EA Considers Dropping Sequel Model, Future of Sims Franchise Uncertain

Rumors of a Sims 5 have persisted for years, but EA is dramatically shifting its approach to the franchise. This article explores EA's strategy for expanding "The Sims Universe."

EA's Expanding "The Sims Universe"

The Sims 4: The Franchise's Foundation

For years, fans anticipated the next numbered Sims installment. However, EA is abandoning the traditional numbered sequel model. Instead of Sims 5, the future involves continuous updates across four games: The Sims 4, Project Rene, MySims, and The Sims FreePlay.

EA's VP, Kate Gorman, explained this shift in a Variety interview, stating that future development will focus on expanding the universe rather than replacing previous titles. This new strategy facilitates more frequent updates, diverse gameplay, cross-media content, and a wider range of offerings.

Despite its age, The Sims 4 remains incredibly popular. In 2024 alone, players logged over 1.2 billion hours of playtime. EA assures fans that The Sims 4 will continue receiving updates, bug fixes, and quality-of-life improvements – a dedicated team was even formed in May to address technical issues. EA's President of Entertainment and Technology, Laura Miele, confirmed The Sims 4's role as the foundation for future growth, promising ongoing content updates.

EA plans to expand the Sims experience through "Sims Creator Kits," enabling players to purchase community-created digital content. Gorman emphasized the community's crucial role in the franchise's evolution and stated that EA is committed to fairly compensating creators. The Sims 4 Creator Kits will launch in November across all Sims platforms, alongside existing Kits.

While specifics on creator compensation remain undisclosed, Gorman confirmed EA's dedication to fair practices.

Project Rene: Not Sims 5, but Close

Despite Sims 5 speculation, EA teased Project Rene – a new platform for players to connect and share in a new world. A limited playtest is planned for this fall via The Sims Labs, offering early access to its multiplayer features, a significant departure from previous Sims titles.

Gorman highlighted the lessons learned from The Sims Online, emphasizing the potential for social, real-time multiplayer within the Sims universe. Project Rene aims to blend simulation with real-player and NPC interaction.

EA will also celebrate its 25th anniversary in January 2025 with a "Behind The Sims" presentation, providing further updates on the franchise's future.

The Sims Movie: Lore and Easter Eggs Confirmed

EA confirmed a film adaptation of The Sims, a collaboration with Amazon MGM Studios. Gorman confirmed the film's deep roots in the Sims universe, aiming to create a cultural impact similar to the Barbie movie. Margot Robbie's LuckyChap is producing, with Kate Herron (Loki, The Last of Us) directing. The film will reportedly feature significant lore and easter eggs, including nods to classic Sims elements.