The popular life simulation game series The Sims has had a dedicated fanbase since the first game came out in February 2000. Since its humble beginnings, the game’s developer, Electronic Arts, has dedicated a large section of their work to the franchise, with 4 main games and countless spin-offs across every platform.
The most recent main game, The Sims 4, came out in 2014 and has maintained popularity for well over 10 years. Today, The Sims 4 is available on Mac, PC, Steam, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox 1, and Xbox Series X|S, with at least 54 packs available that expand well beyond the base game.
Now it's 2025, almost 2026, and fans are wondering if they will ever see a 5th official game in this beloved series. According to EA, the answer is...probably not.
Last year, EA’s vice president Kate Gorman said that the company had concerns with releasing an entirely new Sims game, which would require fans to start from the beginning. Instead, EA is working on a massive expansion to work alongside The Sims 4.
“What we’re really working with our community on is this: a new era of ‘The Sims.’ We are not going to be working on replacements of previous projects; we’re only going to be adding to our universe,” she said.
This new project, known as “Project Rene,” has been kept under wraps for many years, with many fans suspecting the title was a code name for The Sims 5. However, EA has alluded to the idea that this project is not a direct sequel, but will be a massive multiplayer incorporation into the Sims universe. This also means that The Sims 4 will still receive consistent updates and tech support.
This idea has received positive feedback from the Sims community, with many being excited by the idea of finally getting a proper multiplayer element for their beloved game. Others, however, remember the incredible failure of The Sims Online, which was released all the way back in 2002. So what do fans hope for when it comes to this exciting new expansion?
Hopes And Dreams
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Better customization options. The Sims 4 has a limited range of customization, removing a color wheel and material customization, which were popular in The Sims 3. The same goes for personalities, as the options within the most recent game were lackluster at best.
An Open World. The Sims 3 allowed players to follow their Sims as they traveled from place to place, making their world seem much more life-like. The Sims 4 sadly cut travel time, instead requiring you to load in at each destination.
Multi-platform release. The Nintendo Switch is the only major platform that doesn’t have The Sims 4 available on it, but it would be in EA’s best interest to make it, as well as Project Rene, available on all gaming systems. And since we’re on the topic, cross-platform multiplayer options should also be available.
Reintroduce aspirations. Yes, The Sims 4 does have aspirations, but they’re more aligned with the older games “Lifetime wants” selection. Aspirations and lifetime wants play an important role in the life of your sim, and both should be equally important.
More Travel. The mobile game Sims: World Adventures allowed players to take their Sim to places like Egypt, Paris, and China. The Sims 4 does have a few vacation-esque packs, like Outdoor Retreat, Jungle Adventure, and Snowy Escape, but there is certainly more room for improvement.
