The Sims 4: A Day in the Life of a Programmer

[vc_row 0=””][vc_column 0=””][vc_column_text 0=””]Hey Simmers and welcome to another Day in the Life article! I hope you’ve been enjoying this new article series, but have you heard that Sims Community is doing themed weeks now? This week is base game week and in honour of base game week, I’ll be walking you through one of the brand new, never-before-seen skills that launched with The Sims 4; the Programming skill! This skill opens up many new computer interactions, providing your Sim with stronger moodlets and even simoleons. Join me as we code and hack our way to the top of this unique skill.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row 0=””][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”63171″ img_size=”large” onclick=”img_link_large” img_link_target=”_blank”][vc_message 0=””]Click or tap on any image in this article to view the full-size version![/vc_message][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Meet Kayden Lane. He’s a Genius, a Loner, and a Geek with the Computer Whiz aspiration. He’s also 100% base game friendly! He’s going to be our Programming guinea pig– er, I mean “volunteer” for this article. Kayden has a great combination of traits for building the Programming skill. Being a Genius will make him Focused more often, which will boost the rate at which he gains the Programming skill. As a Geek, he enjoys playing video games, so as he mods his favourite games with the Programming skill, he’ll get better moodlets from playing those games, which will put him in a better mood to build the Programming skill further. Being a Loner means Kayden will be able to spend more time at his computer without needing to go out and socialize as much.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]I move Kayden into one of the Oasis Springs starter homes and get his work station all set up. I sacrifice a few other luxuries like a TV and stereo in order to spring for a higher end computer. Before I’m able to start Kayden on the Programming skill, he’s already at the computer… browsing parenting forums? He gets an embarrassed moodlet from that, which doesn’t help us at all in building the Programming skill. Thanks a lot, Internet parents.

In order to combat his Embarrassed emotional state, I dig into Build/Buy and rummage up one of the plumbob mood lamps that gives off a Focused aura to place on his desk. As long as I have its emotional aura enabled, it will provide a constant +1 Focused Decor moodlet to all Sims in the room.

Unfortunately, the lamp isn’t enough to get Kayden out of the Embarrassed emotion, but we can’t wait around forever to get started. Let’s go ahead and have him Practice Programming which is located in the first level of the computer’s pie menu when you click on it.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”63174″ img_size=”large” onclick=”img_link_large” img_link_target=”_blank”][vc_single_image image=”63177″ img_size=”large” onclick=”img_link_large” img_link_target=”_blank”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row 0=””][vc_column 0=””][vc_message 0=””]The “Browse Parenting Forums” feature comes with the Parenthood game pack. It’s not the focus of this article.[/vc_message][vc_message 0=””]The plumbob mood lamps are an exclusive reward for purchasing The Sims 3 expansion packs. The one I used was the reward item for purchasing Into the Future. These lamps are handy for quickly changing emotions, but if you don’t have them, not to worry! Some great ways to change emotions in the base game are drinking tea from the Tea Magic Personal Brewer or taking different types of showers. Pondering Moves at a chess board will also get your Sim Focused.[/vc_message][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row 0=””][vc_column 0=””][vc_separator 0=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row 0=””][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”63179″ img_size=”large” onclick=”img_link_large” img_link_target=”_blank”][vc_single_image image=”63183″ img_size=”large” onclick=”img_link_large” img_link_target=”_blank”][vc_single_image image=”63182″ img_size=”large” onclick=”img_link_large” img_link_target=”_blank”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text 0=””]All skills in the game have their own descriptions in the skill panel. Hover over any skill to read its description. We can see here that Kayden has discovered the Programming skill. Right now, all he can do is practice programming at the computer. Practice makes perfect! As he builds his skill level, new Programming options will open up to him, some more legally questionable than others. What kind of Programmer will your Sim be?[/vc_column_text][vc_message 0=””]Watching your Sim sit at a computer all day may sound boring, but The Sims Team put a lot of thought and care into the Programming skill. One detail about this skill that many people miss is the images on the computer screen. They match whatever your Sim is doing on the computer. Many of the screen images contain little easter eggs and throwbacks to previous The Sims titles. Browsing forums, surfing the net and even trolling the forums brings your Sim to the old The Sims 3 forums. Hacking brings up a DOS-style command prompt and several text windows and playing video games shows the game being played. Even the desktop background is a picturesque view of a world from The Sims 3 and the “Windows” icon in the bottom left corner is a The Sims 2-style plumbob. Keep an eye out for little tidbits and subtle references on your Sim’s computer screen.[/vc_message][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row 0=””][vc_column 0=””][vc_separator 0=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row 0=””][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text 0=””]After a while, that unpleasant Embarrassed moodlet wears off and Kayden becomes Focused thanks to his nifty new lamp. As you can see from the purple glow around his skill bar, this means this emotion helps him build the Programming skill faster. Being Focused is boosting his skill gain rate. Always try to get your Sims into the ideal emotion for the skill you want them to build. It makes a big difference!

It pays off for Kayden because he levels up. We get a notification that he can now make plugins. That seems like a good way to make some money from programming so let’s have Kayden try his hand at that.[/vc_column_text][vc_message 0=””]If you’re having trouble getting your Sim into the ideal emotion to build the skill you want, try getting them into any other positive emotion. Being Happy or Confident is still better for skill building than being Uncomfortable or Fine.[/vc_message][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”63188″ img_size=”large” onclick=”img_link_large” img_link_target=”_blank”][vc_single_image image=”63190″ img_size=”large” onclick=”img_link_large” img_link_target=”_blank”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”63193″ img_size=”large” onclick=”img_link_large” img_link_target=”_blank”][vc_single_image image=”63195″ img_size=”large” onclick=”img_link_large” img_link_target=”_blank”][vc_single_image image=”63196″ img_size=”large” onclick=”img_link_large” img_link_target=”_blank”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text 0=””]Kayden’s plugin nets him §14. It’s not much, but he’s just getting started. As he builds the Programming skill, Kayden will be able to tackle more complex programming tasks which will bring in more income. The Programming skill is designed to mesh with the Tech Guru career, but like many skills in The Sims 4, your Sims can also make a comfortable living at home by selling the fruits of their labour.

The level two skill notification didn’t mention this, but it appears Kayden can also hack now. Let’s give that a go and see what happens. Right now, Kayden can only hack the Llamacorn Listserv but more hacking opportunities will open up to him as he improves the Programming skill.

Kayden hacks Llamacorn Listserv and pockets §34, slightly more profitable than the plugin, but also slightly less legal. Shhh, don’t tell anyone!

Hacking brought Kayden up to level three in the Programming skill. He can now mod games. This should be fun. As Simmers, we can’t get enough of all the great mods out there to enhance our playing experience! Now our Sims can become great game modders, too![/vc_column_text][vc_message 0=””]While hacking into top secret government databases and creating viruses that devastate millions of computers can be a thrilling experience in The Sims 4, we don’t really advise doing this in real life. Keep your illegal activities to the world of The Sims and explore the darker side of computer programming without any of the unpleasant legal consequences in the real world.[/vc_message][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]I quite literally laughed out loud when I went into the Program option on the computer’s pie menu and hovered over the new Mod Game interaction. It seems the Sim Gurus snuck in a little jab at themselves! There is humour hidden behind every corner in The Sims 4, but this was the first time I noticed that little gem. Aw, we love you and all the hard work you do, Sim Gurus!

I decided to have Kayden mod Sims Forever (of course!) and after he was finished, he could “Play Sims Forever with Mods” on the computer. “Mod Game” is an interaction that doesn’t make your Sim any simoleons, but opens up new ways to play video games. Since Kayden is a Geek and gets Tense if he hasn’t done any gaming in a while, I let him indulge in some modded fun with Sims Forever.

Another surprise! Kayden got a Happy moodlet from playing a modded game! Happy moodlets boost other positive emotions so this will help him stay Focused while programming.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”63198″ img_size=”large” onclick=”img_link_large” img_link_target=”_blank”][vc_single_image image=”63200″ img_size=”large” onclick=”img_link_large” img_link_target=”_blank”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_message]Modding games with the Programming skill ties into the Video Gaming skill. Max out the Video Gaming skill with the Programming skill at level three to mod every computer game.[/vc_message][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”63202″ img_size=”large” onclick=”img_link_large” img_link_target=”_blank”][vc_single_image image=”63204″ img_size=”large” onclick=”img_link_large” img_link_target=”_blank”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]After taking care of Kayden’s motives, he’s back at work at the computer and reaches level four fairly quickly with his Focused decor to help him. He can now make viruses. If Kayden was a teenager, he’d also be able to hack his school grades.

Now we all know making viruses is not a very wholesome way to make a living as a programmer, but we’re here to explore everything this skill has to offer so let’s have Kayden work on a virus and see how he does.

Kayden’s virus infects thousands of computers and gets him a crisp §398. I guess it pays to be a criminal in The Sims 4! While working on that virus, Kayden levels up again. He’s already halfway up the Programming skill ladder! Now that he’s a level five programmer, he can do freelance work. That’s a much more respectable way to make simoleons. Maybe it’s time Kayden gets on the straight and narrow and starts doing some honest work.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Kayden gets to work on fixing the coding for another Sim’s robotic mixologist. As Kayden did more freelance work, he got different popups explaining a variety of computer-related problems other Sims were having, each more hilarious and absurd than the last, which made working on these tasks more enjoyable and immersive.

Doing freelance work improves Kayden’s skill to level six. He can now hack his work performance. Kayden doesn’t have an official day job. He makes his living programming from home, but Sims in the Tech Guru career will benefit from this. The Tech Guru career puts a lot of emphasis on building the Programming skill. A skilled enough Tech Guru could take a little shortcut to his/her next promotion by hacking work performance.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”63206″ img_size=”large” onclick=”img_link_large” img_link_target=”_blank”][vc_single_image image=”63214″ img_size=”large” onclick=”img_link_large” img_link_target=”_blank”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”63210″ img_size=”large” onclick=”img_link_large” img_link_target=”_blank”][vc_single_image image=”63211″ img_size=”large” onclick=”img_link_large” img_link_target=”_blank”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Kayden continues to do freelance work, pocketing a tidy sum of simoleons in the process. Being a stay-at-home programmer can be a very lucrative career option for those players who don’t like confining their Sims to a strict nine-to-five day job.

But it’s not always fun and games. Kayden experiences several computer meltdowns during his long hours behind the screen. Luckily, he makes enough simoleons from programming to be able to hire a professional to come and sort out his problems whenever he’s faced with the dreaded blue screen of death. Thank you for your services, kind repair lady!

Kayden’s Focused emotion combined with his high motives and long hours of hard work pay off and he reaches level seven of the Programming skill. He can make mobile phone apps now. This is another Programming skill feature that can make simoleons for your Sims. Both Kayden and I are burnt out from doing freelance work for so long. It’s time to try something new and work on a mobile app.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row 0=””][vc_column 0=””][vc_message 0=””]Don’t forget to take care of your Sim’s motives while building a skill. Kayden’s been getting a healthy amount of bathroom breaks, sleep, food, showers, and fun off-camera in between his long programming sessions. Sims with low motives become Uncomfortable and Uncomfortable Sims build skills at a snail’s pace. Keep their motives high and maintain positive emotions in order to get the most out of skill building.[/vc_message][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row 0=””][vc_column 0=””][vc_separator 0=””][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row 0=””][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text 0=””]Creating mobile apps with the Programming skill is a lot like writing a book or composing a song. You’ll get the option to name your app when you finish creating it and you’ll receive regular royalty payments per app from that point forward. Royalties decrease over time so it’s a good idea to create lots of apps to keep those simoleons rolling in. Kayden receives a nice little chunk of royalties from his Dad Jokes app.

Kayden’s new pastime making mobile apps is both lucrative and productive. He reaches level eight of the Programming skill, which allows him to hack more effectively with less chance of failure. He’s been pretty lucky so far, though. Kayden’s never failed at a hacking job![/vc_column_text][vc_message 0=””]You might have noticed some changes happening in Kayden’s life behind-the-scenes. Long story short, he had a one night stand with Lilith Vatore, she showed up at his house again a few days later very pregnant. He decided to do the right thing by moving her into the household and surprise! Kayden’s now the father of twin boys. Let your Sims stray off the path you’ve laid out for them once in a while. You never know what unexpected and exciting twists their lives can take.[/vc_message][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”63213″ img_size=”large” onclick=”img_link_large” img_link_target=”_blank”][vc_single_image image=”63216″ img_size=”large” onclick=”img_link_large” img_link_target=”_blank”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row 0=””][vc_column 0=””][vc_separator 0=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row 0=””][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”63218″ img_size=”large” onclick=”img_link_large” img_link_target=”_blank”][vc_single_image image=”63220″ img_size=”large” onclick=”img_link_large” img_link_target=”_blank”][vc_single_image image=”63221″ img_size=”large” onclick=”img_link_large” img_link_target=”_blank”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Reaching level nine of the Programming skill allows Kayden to partake in the most exciting thing a programmer can possibly do. He can now make his own video games! That’s right, master programmers can become professional video game developers. What avid video game fan hasn’t ever dreamed of that? I know I have (I don’t know a thing about coding but it’s still a nice daydream). At least I can experience being a game developer vicariously through Kayden.

It turns out, designing a video game takes a really, really, really long time. Who would have thought? Kayden masters the Programming skill before he even finishes his video game. Maxing out this skill allows Kayden to attempt the ultimate hacking challenge. He can hack supercomputers now.

We haven’t really done much hacking since more respectable options opened up to us, but if we check the hacking submenu on the computer under Program, we can see that Kayden can hack many different organizations now. With the Programming skill maxed out, your Sims have access to a wide variety of both legal and illegal options for making simoleons as a programmer. How they put their programming knowledge to use is entirely up to you![/vc_column_text][vc_message 0=””]Kayden didn’t get to finish his video game before the end of this article, but video games work the same way mobile apps do. You can name your video games and earn royalties from them.[/vc_message][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row 0=””][vc_column 0=””][vc_empty_space height=”50px”][vc_text_separator title=”Gallery Links and CC”][vc_column_text 0=””]I hope you enjoyed this Day in the Life segment on the The Sims 4 base game’s Programming skill. It’s a unique skill that opens up lots of opportunities for your Sims to make some extra simoleons and even cheat at improving their school and work performance.

Kayden Lane is available for download in the Gallery! He is 100% base game friendly and has no CC in the Gallery. You can find him in my catalogue. Look for SnarkyWitch.

The custom eyes you saw on Kayden in this article are default replacements. They’re by Vampire_aninyosaloh over at Mod The Sims and are called Twinkling Eyes.

*Sims Community and EA do not officially endorse any modded content.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]