While initial reactions to The Sims 4 Snowy Escape Expansion Pack seemed positive overall, many South Korean players have pointed out some problematic imagery featured in the pack that is insensitive towards the history between Japan and South Korea.
The frame from the reveal trailer that you can see down below shows a Sim interacting with a, what appears to be, a shrine. Although it hasn’t been fully clarified what you can actually do with this shrine, it does appear like the Sim is worshipping the shrine in some way.
TS4 EP10 REVEAL INGAME EN US 304TS4 EP10 REVEAL INGAME EN US 310
There’s one more frame in the trailer that could be showing the “Rising Sun” Flag:
These particular frames have caused the South Korean player community to share their thoughts and clarify why these additions to the pack are wrong.
As explained by them, the shrine worship and the rising sun flag are representations of Japanese colonialism and some of the terrible things that happened to people as a result of the Japanese during this time.
Here are some of the comments people left in the YouTube comments section:
Sims 4 Snowy Escape Reception
This is the result of Orientalism. I know that Ea likes Japanese culture. But this is too much. Korea had been forced by Japan. They forced Koreans to greet their religious buildings. Koreans had to be tortured or killed if they didn’t do what Japan wanted. Surprisingly, the religious building appears in the game.
Spread it out, please.Sims 4 snowy sports in Korea is now controversial. This is because it has a function called shrine worship.A shrine visit was when Korea was Japanese colonial era, when Japan set up shrines everywhere to inculcate the emperor’s ideology and forced Koreans to pay tribute.The Korean position, the most painful part of Korean history, and yet Japan is justifying visits to the shrine, which justifies war and colonial rule. Many Koreans are angry that EA added this to the game.I’m Korean and these sentences are translated, so please understand that the sentences can be awkward.Many Koreans are also disappointed with sims4 and EA and say they will not buy this pack again.I am very disappointed and angry as a Korean about EA, which contains shrine worship in the game.Buying this game is your choice, but buying a game pack that justifies one country’s colonial rule and justifies Korea’s painful history that is still unresolved is your freedom. But I hope you know what this pack means and buy it.Thank you for reading.
Real ea, foreign users, and other people don’t even think about others… I just want you guys to have fun while playing ㅠ Of course, I think Japanese culture should be respected as Japanese culture. Is there a reason to view the symbol with wounds on Koreans as a culture? Is there a reason to accept it as a culture and put it in a game that Koreans also enjoy? Also, there will certainly be Korean users who buy this pack, and if you keep watching and playing that interaction, it will become dull.
– Translated via Google Translate
I’m really disappointed that with all the work EA claimed to be doing to be culturally conscious of what they were doing with this pack they ignored so much of their Asian audience beyond Japan. I was so excited for this pack before that. For those who don’t know why it’s so upsetting (specifically for the Korean people in comments, I lived there and studied the history extensively) the shrine worship and the rising sun flag are representations of Japanese colonialism and some of the terrible things that happened to people as a result of the Japanese during this time. I could make several comparisons to some negative imagery that we westerners might make but I really don’t know if this is the place for that. If you are interested or want to understand I would suggest looking up Japanese colonialism in other countries (again I specifically know about Korea personally, and am speaking in support of the Korean people I know and love and the country that has become my second home).
If the shrine and the jacket that were shown in The Sims 4 Snowy Escape’s Reveal Trailer are exactly what the South Korean players described them to be then EA is in some hot waters.
Hopefully The Sims Team will make a statement soon regarding these features in the game.
Apple’s Mac OS updated to Metal about a year ago, which is a new API that helps deliver Graphics to video games. The problem with the latest Mac OS Update was that it only supported 64bit video games, which of course excluded The Sims 3 that was built entirely on the 32bit structure.
A few months ago EA had announced that they started working on a 64bit version for The Sims 3 that would be exclusive to Mac computers, because without the needed work to upgrade the game on Macs people can’t play the game at all. They mentioned that it might take some time and that the original plan was to get it out in early 2020. They gave an update a month ago saying:
Yes, we’re still working on this. I know waiting is hard.
Yes, I know that we’re no longer “early 2020.” Sometimes things take longer than the original estimates.
Yes, we know you want this right now. Please see the first bullet.
There’s been good progress since the last update, but there’s still some challenges. We’re working on them.
Today, people have started reporting that they’re seeing a whole new version of The Sims 3 appearing in their Origin Game Library. For Windows players it started showing up with a notice saying “Only Available for Mac” while for Mac players it states that it’s the new “The Sims 3 64bit & Metal” version but unfortunately it’s still not letting them download the new version. Considering that the rollout has just started for players we could see the game become completely playable in the next few days.
It’s still not known if EA plans to update The Sims 3 on Windows to 64bit or not considering that the 32bit version of The Sims 3 on Windows is still fully playable.
If you want to know more about why these updates are happening, check out EA’s official FAQ down below:
Dear Simmers,
If you currently play The SimsTM 3 on Mac, pay close attention to this announcement!
Earlier this year, Apple announced plans to phase out support for 32-bit applications with their new macOS, Catalina. Due to this change, we will be releasing an updated version of The Sims 3 that will be compatible with the new macOS, The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal). We will also be making all DLC content available in this new format, as well.
The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal) will be available for download via Origin. We don’t have a release date for when Apple will release Catalina. However, if it occurs before The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal) is out and you decide to update your Mac to macOS Catalina, you will not be able to continue playing The Sims 3 until after we release The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal). Once The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal) is released, you will have to uninstall your current version of The Sims 3 and packs before re-installing, and you will not be able to patch your existing installation. We will post more detailed instructions when we make this update available. You will not lose your progress in the game and you will keep all the extra content you have acquired over time.
The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal) FAQ
Where can I get The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal) Edition?
If you are an existing The Sims 3 owner, we will have instructions on this page which will walk you through the steps to get your copy of The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal) Edition when it is released.
When will 64-Bit & Metal Edition be available?
This change is planned for early 2020. We will update you once we have a confirmed date.
Will I be able to get the 64-Bit & Metal Edition through a patch to my current game?
No. The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal) Edition will be its own version of The Sims 3 and carries significant changes from the currently available version. This means that the game will not be patched and will require the The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal) Edition and the packs to be installed like a new release through Origin.
Will the minimum specifications be the same as The Sims 3?
No. The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal) Edition will require the latest version of Origin which requires OSX 10.9 or later. Also, since the The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal) Edition adds 64-bit and Metal support, the minimum specifications will be adjusted accordingly.
What if I can’t update my Mac?
The Sims 3 and all the packs will be available in their current form for those players who choose not to or cannot update their Mac to Catalina.
Will I need to buy The Sims 3 or my packs again?
No. All The Sims 3 players who have registered their game and packs with Origin will have access to The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal) Edition when it releases. If you have the disc version of The Sims 3, you will need to redeem your code in Origin to access The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal) Edition in Origin.
Will The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal) Edition release for Windows PC?
There are no current plans to update the Windows PC version of The Sims 3. Version 1.6.9 is available to The Sims 3 players via Origin.
What do I need to do to make sure my game is saved before I update to macOS Catalina?
While updating macOS to a newer version should be straight forward, we recommend you backup your saves before updating to macOS Catalina. You can find The Sims 3 save files in DocumentsElectronic ArtsThe Sims 3. Simply copy the entire The Sims 3 directory somewhere safe like your cloud storage of choice (eg. iCloud, Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, etc.) or a USB flash drive. This will backup your downloaded content and your save files among other things.
The Sims Team has announced that they’ll be doing an official livestream for The Sims 4 Snowy Escape Expansion Pack!
The livestream will take place on October 30th at 11AM Pacific Time, hosted by SimGuruGraham. The livestream will answer plenty of the community’s questions and showcase new gameplay, world and items so mark your calendars!
The livestream will be hosted on both The Sims’ Official Twitch and YouTube Channels.
Simmers, we know you’re eager to learn more about #Sims4SnowyEscape and we’ll have a lot more info to share/show during our livestream on Oct 30th @ 11AM PT w/ host @SimGuruGraham. So please save your questions until then. Hope to see you there! 😊🛷 pic.twitter.com/6xCozlblqZ
The Sims 4 Snowy Escape Expansion Pack reveal has got many Simmers excited about one particular frame from the trailer.
Pay close attention to the screen down below:
Notice anything peculiar on the left side of the screen? Well, besides the new furniture of course.
How about in the screen below?
Those aren’t just platform gimmics that we’re used to seeing ocassionally in The Sims 4 Trailers. They’re actual customizable platforms that you’ll be able to plop down and place objects right on top of them!
The official blog post for Snowy Escape revealed that customizable platforms are indeed coming to The Sims 4:
New features like shoji doors, tile roofs, and tatami mats lean into the Japanese inspiration behind the pack, and going forward, you can also start playing with customizable platforms!
Considering that this is a build mode feature addition it wouldn’t be a surprise if it was introduced with a free Base Game Update for The Sims 4 right before the release of Snowy Escape. But, as always, we’ll keep you posted on that as soon as it gets 100% confirmed!
The Sims 4 Snowy Escape Reveal Trailer was full of new objects, CAS items, and gameplay with a lot of frames packed in just under two minutes.
We’ve extracted over 130 High-Quality screens from the Trailer that you can see down below and analyze every little detail to your heart’s content! To zoom in on a picture simply click/tap on it to see it in higher scale.
One of the features that Simmers have been wanting for a very long time in The Sims 4 is a revamp of Sims’ personalities and relationships, and it seems that with the announcement of Snowy Escape we’re getting all that and more!
With the announcement of The Sims 4 Snowy Escape the Key Features and an official Press Release mentioned that this Expansion Pack is introducing Lifestyles and Sentiments. Although it’s not known will this be patched into The Sims 4 Base Game or will it be a feature exclusively coming with Snowy Escape, it’s cool knowing that Sims will now have much bigger personalities that will let them to stand apart.
Here’s what was mentioned in the press release:
The Sims 4 Snowy Escape also introduces Lifestyles and Sentiments features, adding more depth to Sims’ personalities and relationships. For the first time, up to 16 Lifestyles will manifest in response to a Sim’s actions and habits, changing their behaviors significantly more than Create a Sim traits as they reflect a Sim’s lived experiences. Sentiments represent how two Sims can feel differently about the outcome of a shared experience and have a lasting impact on Sims’ relationships to each other, affecting their social interactions.
Lifestyles manifest in response to your Sim’s actions and habits, changing their behaviors appropriately. Shared experiences inspire Sentiments and have a lasting impact on Sims’ relationships to each other, affecting their social interactions.
We’ll keep you updated about this major new feature as the story develops!
The Sims Team provided us with the official assets from The Sims 4 Snowy Escape Expansion Pack.
The assets down below include Logo, Icon, Boxart, Renders and Screens! To download them for your own use simply select an asset of your choice, right click (on Desktop) or hold (on your smartphone) to save it on your device!
The Sims Team released a new blog post talking more about their next Expansion Pack – The Sims 4 Snowy Escape!
Hope you have ski boots and cold-weather gear—The Sims™ 4 Snowy Escape Expansion Pack* is sending a chill through the air on November 13, 2020! We’re heading to the Japanese-inspired world of Mt. Komorebi, where high-energy snow sports and relaxing slow experiences present an array of new Lifestyles to choose from. See you at the top of the mountain, Simmers!
Get Some Air
Breathe in that fresh mountain air and start working on your Sim’s rock climbing, skiing, and snowboarding skills. They’ll want to level up if they ever intend to explore anything bigger than the easy practice courses. Once they’ve gotten the hang of it, take the gondola up to the bigger ski runs and the climbing routes to the peak. Even wipeouts look cool up there… probably. But when Sims get really good, show off with a light-up board and the chicest snow gear.
It’s not just for adults, either. Children can ski and snowboard on the less challenging trails while parents take their toddlers sledding! It’s snow fun for everyone.
Cool Down
If your Sim crashed a few too many times and they need to recover, lean into the slower parts of life in Mt. Komorebi. Hit up the the onsen bathhouse to soak your Sim’s problems (and injuries!) away. Is there anything better than watching the steam rise into the cold night above after a long day? We didn’t think so.
Even the hiking trails just outside of town offer something new every time. Explore bamboo forests, pause to reflect at the graveyard, or visit the mountain temple with friends to get the full experience. Do remember to dress appropriately, though—depending on where you are, it sure can get cold here!
Build It Up
Rent one of the vacation lots or build your own home when you arrive in Mt. Komorebi! Find inspiration all around town for your next project, whatever it is. New features like shoji doors, tile roofs, and tatami mats lean into the Japanese inspiration behind the pack, and going forward, you can also start playing with customizable platforms! But that’s not all. Fill your home with both modern and traditional furniture options, and make sure to add a cozy kotatsu table for group meals like hot pot.
Outside, enjoy the harmony of this peaceful mountain environment. Add koi to your decorative fountains and start a rock garden under the shade of Japanese maple trees—whatever makes you happy!
The Sims 4 Snowy Escape Expansion Pack arrives on November 13, 2020, at midnight in your region on Origin (for Mac and PC) and at 10 a.m. PT for Steam, Xbox One, and PlayStation®4! Preorder it today to be first in line for the gondola!
Check out the official description and key features for the upcoming The Sims 4 Snowy Escape Expansion Pack!
Gear up for thrilling snow sports, relax in natural hot springs, and design your Japanese-inspired home in The Sims™ 4 Snowy Escape Expansion Pack*! Discover new ways to adventure—challenge your Sims to climb to the peak and bond with others in the world of Mt. Komorebi. From sledding and snowboarding to hot pot around the kotatsu table, there’s something to match every Lifestyle.
CHASE YOUR THRILLS
Test your Sim’s skill and endurance with activities on the mountainside! Grab skis for a downhill ride, strap on a snowboard to shred, or bundle up on a sled with another Sim. Prefer going up? Build their rock climbing skill and challenge your Sim to reach the mountain peak during daring, sometimes dangerous, excursions.
FIND YOUR ZEN
Let your Sim’s worries float away in the natural hot springs, then unwind over hot pot around the kotatsu table or socialize while hiking through bamboo forests and snowy terrain. Bask in the serenity of mindful walks and soothing music to take control of your emotions and discover your inner zen.
CREATE YOUR SANCTUARY
Whether you prefer the traditional details or modern touches of Japanese-inspired furniture and decor, you can incorporate shoji doors, windows and screens, tatami mats, and more to design a home that complements your life. Take your shoes off at the genkan entryway in the soft glow of paper lanterns overhead, or build your own rock garden outside!
DEFINE YOUR LIFESTYLE
Unlock new personality and relationship effects with the introduction of Lifestyles and Sentiments. Lifestyles manifest in response to your Sim’s actions and habits, changing their behaviors appropriately. Similarly, shared experiences inspire Sentiments and have a lasting impact on Sims’ relationships to each other, affecting their social interactions.
The Sims Spark’d has a brand new challenge in The Sims 4!
From October 16th up until November 2nd at 10AM PST you’ll be able to submit your CAS, Build and Storyline creations that revolve around creating a whole new creature in the game!
You’ll be able to submit your creations straight from The Sims 4’s Gallery for CAS and Build portions and upload your Storyline videos via YouTube. For a full set of information check out the rules breakdown for each category:
CREATURE CREATION: STYLIST
Unleash a whole new world full of mystery, mischief, and maybe a little mayhem. Let’s make some magic.
Create a one-of-a-kind creature that has never been seen before in The Sims™ 4 game.
Style your new life state using the Everyday outfit category.
The Sim’s last name will be where you identify the creature type.
The base of the Sim can be any of the current life states that can be found in the game, but make it your own!
DLC not required.
STYLIST GUIDELINES
Submission Window: 10am PST October 16 – 10am PST November 2, 2020
Voting Window: 10am PST October 23 – 10am PST November 6, 2020
Sims’ ages must be teen and up
Do not use the CAS Stories feature
No Simoleon (§) limit
Full edit cheat (cas.fulleditmode) and Unlockable CAS Content allowed
Custom Content (CC), custom thumbnails, poses, and mods are not allowed (Stylist, Builder)
CREATURE CREATION: BUILDER
Imagine a magical world where mystical creatures live and create a place they would call home.
Can be on a mountaintop or on a completely different planet—this is where your creature should feel most at home.
Be original and surprise us!
BUILDER GUIDELINES
Submission Window: 10am PST October 16 – 10am PST November 2, 2020
Voting Window: 10am PST October 23 – 10am PST November 6, 2020
Any lot size and type, in any world
DLC not required
No Simoleon (§) limit
All build cheats and hidden object allowed
Custom Content (CC), custom thumbnails, poses, and mods are not allowed (Stylist, Builder)
Use of mods for building (TOOL, Red Shelf) is not permitted
CREATURE CREATION: STORYTELLER
Tell a tale of mystery and magic with one-of-a-kind creatures living in your imagination. Share your Creature Creation story!
Feel free to base your story on an existing mythical creature, an occult life state explored by past Sims games, or something dreamed up by you! Keep in mind that the creature should feel new and unique.
Story ideas to get you started: origin story, where they live, what they do, or anything else that showcases what makes this creature unique!
STORYTELLER GUIDELINES
Submission Window: 10am PST October 16 – 10am PST November 2, 2020
Voting Window: 10am PST October 23 – 10am PST November 6, 2020
Must be in English or contain English subtitles
Must be original content created by the uploader
Video length cannot exceed three minutes
Story must feature your creature Creation
Any genre of storytelling (horror, sci-fi, romance, comedy, etc.)
DLC not required
No Simoleon (§) limit
Use of Custom Content (CC)/Mods for video creation is allowed only for the Storyteller Challenge (not permitted for Stylist/Builder)
Today The Sims Team will be doing a full reveal of their next Expansion Pack for The Sims 4 – Snowy Escape!
The pack’s full announcement will begin with the Trailer Premiere on their YouTube Channel, followed by their official Press Release, Pre-Order, Assets, Blog Posts and more that we’ll be covering!
Down below we’ve included a countdown to the announcement of The Sims 4 Snowy Escape with a direct YouTube Trailer Premiere right below.
The Sims 4 Snowy Escape Expansion Pack is still awaiting its full announcement tomorrow, October 20th at 8AM PT. Still, that didn’t stop SimGurus from sharing some new information about the next Expansion Pack!
The first piece of info comes from SimGuruGraham. He confirmed that the new pack will indeed come with a brand new world called Mt. Komorebi, but that’s not all. The new world will feature households and lots created by some of the Sims Creators including Deligracy, James Turner, Lilsimsie and Simlicy!
Tune in tomorrow for the #TheSims4 Snowy Escape reveal trailer! You’ll be introduced to the absolutely stunning world of Mt. Komorebi, and in the coming weeks we’ll share details on how Maxis partnered with @Deligracy, @JamesTurnerYT, @lilsimsie, & @simlicy to bring it to life!😉
The next piece of info comes from SimGuruFrost who clarified that The Sims 4 Seasons EP won’t be required at all to play this pack.
Hey Simmers! Just to clarify, The Sims 4 Seasons Expansion Pack is not required to experience and enjoy The Sims 4 Snowy Escape. https://t.co/rbrfIR9nhw
