The Sims 4
News, coverage and analysis tracking The Sims 4 across the outlets.
Latest coverage
'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 Honor
Nerdcore 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 Live
The 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/Retrospectives
A 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% - IGN
Saudi 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' marketplace
The 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' marketplace
The 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' marketplace
The 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 Sims
An 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 Activism
Players 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 Industry
New 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 Marketplace
Electronic 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 Sweetie
The 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 Marketplace
The 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.
The Sims 4 Getting Paid Mods Marketplace
Electronic Arts is launching The Sims Maker Program and The Sims 4 Marketplace on March 17th for Windows and macOS. This new system will allow players to sell their custom content for The Sims 4, introducing a paid mods economy to the game.
The Sims 4's new paid mods aren't paying their creators enough
Electronic Arts has launched The Sims 4 Marketplace, a new store for user-created mods. However, the revenue share offered to creators is significantly lower than that of platforms like Roblox and Fortnite, raising concerns about creator compensation.
The Sims 4 is getting paid mods, and a new in-game currency to pay for them
The Sims 4 is introducing a new Maker Program and Marketplace for community-created paid mods, launching first on PC and Mac on March 17. A new virtual currency, Moola, will be used to purchase these mods and official Kits, with creators receiving approximately 30% of the sale price. Expansion Packs, Game Packs, and Stuff Packs will still be available for purchase without Moola.
EA announces UGC marketplace for The Sims 4
Electronic Arts is launching a user-generated content marketplace for The Sims 4 on March 17, 2026, for PC and Mac, with PlayStation and Xbox versions to follow. The Sims Maker Program will allow creators to publish their work as 'Maker Packs' and receive a 30% share of revenue from sales, with EA covering all associated costs.
