs familiar to long-time fans.