On 31 October 2024, The Sims 4, one of the most downloaded games ever, released its seventeenth expansion pack (and its seventy-second pack in general): “The Sims 4: Life & Death.”
This got me thinking about my lifeline when it comes to the Sims, the series developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts. I remember buying the base game around 2018, a time when I wanted to focus on anything else other than my life. Then, I found myself joining Sims communities on social media, especially during the pandemic, where we all shared tips, cheats, and custom content. It was relatively peaceful (for me, at least) until 4 February 2020, when the Sims series turned twenty. I remember how everyone was excited about the surprise that social media was hyping us over. How would they reward their fans? we wondered. After all, at this point, we have spent over $900 on expansion packs, game packs, and stuff packs.
Y’all, they gave us a hot tub. I mean, it’s great that it (somewhat) references the hot tub from The Sims 2, but to some fans, it was like a slap to the face. People were expecting events like a free pack or at least some items. They got one. However, for me, that is the point where I started to see the divide in the fans. Some were angry, saying that the Sims does not care for its player base as they would rather push out mediocre packs and updates than fix bugs that make the game almost unplayable, and this “birthday download” is such further proof that the Sims team is no longer connected to its fans and the spirit of the game. Then you have the other fans who defend the critics by saying that “it is negative,” “ the Sims team is doing the best they can,” and “you can’t please everyone.” The disagreements kept building up when the Sims announced the sale of kits (mini stuff packs), which drove the disagreements to a blaze when both sides were accusing the other of being “fake fans” and the classic “why don’t you program your own game then!”
Several packs, one new laptop, and over $200 spent later, I guess I’m burnt out. I cannot afford more packs, which might be so bugged to the point of being unplayable (looking at you, My Wedding Stories), and the poor state of the game itself or packs with interesting inspirations that are wasted on, in my opinion, mundane activities (landlord simulator—I promise you, this is serious). I have seen channels, some which have even partnered with Maxis in some capacity, speak on this. They are tired of trying to play the game. I have seen some of my favourite YouTube Simmers (yes, that is what we call ourselves) cancel or abandon the series because the game/pack cannot run properly.
I also can’t be in a community where people either bicker about every little issue or try to silence needed criticisms of a product they invest in. I have seen people on social media either block others for stating a criticism or outright kicking them out and adding to the rules of “ no negativity allowed.” Of course, I have seen fans go to bat for Electronic Arts, thinking that they are the Sims team as if they are some indie game studio that depends on word of mouth, and any negative opinion might tank their sales. It’s The Sims 4 —the game that made a billion dollars four years in. But I must take responsibility. I contributed to those billion dollars while unsatisfied with the state of the Sims. But not anymore.
As an “avid” gamer, I’ve noticed that the best way to talk is through money (and social media). Even a small dip in sales can cause some panic for some studios and may signal the end for other studios. Plus, I guess I’m just tired of the wars in the communities that I was in. I wanted to enjoy the game with others, yet I found myself further disgusted. If you enjoy the Sims, that’s great! In fact, I wish I could enjoy it, because at one point, it really did help me during a tough period in my life. But now, I’m just so tired. Dag dag for now.