The Sims 411 Recap: November 2021

The Sims Team has just uploaded the latest The Sims 411 recap as a catch-up for those who missed last week’s Inside Maxis Livestream.

The recap gives players a quick run down of what was covered during the livestream as well as what as a sneak peek as to what is coming to the game in December!

Via ea.com

Hot Topics

An update on the non-binary pronouns 

This past May, we opened up about our pursuit of non-binary language in The Sims. Since then, we’ve researched global language characteristics, connected with consultants, and collected data on areas where a change may be needed. Although there is a path ahead of us before we are able to update the game, we’d like to give you a look behind-the-scenes and show you where we are in the process. In January 2022, during the first Inside Maxis of the new year, we’re hosting a fireside chat with members of our development team where we will share an update including the research completed to date, more on our partnership with external experts and the work-in-progress wire frames. Make sure to tune in!

An update on the NPC overhaul 

We did not forget about our Townies update that we mentioned back in August. [In fact, the better word is NPCs or Flagship Characters. We’ll use NPCs moving forward to keep things simple 😊]. On the contrary, we have been working behind-the-scenes with a talented group of people including concept and character artists, our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that help us to create inclusive experiences in our game and of course, members of the Sims community who have shared their valuable feedback with us based on their extensive knowledge about the histories of these characters.

While we don’t have a date to the release of this update, we do have some work-in-progress images to give you an idea of the direction we’re heading. Please note that these are WIP concepts and not final. What you end up seeing in-game might differ from the images that we show you; this NPC update is a process that goes through changes as we continue to research, adjust and collaborate.

We’ve picked out some before and after concepts of the Goths and the Calientes. Take a look at the images from the latest Inside Maxis.

Next Patch Sneak Peak

Neighborhood Stories

Do you ever wonder what your neighbors are doing? We bet your Sims do! And now they’ll even be able to influence their neighbor’s lives…

Neighborhood Stories will spice up your gameplay as a free update coming to the Base Game on November 30th 2021.

Check out all the details in the Neighborhood Stories blog post and watch SimGuruPJ and Game Designer Nate walk you through this new feature. 

Upcoming Scenario 

Surviving the Holidays

Let’s be real, the holidays are not just about nice presents, good food, and cheerfulness. These joyful days may also challenge us to let go,  forgive and open up our hearts –  even to those we might not really want to!! Easier said than done? Ask your Sim who’s stuck living with their worst enemy but still has to get through the holidays. Will they find a way out of their grudge?

Jump into the Base Game to play Surviving the Holidays from December 1st 10AM PST through January 5th 10AM PST.

Upcoming Sims Delivery (SDX)

It’s happening! The first Sims Delivery is on its way to your Base Game.

As a reminder, Sims Delivery Express (short: SDX) will bring free content to your Base Game as a complementary, more spontaneous little sibling of our regular game updates. For more details check out the Hot Topics in the previous Sims 411 Recap.

Please kindly note, we’re correcting ourselves coming out of the Inside Maxis livestream with the following – and correct – timing of the upcoming SDX launches.

The very first Sims Delivery is this gorgeous curly low ponytail that will drop into the game on December 7th, 2021.

We showed you the following nine beautiful Seasonal Sims Items during our livestream. Please note this Sims Delivery will release December 14th, 2021. Add these tasty treats and festive touches like the wall bows and decorative fruitcake to your Sims’ space to help them get in the spirit!

We wish everyone a wonderful holiday break. Whether you celebrate or not, we hope all of you will get some well-deserved rest 😊 Until next time, see you in the new year! 🙂