The Sims 4
News, coverage and analysis tracking The Sims 4 across the outlets.
inZOI Just Dropped 60 New Features and It’s Actually UnhingedThe developers of the life simulation game inZOI have announced the addition of 60 major features in their March development build, significantly improving graphics and deepening existing simulation content like Memory and News Feed systems. This rapid development pace and transparency stand in contrast to the perceived stagnation of The Sims 4, positioning inZOI as a strong competitor in the genre.- Op EdThe article discusses two separate controversies in the gaming industry: backlash surrounding Nvidia's DLSS 5 technology and criticism of The Sims 4's new Maker Marketplace, which is seen as an insult to players and modders.
The Sims 4's Maker Marketplace Is An Insult To Both Players And ModdersElectronic Arts and Maxis have faced backlash for introducing The Sims 4 Marketplace, a system for paid mods and microtransactions. Players are frustrated by additional monetization in a game already laden with DLC, and creators receive only 30% of sales, with EA taking 70%. The article criticizes this model as predatory and an insult to both players and modders, especially given the long-standing player request for a color wheel customization feature that EA claims is technically impossible.- FMV Digitized Obey the Insect God Launching April 10Obey the Insect God, a surrealistic narrative game inspired by The Kalevala, will launch on April 10, featuring FMV digitized sprites and late '90s arcade fighter aesthetics. The game emphasizes tight timing, blocking, and combos against brutal enemies. Additionally, the article mentions the upcoming Early Access launch of Super Alloy Crush, the "All-Kill: Comeback" chapter for Dead by Daylight, a Square Enix Publisher Sale, MC Lars as a guest of honor at Fire & Ice RGX 2026, the launch of The Sims Maker Program and The Sims 4 Marketplace, and the finale of the Sonic the Hedgehog podcast.
'Sims don't plan anything' says former Sims 4 developer, though he always wanted to program them to:…Former The Sims 4 lead AI programmer David Graham discussed the design limitations of sim autonomy, explaining that sims are programmed to constantly reassess their immediate needs rather than plan ahead. While Graham wished for more planning capabilities, he acknowledges the challenges in implementing and communicating such AI to players without breaking immersion or removing the player's role in storytelling.- Nerdcore Rapper MC Lars Fire & Ice RGX 2026 Guest of HonorNerdcore rapper MC Lars has been announced as a Guest of Honor for Fire & Ice RGX 2026, an event celebrating creativity. The article also mentions recent updates and releases for games like The Sims 4, Sonic the Hedgehog Presents: The Chaotix Casefiles, Palia, TAMASHIKA, and Shape of Dreams, alongside a new video game music vinyl soundtrack.
- The Sims Maker Program and The Sims 4 Marketplace LiveThe Sims 4 has launched a new in-game Marketplace and Maker Program to support custom content creators. This platform allows players to discover and purchase official Maker Packs alongside other downloadable content. The Sims 4 is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
- Morning Postmortems/RetrospectivesA former developer for The Sims 4, Robyn Chinn, revealed that he completely rewrote the game's AI during its development. Chinn stated he deleted existing AI files and started from scratch to improve the game's artificial intelligence.
'I took those files and deleted them': Former Sims 4 developer says he totally rewrote the sims' AI in the middle of development and 'that was a scary thing to do'Former Maxis lead AI programmer David Graham revealed he completely rewrote the core AI for The Sims 4 during development. He spent about a week overhauling the system on a separate branch before convincing his boss to implement the changes, which significantly improved NPC behavior and decision-making.
Saudi Arabia Fund Acquires Another Slice of Resident Evil Requiem Publisher Capcom, Upping Country's Ownership to 10% - IGNSaudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) and its subsidiary, the Electronic Gaming Development Company (EGDC), have increased their ownership stake in Capcom to approximately 10%. This move is described as a pure investment, with Capcom's Resident Evil 4 being highlighted as its fastest-selling installment.- The Sims 4 modding community is disappointed by new 'microtransaction' marketplaceThe Sims 4 modding community has expressed disappointment with Electronic Arts' new 'microtransaction' marketplace. Creators feel that EA needs their contributions to make the marketplace successful, despite the company's perceived lack of support for the modding scene.
The Sims 4 modding community is disappointed by new 'microtransaction' marketplaceThe Sims 4 modding community is expressing disappointment over a new 'microtransaction' marketplace. The article also speculates that a potential Businesses and Hobbies Expansion Pack could address issues found in the Get to Work expansion.
Former EVE Online developers are building a society simulation MMO where your character keeps playing even after you log…Klang Games, founded by former EVE Online developers, is creating Seed, a society simulation MMO where player characters remain persistent even when offline. The game features player-run societies with complex economies and governance, drawing parallels to EVE Online's player-driven drama. Seed aims to be more approachable than EVE Online, appealing to both strategy and simulation players, with a mobile app planned for checking in on characters.
The Sims 4 modding community is disappointed by new 'microtransaction' marketplaceThe Sims 4 modding community is expressing disappointment with Electronic Arts' new official 'Marketplace' for custom content. Creators are unhappy with the introduction of a new currency, 'Moola,' and EA's 70 percent cut of all purchases, arguing it exploits their work. The marketplace also raises concerns due to Electronic Arts' funding sources, including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, which has led some creators to withdraw their support.
The Sims 4 patch makes it so your public lot gatherings won't be interrupted by rogue SimsAn upcoming update for The Sims 4, releasing March 17 for PC and Mac, will address several player-reported issues. Key fixes include preventing random Sims from interrupting public lot gatherings, ensuring Prom is once again completable, and resolving issues with pets and horses. The patch also improves Sim autonomy and eye blinking animations.- Issues and ActivismPlayers of The Sims 4 are protesting Electronic Arts' decision to implement taxes on paid mods within the game's marketplace. This move has sparked significant backlash from the community, who view it as an exploitative monetization strategy.
New Research Proves What We Already Knew: Women Are Underserved By Game IndustryNew research from Ampere Analysis indicates that women constitute 48% of the gaming market, yet often cite a lack of suitable games and toxic communities as barriers. While games like The Sims 4 and Animal Crossing: New Horizons are popular for their customization options, they can also feature expensive DLC and monetization schemes. Despite slow progress, some titles like Apex Legends have shown improvements in inclusivity, though challenges with player communities and business practices persist.- Introducing The Sims Maker Program and The Sims 4 MarketplaceElectronic Arts has launched The Sims 4 Marketplace, a new in-game platform aimed at supporting custom content creators. This initiative will help players discover a wider range of user-generated content for The Sims 4.
- Is 2025 The Best Year Ever For Gamer Girls? I Think So. Here’s Why: – Geeky SweetieThe author expresses extreme excitement for the 2025 gaming lineup, highlighting upcoming releases like Inzoi, remastered visual novels Ever17 and Never7, the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, Lunar Remastered Collection, Fantasy Life i, Atelier Yumia, and Suikoden I & II HD Remaster. The article emphasizes the variety of genres and platforms catering to 'gamer girls'.
Introducing The Sims Maker Program and The Sims 4 MarketplaceThe Royalty & Legacy expansion for The Sims 4, released on February 12th, introduces new social hierarchy and generational storytelling elements. This review from Thumb Culture suggests the expansion significantly alters the core gameplay.