Watching a household grow is one of the most rewarding parts of storytelling in The Sims 4, which is why family gameplay remains so popular among players building evolving, multi‑generation homes. With The Sims Team highlighting upcoming Infant and Toddler improvements in the Quality of Life Roadmap, family‑focused Custom Content feels more relevant than ever. A great example of this is creator Syboulette’s cozy and imaginative Sims 4 Little Big Spirits CC collection, recently made completely free for infants, toddlers, and children.
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A Cozy Collection Inspired by Childhood Imagination
Inspired by soft fantasy aesthetics and the gentle wonder associated with Ghibli-inspired worlds, The Sims 4 Little Big Spirits CC embraces warmth, comfort, and playful creativity while supporting multiple childhood life stages in one thoughtful collection. Pastel color palettes, scalloped furniture edges, and beautifully decorative details help create welcoming bedrooms that feel lived-in and magical without overwhelming spaces with clutter. Designed to grow alongside Sims, the set includes infant cribs, toddler and child beds, a Base Game compatible changing table, storage furniture, playmats, toys, and decorative accents that share matching swatches and design style. This allows players to transition naturally from nursery spaces into toddler and kids’ rooms without needing a full redesign, making the collection especially well-suited for long-term gameplay, multi-generation households, and legacy saves where rooms evolve alongside Sims over time.
Build & Buy Catalog Preview
Below is a complete catalog of every item included in The Sims 4 Little Big Spirits CC Pack, along with detailed preview images for each piece.
Swatch Previews
Take a closer look at every object in the set, showcasing all available color variations and design options.
Functional Details That Stand Out
Beyond its charming visual style, several objects in The Sims 4 Little Big Spirits CC Pack also introduce thoughtful gameplay functionality that enhances everyday family moments, similar to features highlighted in our The Sims 4 Baby on the Way CC Pack: Complete Overview. A Kodama-inspired nightlight doubles as an anti-monster lamp to help children sleep peacefully, while functional toys and activity objects encourage interactive play. Infants can even use a standing cart to pull themselves up after reaching milestones (TheSims 4Growing Together Expansion Pack is needed for this feature), adding a subtle sense of progression to early gameplay. The collection also features a cleverly designed high chair that slots directly onto tables, allowing younger Sims to feel included during shared family meals. These small but meaningful details help rooms feel interactive and lived-in rather than purely decorative.
How to Download Little Big Spirits
The Sims 4 Little Big Spirits CC collection is now available as a free download on Syboulette’s website, giving players an easy and free way to create whimsical bedrooms filled with warmth, imagination, and personality. You can find more Sims Community Custom Content news here.
Will you be adding this charming kids room set to your family homes? Let us know in the comments down below and stay tuned to Sims Community for all thelatest Sims 4 News!
EA publishes a new The Sims 4 Laundry List for game improvements coming March 17th.
Electronic Arts has revealed a brand new Sims 4 Laundry List for an upcoming Game Update coming March 17th, 2026. Beside the new Update that introduces the Marketplace to the Main Menu, the team also revealed some additional bug fixes and game improvements that you should expect along with the patch.
The Sims Team also revealed that this Patch is coming for PC and Mac. With Xbox and Playstation updates set for a later date.
Learn about the improvements and features in the official Laundry List below:
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The Sims 4 Laundry List: March 10th, 2026
Hi Simmers!
Welcome to the Laundry List, where we share the top community concerns that we’re currently investigating and hope to resolve.
Please note; this Base Game update will launch on PC and Mac on March 17th, with PlayStation and Xbox coming later. During this time, console players may experience a temporary version mismatch when using the Gallery.
The Sims Team
Here’s the list of the top community concerns you can expect to see resolved in our next update:
Top 5 Most Voted Fixes:
[EA Forums][EA Forums] Extensive updates to ensure that Sims’ eye blinking will now show fully closed eyes for most interactions, see the blog post for more information on these changes.
[EA Forums] Prom will once again appear on Calendars and Sims will be able to attend, this fix will ensure it is working for both new and old saves. Alongside this fix, we fixed another issue where Prom goals weren’t able to be completed. (High School Years)
[EA Forums] We fixed an issue where Pet and Horse data was being lost in Premade Households. This will no longer occur in fresh saves. However, if this occurred in an old Save, it will still be occurring in that instance. (Cats & Dogs, Horse Ranch)
[EA Forums] We’ve implemented a notable change to how Sims determine who they speak with on a lot. Now, Sims will generally prefer speaking with familiar Sims they already have a good rapport with, and Sims are less likely to engage with strangers spontaneously.
[EA Forums] Animals can be assigned to an Animal Shed after moving the Household to a new lot. They no longer become stuck in Household or Sim Inventory. This is also fixed for saves where the animals were already stuck. (Cottage Living)
Sims Autonomy Improvements
“Sim autonomy” is one of our key focus areas based on community feedback, and this update delivers on 3 of our top autonomy issues : Sims socializing with strangers, excessive flirting, and Sims using certain objects obsessively.
Base Game
[EA Forums] We’ve addressed the issue where Sims were excessively flirting with each other.
[EA Forums] We’ve heard your feedback and wanted to address Sims using Computers and Phones too often. We’ve added a few new preferences to the Base Game including: Likes Phones, Likes Computers, Dislikes Phones, and Dislikes Computers. If you don’t want your Sims to autonomously use these objects, please give them the “Dislikes Phones” or “Dislikes Computers” Preferences. If you want them to be obsessed… you know what to do.
Screenshot
[EA Forums] If a Sim autonomously uses the Computer, they will receive a cooldown on wanting to do this autonomously again for half of a Sim day. This cooldown does not exist for non-active Household Sims, for Sims who are Geeks, Sims who Like Computers, or when it is a preferred interaction for Getaways, Clubs, Small Businesses, or Dynasties. Sims who Dislike Computers (a new Preference we added) will never use them autonomously anymore.
[EA Forums] The “Troll teh Forums” Computer Interaction has been added to the same cooldown that is used for other Computer interactions. Sims will also now need Mischief Skill of 6 or higher to consider this action autonomously unless they have the following Sims Traits: Evil, Childish, Geek, Hot-Headed, Erratic, or Mean (who always have it available). (Base Game)
[EA Forums] If a Sim autonomously destroys a Doll House, it will receive a cooldown on wanting to do this autonomously again for some time. We also made a change so that only Sims with certain Traits (Evil, Hates Children, Mean Hot-Headed) will ever autonomously decide to destroy a Doll House while Angry. Before this update, this autonomous behaviour could occur for any Sim who was feeling Angry or Dazed.
[EA Forums] If a Sim autonomously mixes a drink, they will receive a cooldown on wanting to do this autonomously again for a Sim day for non-NPCs. Previously this would occur frequently for Sims who were Inspired, or Sims with the Bro or Foodie Trait.
[EA Forums] If a Sim autonomously Swims, they will receive a cooldown on wanting to do this autonomously again for some time. This cooldown does not exist for non-active Household Sims, on Pool Venues, during Pool Party or Birthday Party events, when Swimming is a preferred interaction for Getaways, Clubs, or Small Businesses, or if the Sim is a Mermaid or Plant Sim.
[EA Forums] If a Sim autonomously plays the Violin, they will receive a cooldown on wanting to do this autonomously again for a Sim day. This cooldown does not exist for non-active Household Sims, for Sims who are Music Lovers, Sims who Like Violins, or when it is a preferred interaction for Getaways, Clubs, Small Businesses, or Dynasties.
[EA Forums] If a Sim autonomously plays the Guitar, they will receive a cooldown on wanting to do this autonomously again for a Sim day. This cooldown does not exist for non-active Household Sims, for Sims who are Music Lovers, Sims who Like Guitars, or when it is a preferred interaction for Getaways, Clubs, Small Businesses, or Dynasties.
[EA Forums] If a Sim autonomously plays Chess, they will receive a cooldown on wanting to do this autonomously again for a Sim day. This is for non NPCs only, and not applicable during clubs or getaways revolving around chess.
[EA Forums] We’ve added a cooldown for Sims dancing while on a lot that the Sim owns. Sims who Like Dancing, Dance Machine Trait Sims, and certain situations will not receive this cooldown. This cooldown is not for Non-Active Household Sims. This cooldown will disappear when Sims move lots in case they are going to a lot where they want to dance.
[EA Forums]We’re reducing how often a Sim considers turning on the radio. Sims with the Music Lover trait will consider listening to music more often than other Sims.
[EA Forums] Though practically a staple of Sim culture (I’m being cheeky), we’ve added a cooldown for autonomous Push-Ups, Sit-Ups, and Stretches. Now, only Sims who are Energized at the Gym Venue or Sims with the Active trait will consider doing this autonomously.
[EA Forums] We’ve added a cooldown for Foodie Sims watching Culinary Training Videos on the television where they won’t do this autonomously for two days after doing it.
[EA Forums] If a Child Sim autonomously uses the Space Ship playground, they will receive a cooldown on wanting to do this autonomously again for a Sim day. This cooldown does not exist for non-active Household Sims or when it is a preferred interaction for Getaways, Clubs, or Small Businesses. Leaving the current lot also removes the cooldown.
[EA Forums] If a Sim autonomously plays with the Lump of Clay, they will receive a cooldown on wanting to do this autonomously again for a while. This cooldown does not occur for Creative Sims or Sims who Like Pottery.
Discover University
[EA Forums] If a Sim autonomously plays with the Soccer Ball they will receive a cooldown on wanting to do this autonomously again for a while. This cooldown does not occur for Sims who Like Fitness or non-Household Sims.
Cottage Living
[EA Forums] If a Sim autonomously does Cross-Stitch, they will receive a cooldown on wanting to do this autonomously again for some time. This cooldown does not exist for Sims who Like Cross-Stitching or when it is a preferred interaction for a Club.
Lovestruck
[EA Forums] Sims will no longer consider playing Thumbs Up or the WooHoo Card Game while in the middle of writing a book on the computer.
Adventure Awaits
[EA Forums] If a Sim autonomously plays with the Paper Airplane, they will receive a cooldown on wanting to do this autonomously again for a while. This cooldown does not occur for Sims who Like Papercrafting.
Spa Day
[EA Forums] If a Sim autonomously uses the Yoga Mat, they will receive a cooldown on wanting to do this autonomously again right away. This cooldown does not exist for High Maintenance Sims or Sims who Like Wellness. (Sims must be Level 2 to Autonomously use a Yogo mat – previously and still.) The cooldown is removed when leaving the lot, and when it’s the preferred interaction for Getaways, Clubs or Small Businesses.
Movie Hangout Stuff
[EA Forums] A cooldown has been added to the Popcorn Popper so that after it has been used by a Sim that Sim will not want to immediately use it again for some time.
Pet & Animal Fixes
With two of our Top Community Issues being around animals and pets, we fixed a few other bugs also in this category to provide a better overall experience with these systems.
[EA Forums] Animals in the Animal Shed, Chicken Coop, Mini Goats, and Sheep will no longer be multiplied. This was happening when these animals were placed into a Sim inventory, then back in the world, and after that the Sims moved their Household. (Cottage Living, Horse Ranch)
General Bug Fixes
We addressed a handful of other important issues that were quickly rising, particularly problematic, or easy fixes to get in.
Base Game
Sims with the Unflirty trait will no longer get the ick when hugged.
Placing a painting on the wall and then returning it to the Sim’s inventory will no longer result in a Simulation error.
Seasons
[EA Forums] Flowers will no longer get stuck midair while crafting a Flower Arrangement.
For Rent
[EA Forums] The “Do Inspection and Maintenance” interaction is now available on broken objects in a Tenant Household for Landlord Sims.
Life & Death
We’ve adjusted design elements on some of our swatches for the Ornate Mystery Run which were concerning to some players.
Royalty & Legacy
[EA Forums] There was an issue where the updated Family Tree could cause wrong connections and overlapping which has now been fixed.
[EA Forums] We fixed a crash that could occur when resuming the game after deleting the Capp Household in Ondarion.
[EA Forums] Ondarion’s Verdemar lot is no longer reversed.
Parenthood
Child and Teen Sims who grew up in the same Household but weren’t related could get the Super Sibling relationship, despite not being related and then could later romance each other. Because we didn’t want to prevent stories where children could have possibly been in the same Household at one point while not related and end up in a relationship, we decided to fix this by renaming the relationships to Childhood Besties and Childhood Frenemy.
StrangerVille
There should no longer be a Script Call Fail error when the Plant Containment Cell is on the lot and the player tries to place other objects.
CAS & Build Mode Tagging Updates
We had the opportunity to address a large swath of simpler tagging bugs, making CAS and Build Mode sorting more accurate overall. Here are related issues we fixed:
Base Game
All Makeup that was in the Everyday Category has been added to both Hot and Cold Weather Outfit Category as a sorting option.
We’ve sorted 43 existing items under the Kids Decoration category.
Various lights (that were previously considered wall lights) have been sorted into the Lighting > Outdoor Lights Build Mode Category.
“Cute Critter Basket” is now sorting under Objects by Function > Kids > Decorations.
Updated the swatch color for (yfMakeupLipstick_EF28GlossyLips_RedRuby) to appear more accurate.
(yfBottom_SDX040CCHSkirtPleated) will no longer appear for masculine frame Sims.
The Pencil Holder object has been additionally sorted into the Clutter Category in Build Mode.
The “Wicker-Work Diaper Storage” object is now sorting under Objects by Function > Kids > Kids Furniture.
The “Bow, Bow, Bow!” object is now sorting under Objects by Function > Activities & Skills > Life Events.
The “Martian Soil” wall pattern is now categorized under the Misc category rather than the Paneling Build Mode Category.
The (wall_V_Clapboard02SGBrick_NT_PeachWhiteBrick) and (wall_V_Clapboard02SGBrick_NT_BlueRedBrick) wall patterns are now sorting into Masonry and Siding.
The Sycee of the Prosperous Moon, Right Side Up Gnome, and Bob the Butler Fancy Sculpture have been removed from their previous sorting category and are now sorted under Function > Decorations > Sculptures.
Multiple
We updated a large amount of love seats and benches to properly be identified as “Benches” for lot requirements when placed.
Lovestruck
We’ve adjusted the Lovestruck Beard swatches to display in the correct order.
(ymBottom_EP16Jeans) will now appear as a Masculine Fashion Choice in CAS filters. (Lovestruck)
Life & Death
“Perilous Paneling” and “Patterned and Perilous Paneling” now sort into the Paneling category, and “Lunar Reverie” sorts into the Wallpaper category.
Enchanted by Nature
“Wild Uncanny Cane” plant is now sorted in both Roof Sculptures and Outdoor Plants.
Backyard Stuff
(yfTop_SP08TeeBoatNeck_GradientPink) no longer sorts as Yellow in CAS filters. (Backyard Stuff)
Moschino
The “Libearian” bookshelf and the “I’m So Shiny!” surface have been removed from the Sculptures category.
Free Holiday Stuff
The “Kinara” and “Menorah” light objects are now sorting under Lighting > Table Lamp.
“Holiday Snowman” and “Pre-Strung Tree of Lights” are now sorting under Lighting > Outdoor Lighting.
Kitchen Clutter
All clutter items from the Kitchen Clutter pack are now visible when sorting by the pack filter and looking under the Misc Decorations category in Build Mod’s room view.
The Forever Friends Event
(ymTop_EV0641TankTwistBack_SolidBlackCyan) will no longer appear for masculine frame Sims.
The Nature’s Calling Event
The Cove Stone – Round, Cove Stone – Flat, and Cove Stone Cluster objects are now sorted in the Outdoor Plants > Rocks category in Build Mode.
Updates on Top Community Voted Issues
As part of our investigation into Save Corruption, we began gradually relocating Scratch files from the Documents folder to AppData on PC back in January. This change was designed to help prevent conflicts with cloud backup services, and we rolled it out in phases so we could carefully monitor the impact. The transition is now complete for all PC players.
Since the roll out has completed, we have observed improvements in Infinite Load occurrences just shy of what we’d classify as a “statistically significant” shift, which is a great step in the right direction and observed improvements thus far are encouraging.
Our team continues to investigate other community concerns for future fixes. Please note that some topics can be complicated to replicate and require an extended investigation on our end, so even though we are actively reviewing, it’s not a guarantee that we’ll have an immediate fix for it in the upcoming patch. This includes the following top voted issues:
We’ve been working on some “Player Redundancy Solutions” which would add more long term saves in our “Recover Save” feature. We are currently testing these solutions and plan to be providing more information in the future.
[EA Forums] We’ve been investigating adding safeguards in the game to check against inappropriate sibling relationships with spouses or fiances. Despite a heavy focus to reproduce the issue, we’re still struggling to reproduce this naturally through gameplay, and the saves we’ve received have the issue already occurring in code (even if it hasn’t been updated to UI yet where players can see). This has made it particularly difficult to nail down a preventative fix. These safeguards would fix it after it occurs, rather than preventing it, so we’re being extra careful with our approach for this and need more time and thought to get it right.
[EA Forums] [EA Forums][EA Forums][EA Forums][EA Forums] We’ve been investigating a handful of Black Photo/Texture issues that were recently reported after the February Patch. We’ve been able to verify that none appear to be newly introduced issues, with most going back years. This means, most of our recent fixes have made progress towards cutting down on the number of black photo issues that exist in the game. This is important to clarify so we know if we’re breaking things with our fixes or making progress towards fully eliminating all instances. Thankfully, it’s the latter! Each issue has a very unique set of steps to reproduce and as equally unique a fix required. At this time, fixing the remaining Black Photo issues is one of our highest prioritized areas of focus.
[EA Forums] [EA Forums][EA Forums][EA Forums][EA Forums][EA Forums][EA Forums][EA Forums][EA Forums][+ More] We know that “Infants” and the experiences you have playing with them are one of the top areas of community concern. We’re currently investigating a bunch of different infant bugs, including: Sims picking up infants from the cribs and putting them down on the ground, “Check Infant” interactions happening too frequently, and more. These are particularly difficult bugs to address, so we’re hoping to be able to make progress and update you on them soon.
[EA Forums] Another important community issue is a situation where Build Mode items can become unplaceable, new objects disappear immediately, and existing objects cannot be moved or deleted. We believe we have a fix, but it will still need testing to verify, so stay tuned!
[EA Forums] [EA Forums] We’ve also noticed there are an array of comments and posts concerning various, different sleeping issues that are very highly rated with the community. As simulation remains a top area of focus for us, we’re planning to try to address these concerns holistically with another set of fixes pertaining to “Sims sleeping.”
Eyes Animation Updates
A seperate Sims Blog post was published revealing additional updates to Eye Animations in The Sims 4. See all affected animations and changes below:
Sul Sul, Simmers,
After receiving community feedback, we’re excited to be releasing some significant improvements to eyelid functionality in The Sims 4 with the free Base Game update on March 17th. This wasn’t a single fix, and it required many teams across QV, Tech Art, Animation, and Create a Sim working together to trace the issue across assets, systems, and workflows. This type of work is normally hidden to the average player, so we wanted to share a breakdown of the work that went into making this improvement possible.
We hope you find it interesting, and for mod authors, useful!
Eye See What You Did There Before any work could get started, the QA team first looked into player reports, verified what was happening in the game, and created detailed replication steps. This included where blinking was being limited, where it was being exaggerated, and how eye shape variations complicated both. That information was then passed on to the Tech Art team.
Good Eyedea to Adjust Animation in Maya Files A Tech Art script scanned all Maya files in The Sims 4 Base Game and DLCs to identify upper eyelid rotation animations. It targeted those within a specific range: enough to detect eyelids not fully closing but not detect intentional poses like squinting. The script then adjusted these animations, either increasing or decreasing the eyelid rotation to match the value required for eyes to fully close. If the rotation already exceeded the closed-eye threshold, the script reduced it appropriately. This process fixed a great number of eye blinking issues where the eyelid rotation either too high or too low in the default Sim mesh animators use in Maya.
What remains: While a great deal of eye blinking issues in Maya has now fixed, this does not automatically resolve all Sims character blinking in the Create a Sim system. Each eye shape archetype in Create a Sim requires a different rotation amount to fully shut the eyelids. Previously, rotation was dampened globally to avoid eyelash clashing, especially after the addition of new lower eyelash assets in The Sims 4: Lovestruck.
These Are Getting Cornea Each eye shape preset in Create a Sim has unique joint values, shaping the eyes into various archetypes. To ensure eyes close correctly for every eye shape, a specific rotation multiplier is applied to each preset. Earlier, eyelid rotation was globally dampened to prevent over-blinking due to lower eyelash geometry. However, this sometimes led to under-blinking. The new approach finds an ideal balance, further reducing under-blinking without causing excessive over-blinking.
Iris There Was More For interactions highlighted by players as problematic, the Animation team manually refined over 280 animation files (list below) to ensure eyes fully close without any eyelash clashing. The “half-blink” in Create a Sim, originally an intentional animation style, was changed to a complete blink to avoid confusion with actual under-blinking. Mood-based sleep loop animations were also improved for smoother transitions. Facial overlays were removed to prevent double-layered facial expressions during these loops. A Create a Sim artist has reskinned the lower eyelashes, allowing them to move more accurately with the lower eyelid.
Eye’ve Heard Enough, Let’s Put a Lid on This In rare cases, some unique eye shapes may still display slight over-blinking. This was considered preferable to widespread under-blinking. Player-created poses and animations were not individually adjusted but will still benefit from the global Tech Art script and modifier updates. Player-created Sims will see improvements from these global fixes, though some unique eye shapes may still show minor blinking inconsistencies.
As with any systemic fix, we’ll be closely monitoring for additional issues after release.
As announced in the Laundry List, expect The Sims 4 Console to have a mismatching Gallery version until the console version of The Sims 4 gets an update too. Learn more below:
Simmers,
We want to share an important update for PlayStation and Xbox Simmers regarding The Gallery following the upcoming PC and Mac Base Game update on March 17.
Consoles will receive this Base Game update at a later date, and therefore will temporarily experience a different version of The Gallery. During this time, players will see a “Version Mismatch” error when attempting to download some content.
We want to make sure this update delivers the best experience possible for console Simmers. By launching on PC and Mac first, we’ll be able to validate performance, stability, and overall quality before bringing the update to Xbox and PlayStation. Taking this extra time helps ensure everything works exactly as intended on consoles.
To help make this transition as smooth as possible for everyone, our team will roll out Marketplace updates for Xbox and PlayStation Simmers as soon as we’re able, with a focus on supporting a great experience for all players. We’ll share more details on console timing as soon as they’re confirmed.
In the meantime, you can still download content that was made and uploaded by PC and Mac players prior to the March 17th update. You can also avoid mismatch errors while browsing The Gallery on console by using the platform-specific filters to view only console compatible content. The Most Popular and Maxis Curated filters should work as well, but there may be some exceptions. There will be no impact to previously downloaded content you have in My Library.
Thanks for your patience and understanding,
EA Team
What are your thoughts on upcoming fixes coming to the game with the latest Sims 4 Laundry List? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and stay tuned on Sims Community to be the first to know when the new patch drops!
Some Of The Most Common Questions About The Sims 4 Marketplace Have Been Answered In The Latest FAQ
The Sims 4 Marketplace was announced last Tuesday, March 3rd, and with it came many questions from the community about the future of Kits, how Moola can be purchased, and how the Maker Program functions. Thankfully, the team over on the official Sims Discord have answers for all of that and more in their latest FAQ! Let’s take a look at every question posed and find out exactly how the Sims 4 Marketplace will function.
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The Sims 4 Marketplace Official FAQ
Take a look at the full Sims 4 Marketplace FAQ below!
The Sims 4 Marketplace Introduction
Sul Sul, Simmers! Welcome to The Sims 4 Marketplace FAQ Channel:
This channel is your hub for understanding The Sims 4 Marketplace. What it is, how it works, and how it impacts your gameplay. Here, we’ll answer your most frequently asked questions on new features like Maker Packs, Moola, and more.
We know you may have additional questions or need clarity on specific topics. That’s why this FAQ channel will be updated regularly as new questions arise, so you’ll always have the latest information. Our goal is to keep you, our community, fully informed!
The Sims 4 Marketplace is where you can browse and purchase Kits, Maker Packs, Expansion Packs, Game Packs, and Stuff Packs. It’s designed to make downloading content faster, easier, and more flexible. This guide explains how the Marketplace works, how Moola is used, where to find the Marketplace in-game, and what changes mean for your existing content and Mods.
What is the Marketplace in The Sims 4?
The Sims 4 in-game Store has been upgraded with the launch of The Sims 4 Marketplace. For now, The Sims 4 Marketplace is available on PC only, with console launching in the coming months. In the Marketplace, players can buy Maker Packs, Kits, Expansion Packs, Game Packs, and Stuff Packs.
Maker Packs are community created content Packs available only on The Sims 4 Marketplace. They vary in size from three to fifty Items and are made up of either Build/Buy or Create a Sim content. Made by Makers (official Sims community content creators), these Packs are quality approved by The Sims team, so the content is malware-free and 100% safe to download.
With the Marketplace launch comes The Sims 4’s virtual currency, Moola.
Maker Packs and Kits can only be purchased with Moola.
From March 17, 2026, for all PC players, Kits will be available to buy only through The Sims 4 Marketplace with Moola. Console players can purchase Kits on store platforms until the Marketplace launches in the coming months.
Expansion Packs, Game Packs, and Stuff Packs can be purchased on the Marketplace or on your preferred platform’s digital storefront, but only with real-world currency.
Where can I find the Marketplace?
The Sims 4 Marketplace is an in-game feature. Select the Marketplace button at the top of the Main Menu. It can also be opened at any point in-game by selecting the shopping cart icon at the top-right of the screen.
Improved storage options
With the introduction of the Marketplace and Maker Packs, players will have more options for downloading this content. Maker Packs and Kits can be downloaded on demand, without the need for players to restart the game to begin using it.
Marketplace restrictions
To use The Sims 4 Marketplace, you must be online. You can still play The Sims 4 offline, but the only part of the Marketplace available offline is your Collection. For Teen players and younger, you’ll need parental spending permissions on your EA Account to buy Moola. Check out our guide for more info.
Will current kits stop being redeemable by code after the Marketplace launches, or will code redemption still be available for them?
Kits that currently exist will still be redeemable by code (and can have new codes generated) beyond the Marketplace launch, and there will be no end-date to this. Only future Kits that will be released on the Marketplace will not have code redemption.
What happens if a Maker leaves the program?
Players that have made purchases do not lose their entitlement to the content. For Makers that have left the program, their content will be delisted to prevent new players from purchasing as they would no longer be able to collect their revenue share.
Will lots/sims with Marketplace items still be filtered out if we search without the cc box checked?
There is a different filter system. Anything that is a Maker Pack has its own filter in BB/CAS and on the gallery. CC and Maker Packs are sorted differently.
Is generative AI content allowed in Marketplace submissions?
No use of AI is allowed. Makers are required to create original content.
Questions about Moola and Kits on Amazon:
Will you be able to buy Moola on Amazon?
Moola will be available to purchase on Amazon in the US, Germany, UK, France, Italy and Spain. It will be available shortly after launch.
Will codes purchased from third party stores like Amazon still work in EA app after Kits are delisted?
Codes purchased from third-party retailers (such as Amazon) prior to March 17 will continue to work in the EA App, even after Kits are delisted. Please note that some codes may have expiration dates set by the retailer or code issuer. Because expiration timelines can vary and are not determined by Marketplace, we recommend redeeming codes as soon as possible to avoid any issues.
We’ll continue updating this page as we have more to share, so keep an eye out for updates. Thank you
Thats all for now on the official Sims 4 Marketplace FAQ, there may be more important questions answered in the future, so make sure to check back for any updates. If your questions weren’t answered here, check out our roundup on the official Q&A on The Sims 4 Marketplace.
The Sims 4 Marketplace launches for players on PC & Mac on March 17th, with a whole host of new sets from some of your favourite CC creators.
What are your thoughts on The Sims 4 Marketplace and Moola? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned to Sims Community for all the latest on The Sims 4 Marketplace!
It’s official! At the tail end of this month, InZOI will hit its one-year anniversary! While the game is still in early-access, the developers at Krafton have seemingly put tons of work over the past year into listening to players and changing how InZOI plays to make sure those players keep coming back. New features, systems, and assets have been added to keep things fresh, and an active community, online presence, and open communication between developers and players have led to the game changing drastically over this period of time. The new update will launch on PC on Thursday, March 26th!
InZOI was released on March 28th, 2025, and was a huge shift in the Life Simulation genre and gaming industry, as most games with a focus on a full life simulation experience and sandbox gameplay that we had seen in the past often never released, and sometimes never even got to early access in the first place.
Another thing to note is that the developers at Krafton who work on InZOI have been, as far as we can tell, extremely open and receptive to criticism and guidance from their audience, and have made sudden shifts to development based on what players have asked for. We can see this in these diaries existing at all; A weekly developer update that connects with players and brings them along for the ride of developing a game, from early access to full release.
InZOI Developer Update: NEXT InZOI Update Coming March 26th 2026!
Early In Development & Upcoming Features
○ A highly requested item shown that is in early development is a mini-map, making navigating Dowon, Bliss Bay, and Cahaya easier than ever!
○ Multitasking is still receiving early development work, with developers currently focused on your Zois being able to do simple activities and walk around freely at the same time. The previewed actions shown were a Zoi walking and eating a plate of food, and a Zoi walking and reading a book.
○ A new freelance career! Zois will be able to take orders from clients and make deliveries around the world.
○ A cheat has been added to remove all special effects, titled “hidefx [true/false]”, allowing you to clear up your shot for the perfect photo.
○ Automatic interruptions have been added to create a better “flow” of the gameplay, pushing Zois to cut off animations and interactions early if they have an urgent need to take care of.
○ More progress has been made on the Florist career. This week, the update showed Zois purchasing seeds, planting them on fertile soil plots, and making baskets of flowers as gifts.
○ A piñata is being created that Zois can whack at parties to receive candies!
○ You can now set different holidays to recur on specific dates, allowing these holidays to disappear and reappear as your save file progresses.
○ New assets being shared, vaguely hinted at as being for “upcoming content”.
○ Bento boxes!
○ Car seats or booster seats for children!
○ New properties under construction!
○ The color customization of many formal dresses has been expanded, specifically to allow for more “casual” wearing.
○ Male swim trunks can now be worn with other outfits, allowing for wider customizability.
○ Tooltips are being added to make game features more understandable.
○ A memory system is in development, which will record significant and traumatic memories to influence the future of that Zoi.
○ Improvements are being made to the appearance of items when graphics are lowered.
○ New set of features coming to your Zoi’s phone!
○ Zois will be able to add or delete numbers and contacts.
○ Zois will be able to initiate friendly conversations with strangers by asking for their contact number.
If you have multiple negative interactions, Zois may block you. You can ask them to unblock you in-person.
○ Kids can now take selfies with cars, even though they cannot drive them.
InZOI Developer Update – March 6th, 2026
Hello, and happy Friday.
I’d like to share the schedule for our March update.
The update is scheduled for Thursday, March 26, at 06:00 UTC.
As I was preparing for this March update, I took a moment to look back and realized that we’ve accomplished most of the key points from the “Fundamentals First” direction and roadmap that I shared earlier this year. We set out with the goal of delivering what we had planned, but looking back now, I think we may have actually developed a little more than expected.
With the deadline getting closer, there’s been quite a lot I’ve been able to show you every Friday lately.
As many of you probably already know, once the deadline has passed, it may become a bit harder for me to share things this often and in this much detail like I do now.
When that time comes, I’d really appreciate your kind understanding.
For the March update, we’ve been working on improvements to the flower shop content. New features are planned, including bouquet making, flower farming, adding fragrance to flowers, and gifting bouquets.
Some of these elements are also included in the video released today, so I think you’ll be able to get a small preview of them there.
As I was writing this post, the view beside my desk in the development room suddenly came to mind.
So I decided to share a photo as well, with that feeling in mind.
(It’s a small dried bouquet.)
To everyone who has waited so patiently for inZOI despite its many shortcomings, and who continues to follow and support us, I want to sincerely thank you. It makes me wish I could personally hand each of you one of these bouquets. Thank you as always for enjoying this week’s update. I hope you all have a relaxing and happy weekend ahead. Thank you.
kjun
What features are you most excited for that are planned for the InZOI Update, coming March 26th, 2026? What features are you hoping to see brought up in future updates?
Make sure to follow The Sims Community to keep up to date on everything in the Life Simulation genre! You can also review roadmaps and current InZOI features on their official website!
The Sims 4 Community Market lot type… Another new lot type? The Sims team definitely didn’t showcase this lot, nor did they promote it much in any of their material. Along with the new lot trait ‘Clandestine’. We saw a new lot type already introduced in this expansion pack – namely, the new Backrooms, which they showcased and featured. The Backrooms semi work, so what about this next lot type up on the chopping block? Well… let’s jump in.
The Sims 4 Community Market Lot
New Lot Type
The Sims 4 Community Market Lot is described as “a family-friendly space” with emphasis on community, sharing and a sense of belonging. So on top of being a market lot where your Sims come to buy goods, or sell them, it is also a space to gather. The idea behind this lot type seems to be more based on community and coming together, sharing space, and creating lasting bonds. Whether our Sims could do that naturally or would need a lot of encouragement is up to you but another aspect of bringing the community together is the requirement of a kitchen and a podium.
With part of the lot requirements being 2 stoves, a fridge, a podium and at least 1 dining table with 4 chairs, the focus is definitely on coming together. Sharing. Trading. And the good news is that Sims show up to cook meals and sit down to eat them. They also automatically recite books from the podium at random so there is always a Sim up to something on these Community Market lots.
Small Town Farmers Market – RoxxySims
Vendor Space
Although the idea is that vendors won’t be randomly spawning around the world and technically have dedicated spaces to sell their goods from, only 1 or possibly 2 vendors will show up at a time… and what they sell may also be based on pure luck. Instead of finding random wandering vendors on the street, or a specific market to spawn in, or relying solely on world foraging spots, the Community Market is meant to bring multiple vendors together on one lot.
And this, in turn, should make it easier for players to access certain crafted items or items tied to gathering or finding collectables. Your Sims may also find special “build items”, which I was not fortunate enough to find, or even rare world-specific goods.
So where are the Community Markets?
The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy expansion pack comes with one pre-built Community Market, and a gorgeous one at that, namely the Zanbira Market in the region of Dambele, in the world of Ondarion. This market fits beautifully into its surroundings and matches the vibe, tone and overall feel of the surrounding area. It fits like a glove, making use of the surrounding architecture and design elements to help ease the build in seamlessly and blend it with the environment.
You can also place your own Community Market lot anywhere you like. The Community Market is not tied to the new world of Ondarion, and these lots can be placed in any world. You can place your own Community Market or one of the many that are already cropping up all over the gallery. The only trick is to get them to function properly as they were intended to.
How to build a Market
Now that you are ready to build, you need to pick your theme. Are you going for a more medieval plaza type vibe, perhaps a seaside bazaar or a more luxurious approach with a royal market? Whichever style you are leaning towards, make sure you also lean towards the new lot type called “Community Market”.
Small Town Farmers Market – RoxxySims
There are multiple requirements for you to adhere to in order for the lot to function properly, the main two things being 3 selling tables, followed by 2 stoves. As this is a family-friendly space, we have community-oriented objects that are required to keep to the theme of community and sharing, plus with a community market, these two big gameplay objects make sense. The 3 selling tables are required for the lot to function as intended and recognize the lot as a functional community market.
But I hear you… how exactly do 2 stoves at a community market make sense? What in the world are we walking into… well, that’s just it – we are walking into a community. A community where everyone comes together, where we cook meals together and sit around big long tables and get to know those around us. (And if you are playing a rags to riches, it is a perfect spot to sell your collectables, haggle for new ones, and the best part is the free food, which is better than constantly hanging around a grill waiting for someone to fry up something random.)
You can use the selling tables from any of the packs that we have received selling tables with. So far, we have selling tables in City Living, Eco Lifestyle, Businesses & Hobbies, Jungle Adventure, and now a new one has been included in the Royalty & Legacy pack. The important thing is that they’re recognized as selling tables within the game in order to activate the lot type properly.
But don’t we have this already?
We have very similar lots, but they don’t all function the same. The selling carts in Jungle Adventure appear in their own, non-editable central square with certain things to help you tackle the jungle. City Living stalls appear at very specific events, mainly the flea market, where Sims sell all kinds of goods that spawn at random. Sometimes you get snow globes, sometimes you get crystals and metals. The other tables we have can be placed by the player, perhaps selling their own goods on their private home lot or on the premises of a small business.
The eco lifestyle table is used with a very specific lot type (you can of course use it how you wish but the mechanic behind it is to use it at the Community Space which has three variants and is locked behind a neighborhood voting system). The 3 spaces are Community Garden, Maker Space and Marketplace… which all sound like what we are talking about when we talk about a Community Market… but I digress.
So this new community market takes all the great things from the other gameplay and puts it together to form a space of togetherness and belonging. Not behind a voting system in the neighborhood or tied to a certain event that only happens once a week.
Items that you could find
While the exact inventory can vary depending on your world and packs installed, examples include:
Craftable components (like The Sims 4 Eco Lifestyle parts)
Rare foraged items from the local neighborhood (Or as I saw, just some strawberries…)
Swords and other collectables introduced by The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy (and potentially other packs)
If you have The Sims 4 Get to Work and The Sims 4 Businesses & Hobbies, swords can be found and resold for profit at Community Markets or retail lots (as shown in cross-pack interactions).
LOTS of wooden crafted statues…
Cross-pack
These Community Markets could become multi-purpose treasure troves depending where you are brining your treasure from. If you find a rare collectable in your world and travel to a community market to get it sold at a 300% markup price you may have just landed with your bum in the butter.
With Eco Lifestyle you could sell any of the things you fabricate, candles, fizz pops and anything you might grow (same goes for Cottage Living with what you can grow). This is similar to the Marketplace that came with Eco Lifestyle but it doesn’t require voting in order to activate the lot.
Small Town Farmers Market – RoxxySims
Swords and other specialty items can spawn here and be sold at marked up prices.
How it fits into the Royalty & Legacy Gameplay
The Community Market supports the Royalty & Legacy expansion pack by evoking village gathering spots and making your world feel more connected. Sims can make extra money, collect rarities, and find thematic items without wandering aimlessly and waiting for a sales table to spawn or be voted in by the neighbors. It is a place to meet NPCs, trade goods, and build narrative moments around your dynasties.
It also gives build-mode players a versatile new lot type that’s not strictly a venue, marketplace, or retail shop but a hybrid space that invites exploration and discovery.
Tips for designing an epic community market space
Use multiple and diverse-looking selling tables to make the market feel busy. Using different colors or types of selling tables creates variety, makes the eye move from one stall to the next. Having multiple selling tables is a requirement and if you are going for a specific aesthetic look then by all means use the same looking table and swatch but the option to switch it up and sprinkle in some spice is there. There has even been mention of adding the gallery wall into your space for the artists amongst us to sell our works of art.
Consider having a central gathering spot in your market where Sims would naturally gravitate towards and help them congregate around areas such as fountains with seating, podiums for book recitals and comfortable outdoor couches, the Maxis built lot that comes with The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy even has a toy box with toys around for your child Sims (or childish Sims) to keep themselves entertained for a family outing. I may have even spotted monkey bars.
Don’t forget to add storytelling details and décor into your build with things like banners, outdoor clutter items like crates and boxes of fruits and baskets, or even different seating areas to give the market more personality.
Creating pathways not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also gives your Sims a general routing path to walk along to help with the immersion of the community market. Let the Sims try to naturally (as naturally as Sims can) wander from stall to stall and to each section of the market.
Community Markets can make a space feel more alive and culturally unique, because each market can reflect the traditions and economy of the surrounding area. Each Community Market has the ability to be different, polished, unfinished, vibrant and outstanding all in their own unique ways. Builders crack those knuckles, I can’t wait to see what you build!
Themed Community Markets
Now let’s imagine this new lot type works exactly if not better than coded… and if not that, then really tap into your imagination because builders – it’s your time to shine! Picture it… a Royal court market sitting just outside the palace gates that caters to nobles and visiting dignitaries alike. It would have elegant stalls with silk canopies, jewelry vendors selling only the finest cuts, exotic fruits and delicacies found in only the most isolated parts of the world making them rare and sought after, royal tailors and cloth merchants ready to adorn your royalty in the silkiest materials and last but not least the decorative statues and fountains that would circle the market, bringing it all together.
The gameplay behind a fully functional, fully customized community market could be blended with ingredients as diverse as your creativity allows. Imagine hidden spies, lurking in the shadows and melting into the bustling crowds, listening out for all the scandalous gossip from the local palace workers. I am getting carried away, my imagination takes over when it comes to building I am afraid. But the possibilities to build are there.
And with a bit of fun, careful planning and storytelling the gameplay is there too. Because what is a Life Sim if not to be fully enjoyed, played and for the player to just have fun!
Other ideas that have come to mind for me are a village farmers’ market in the humble countryside where villagers sell fresh produce and handmade goods. Feel like competing with Agnes in Henford-on-Bagley? With produce stalls, pastry stands, and even flower bouquets, local gatherings or a family outing to one of the festivals in the main square could be preceded with a visit to the local market hosted on your very own community market lot.
Small Town Farmers Market – RoxxySims
Feel like giving the Hermit, the sellers in the realm of magic and even the creature keeper in Henford-on- Bagley the run around? Buy from them and resell at a higher price at one of the community markets available, because remember, you can still run one of the selling tables yourself.
At a medieval plaza the atmosphere is rich with culture and bargaining, at a seaside bazaar one could hope for fresh produce and the rare collectable find, while at the luxury royal market only the finest goods should be up for sale. The gossip is almost tangible in the streets.
So where will you start: Build your own or test out the one that already exists? Let us know in the comments down below how you feel about this new lot type and if you think it adds to your gameplay or is just more noise to add to the already confusing landscape of lots we have on offer.
The Sims 4 Packs Collection Bundle Has Appeared On Steam, And Includes Almost Every Pack At A Heavy Discount!
The Sims 4 Packs Collection has appeared on Steam, featuring every Stuff Pack, Game Pack, and *almost* every Expansion Pack for a heavily discounted price. The only DLC not included in the Collection bundle are Kits and any Expansion Pack released after Life & Death. Players who already own packs included in the bundle will be able to purchase them at a lower price. The bundle is currently available at its highest price of $302.40, which is over 70% off! Let’s take a look at what’s included and the official description!
Explore your every “What if?” and “Why not?” with The Sims™ 4 Collection, featuring 17 Expansion Packs, every Game Pack, and every Stuff Pack. Add a huge variety of build styles and décor to your game, plus fashion and accessories inspired by different places, themes, and lifestyles. Play with more Careers, Aspirations, & Traits — and even add more animals and Occults. Already own some packs? Get a big discount on this bundle!
Packs Included:
Get to Work
Get Together
City Living
Cats & Dogs
Seasons
Get Famous
Island Living
Discover University
Eco Lifestyle
Snowy Escape
Cottage Living
High School Years
Growing Together
Horse Ranch
For Rent
Lovestruck
Life & Death
Outdoor Retreat
Spa Day
Dine Out
Vampires
Parenthood
Jungle Adventure
StrangerVille
Realm of Magic
Star Wars: Journey to Batuu
Dream Home Decorator
My Wedding Stories
Werewolves
Luxury Party Stuff
Perfect Patio Stuff
Cool Kitchen Stuff
Spooky Stuff
Movie Hangout Stuff
Romantic Garden Stuff
Kids Room Stuff
Backyard Stuff
Vintage Glamour Stuff
Bowling Night Stuff
Fitness Stuff
Toddler Stuff
Laundry Day Stuff
My First Pet Stuff
Moschino Stuff
Tiny Living Stuff
Nifty Knitting Stuff
Paranormal Stuff
Home Chef Hustle Stuff
Crystal Creations Stuff
The Sims 4 Packs Collection Bundle Availability
Currently, The Sims 4 Collection bundle is only available on Steam for $302.40, unless you already own some of what is included!
While they haven’t been updated on Steam, EA App, or any other storefronts, it seems that older Expansion Packs are getting a fresh coat of marketing paint. Thanks to the Maker Program video provided by EA Help, we have our first look at these new designs. Now that The Sims 4 is supposedly not getting any new Expansion Packs, it seems the team are preparing for the packs to receive their definitive look. Check them out below!
Editorial note: This article is intended as an analytical comparison of virtual currencies in gaming and their potential implications for The Sims. It does not represent official information beyond what has been publicly shared by EA.
On March 3rd, EA and The Sims Team revealed one of the most unexpected additions to The Sims 4’s ecosystem: a brand-new virtual currency called Moola. Designed specifically for the game’s upcoming Marketplace, Moola will allow players to purchase Maker Packs created by approved creators, as well as certain official content, such as Kits, directly from an in-game store.
The announcement quickly sparked curiosity and debate within the community. Virtual currencies are nothing new in modern gaming, but their introduction in a long-running life simulation like The Sims 4 opens a deeper conversation about how players experience spending inside games. Beyond simple transactions, these systems reshape how digital economies function, how players interact with content, and even how emotional factors, such as collecting, status, or completionism, can influence purchasing behavior.
New Virtual Currency Moola Brings More Than We Thought to the Debate
What Is Moola and How Does It Work in The Sims 4 Marketplace
At its core, Moola is a premium virtual currency created specifically for The Sims 4. Unlike Simoleons, Moola exists outside the gameplay economy and is purchased with real-world money. Once acquired, it can be used exclusively within The Sims 4 Marketplace to buy Maker Packs created by approved creators and smaller official releases such as Kits.
Moola cannot be earned through gameplay, transferred to other players, or refunded once purchased. In practical terms, it functions as a dedicated digital currency for transactions within the Marketplace, acting as an intermediary between players and the growing catalog of creator-made and official content available through the platform.
A New Currency for Marketplace Content
The main purpose of Moola is to enable purchases within the in-game Marketplace, a storefront integrated directly into The Sims 4. Through this system, players will be able to buy Maker Packs, which may include Create-a-Sim assets and Build/Buy objects at the moment.
Rather than purchasing these items with real-world currency through external storefronts, players will first acquire Moola and then spend it inside the Marketplace. This approach turns the Marketplace into an internal economy where Moola is used to access a wide range of smaller content additions created by both well-known CC creators and new ones who have applied to join the program.
Inside the Marketplace, players will find two main types of content. The first are Maker Packs, collections created by approved creators. The second are Kits developed by The Sims Team, which will only be made available through the Marketplace alongside creator content.
A Fully Integrated Marketplace Experience
The Marketplace is designed to function as a seamless extension of the game. Players will be able to browse curated collections, discover new creators, and install content instantly without managing external downloads or worrying about compatibility issues.
According to The Sims team, the system is intended to create a more structured way for creators to distribute their work while giving players easier access to new content directly from within the game itself. At the same time, EA has emphasized that the Marketplace does not replace free content or the broader modding ecosystem, meaning creators can still distribute free or early-access content on other platforms under the existing mod policy.
Why Introduce a Virtual Currency: EA’s Official Explanation for Moola
In its official FAQ, The Sims Team explains that Moola is meant to provide a simple and consistent way to purchase Marketplace content directly in-game, particularly as the catalog of Maker Packs grows and updates more frequently. According to EA, using a dedicated currency allows the Marketplace to function smoothly across different platforms and regions while supporting a large and constantly evolving collection of creator-made content.
The studio also emphasizes that Moola is intended to support the creator-driven nature of the Marketplace. By using a structured internal currency, the platform can handle payments, pricing, and revenue distribution in a more standardized way, ensuring that creators receive reliable compensation for their work (a 30% of the total) while players can access new content quickly within the game.
How Moola Revives an Old Monetization Model: The Era of SimPoints
For long-time players, the introduction of Moola may feel strangely familiar. Virtual currencies are not entirely new to The Sims franchise, and in many ways, the Marketplace echoes an earlier monetization model introduced during the later years of The Sims 2 and expanded in The Sims 3.
At the time, EA operated an official online store where players could purchase additional content using SimPoints, a virtual currency bought with real money. These points were used to acquire individual items, themed furniture sets, clothing, hairstyles, premium gameplay objects, and even entire worlds through The Sims 3 Store.
SimPoints were sometimes included as bonuses with the purchase of certain expansion packs or special editions, encouraging players to explore the online store alongside traditional DLC releases. In practice, this created a parallel economy: while expansion packs delivered large gameplay systems, the store provided a steady stream of smaller pieces of content that could be purchased individually.
Virtual Currencies Across the Gaming Industry
Virtual currencies are now a common feature in modern video games, but they are not all designed with the same purpose. Different games use these systems to support very different types of digital economies.
In Fortnite, for example, the virtual currency V-Bucks is primarily used to purchase cosmetic items such as skins, emotes, gliders, and other visual customization options. These purchases generally do not affect gameplay itself. While Epic has recently begun experimenting with new ways for community creators to monetize their experiences, the core use of V-Bucks remains focused on cosmetics rather than gameplay advantages.
Other systems function much closer to what The Sims 4 Marketplace appears to be building. In Minecraft Bedrock Edition, the Minecoins currency powers the official Marketplace, where players can purchase maps, skins, texture packs, and other content created by approved creators. These items must be distributed through the official platform, meaning creators cannot sell the same content externally or offer it independently for free within that ecosystem.
The most expansive example is Roblox, whose currency, Robux supports an entire creator-driven economy. Robux can be used to buy cosmetic items, animations, avatar clothing, and access to user-created experiences. In many cases, players can also spend Robux on in-game advantages or features inside individual experiences. This flexibility has helped Roblox develop a massive creator marketplace, but it has also drawn criticism for allowing monetization across almost every aspect of the platform.
Within this spectrum, Moola appears to sit somewhere between systems like Minecoins and Robux: a currency designed to power a centralized marketplace where creators can distribute their work through an official channel inside the game.
The Emotional Economics of Virtual Currencies: The Debate
Economists and behavioral researchers have long noted that when real money is converted into a virtual currency, the direct connection between the purchase and its real-world cost becomes less visible. This effect, sometimes described as a form of ‘decoupling‘, can make digital purchases feel less like spending money and more like participating in the game’s own internal economy.
Because of this, many virtual currency systems are designed around smaller but more frequent transactions. When spending happens inside the game interface itself, the process becomes quick and frictionless, encouraging players to make incremental purchases over time rather than a single large one.
Researchers studying online game economies have also pointed to another psychological dimension behind digital purchases: status and self-expression within player communities. Cosmetic items, exclusive content, or limited digital goods can become a way for players to signal dedication, creativity, or individuality inside a shared space. In some cases, studies suggest that owning certain digital items may even create a subtle sense of prestige or distinction compared to other players.
In a community like The Sims, this dynamic intersects with another long-standing player habit: collecting content. Many players have historically approached each entry in the series as something to complete, building digital libraries of expansion packs, content packs, and stuff packs (also kits) over time. In The Sims 4, however, the sheer number of add-ons released over the past decade has made that goal more complex. Continuous gameplay updates, regular discounts, and seasonal sales have gradually encouraged players to keep expanding their collections piece by piece.
The introduction of the Marketplace adds another layer to that ecosystem. Alongside official content, players may now encounter a growing catalog of creator-made packs available through Moola. For a community already accustomed to expanding their libraries over time, the shift toward a marketplace-driven model raises new questions on how the economics of collecting and completing the game might evolve.
A Late-Life Strategy for The Sims 4
The introduction of Moola and the Marketplace arrives at a very particular moment in the lifecycle of The Sims 4. Released in 2014, the game has already surpassed a decade of continuous updates and downloadable content—an unusually long lifespan even for the franchise.
Within this context, the Marketplace may represent a shift in how the game continues to grow. Rather than relying primarily on new expansion packs, the platform could move toward a model centered on smaller, more frequent releases created both by The Sims Team and approved creators.
This approach allows The Sims 4 to remain active while the next generation of The Sims continues development. By transforming the game into a marketplace-driven ecosystem, EA can maintain a steady flow of new content and keep the community engaged without relying exclusively on large-scale DLC releases.
The Possible Future of Content in The Sims
The introduction of the Marketplace also reflects a broader shift in how EA manages the ecosystem around The Sims. For years, custom content has thrived across independent websites, Patreon pages, and modding communities outside the game itself. By bringing creator-made content into an official storefront, EA is not only opening a new revenue stream for creators, it is also placing part of that long-standing creative economy under its own platform, curation, and rules.
From a business perspective, this move mirrors a wider trend across the industry: large publishers are increasingly transforming their games into platforms where both official content and community creations circulate within controlled marketplaces. In previous discussions about the future of the franchise, Lyndsay Pearson, Vice President of Franchise Creative and Executive Producer for The Sims, suggested that future Sims experiences could explore models where gameplay systems arrive in smaller pieces rather than in large expansion bundles.
Lindsay Pearson gives an update about Project Rene on September 12th 2023 / Behind The Sims Summit
At the same time, EA has been clear that the core identity of the series is not changing. As the studio recently emphasized, The Sims has always been built on a deep single-player life simulation, and that foundation will remain central to future projects. Alongside ongoing updates for The Sims 4, EA is also developing new experiences such as Project René, described as a social, collaborative mobile-first life sim designed to coexist with the current game rather than replace it.
The reference to a mobile-first experience is also notable. Mobile games have long relied on microtransactions and highly granular monetization models, where features, cosmetics, or gameplay interactions are distributed in smaller purchasable pieces. While EA continues to emphasize that the core identity of The Sims will remain intact, the idea of fragmenting gameplay systems into smaller purchasable elements raises an interesting question: how far can that model evolve without reshaping the traditional structure of the series?
Whether Moola ultimately becomes a long-term pillar of The Sims 4 or simply an early step toward new economic models for the franchise remains to be seen. What seems increasingly clear, however, is that the future of The Sims may involve multiple parallel experiences — from traditional single-player life simulation to creator-driven marketplaces and social platforms.
With the introduction of Moola and the new Marketplace, where do you think the future of The Sims is heading? Let us know your thoughts!
Paralives buses have been brought in after some recent game feedback that it was taking too long to get Parafolk from one side of the town to the other.
We bring you all the latest updates on Paralives as they happen. Have a look at all of our previous Paralives articles here.
Paralives Buses And Other Transportation
We received some gameplay feedback recently, saying that it took too long to walk from one end of the town to the other, so we created bus stops. You can choose from a variety of locations on the map to get to where you want to go quicker.
This new update was shown off in a recent video posted by the team on social media, where we see an elderly Parafolk using the bus to get from the mountain to the picnic area.
Clicking on the bus stop will bring up a Take Bus menu for you to choose where you want to go.
No, you didn’t miss the bus. Unfortunately, the team aren’t currently planning to add an actual bus animation into the game.
Instead, the game will fade to black and then reload outside the bus stop at your destination.
While that might sound disappointing, we can hold out hope that one of the future updates brings us actual Paralives buses we can see our Parafolk get on and off.
Plus, the main reason this update was added to the game was to cut down time spent walking around rather than for aesthetics, so it makes sense that the team prioritised implementing something speedy rather than spending time on new animations and assets.
What About Other Transport Options?
Paralives has confirmed that it will be bringing cars, boats, and bikes into the game throughout the early access updates, but they won’t be available on the first day of release.
Until they come into the game, your Paras will need to either walk or take public transport to get anywhere.
In the post announcing the new bus network being added to the game, they confirmed this is still the plan in the post replies.
Reactions
Reactions to the Paralives buses have been largely positive across their social media pages.
People really appreciate how this isn’t just an instant teleportation feature and that it costs in-game currency to use, saying how good it is that it has been implemented in a way that feels realistic. Fans are also saying how convenient this new feature looks.
However, some people on Reddit were quick to point out how the animation from the video doesn’t look polished.
There are, of course, people who are upset about the choice to fade to black instead of including an actual bus or bus loading screen, but since the team has already said they’re open to adding this further into development and updates, we can only see how development continues.
The new Paralives buses are something that fans largely seem to be happy about, but what do you think? Is this something you think is going to be helpful for getting your Parafolk from A to B? Let us know below.
Gameplay hacks for one of our all time favourite games, The Sims 3. In this guide you’ll find a complete organized guide for all The Sims 3 Cheats you need to know about. Whether it’s for storytelling, building, making your Sim super rich, or hear a goofy joke. The choice is yours.
Complete Guide to The Sims 3 Cheats
How Do I Type in a Cheat Code in The Sims 3?
By pressing Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + C you open a small cheat window at the top of your screen. To be able to even have the cheat codes working you have to first type in testingCheatsEnabled and press enter. By doing this all the cheat codes are on. Close the cheat console by pressing Esc or Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + C.
Testing Cheats (Advanced Mode)
To unlock even more cheats that are more advanced you have to type in testingcheatsenabled true. Turn off: testingcheatsenabled false. Many cheats use 1/on/true to enable and 0/off/false to disable. These all mean the same thing — you can use whichever version you prefer. The cheats mentioned in this article needs to be activated with this cheat code to work.
Click and Drag
You can now Click and Drag your Sims need bars and their relationships. You can also manage their profession progress (if you have The Sims 3: Ambitions).
Shift + Click on Mailbox
If you Shift + Click on the mailbox a special debug pie menu will show. This menu lets you manage needs, relationships, careers and NPCs.
Shift + Click on a Sim
If you Shift + Click on a Sim you can trigger their aging, add other Sims to your household, pick a favorite music, and edit that Sim in CAS. If you Shift + Click on your active Sim you can change and modify your traits.
Shift + Click Floor/Ground
If you Shift + Click on the floor/ground you can teleport your Sim, and open the Build/Buy mode on the lot you are clicking on. As for the objects, if you Shift + Click on them you can delete them
Shift + Click on a Workplace Rabbit Hole
Shift + Click on a workplace rabbit hole gives you three options. Force Opportunity, Force Event, and Force all events. This option is only available at the workplace where your Sim is currently employed.
Ctrl + Shift Click in Build/Buy Mode
Ctrl + Shift Click on any object enables you to delete, clone or reset it. Ctrl + Shift Click on the lot which enables you to Set Front of Lot/Unsent Front of Lot. Meaning you decide where you want the front of the lot to be, and then Sims who arrive at the lot will do it from where the arrows on the lot are pointing at. It’s similar to when you mark a door as your front door.
Ctrl + Click
Ctrl + Click on your Sims moodlet to immediately delete it
You can manage your lifetime happiness by Ctrl + Click between the chest and the points
Money Cheats
The cheat codes we all wish we could use in real life. kaching – 1000 Simoleons are added to your household motherlode – 50, 000 Simoleons are added to your household familyfunds [Household] [Amount] – You set the total amount of funds for your family to have in their household
Gameplay Cheats
freerealestate – Your Sim can now buy lots for FREE.
Sims Cheats
resetSim [FirstnameLastname] – Reset and teleports your Sim back home ageuptonpc – When your toddler ages up to a child it will become an NPC in your household
CAS Cheats
unlockOutfits on/off – Unlocks Career and NPC outfits. Enter before you go into CAS.
Build/Buy Mode Cheats
moveObjects on/off – Removes any limitation for your object, and it lets you place the object off center disableSnappingToSlotsOnAlt on/off – Object will not snap while pressing alt key
buydebug on/off – Unlocks a bunch of debug objects
placeFriezes on/off — Enables you to build a foundation freely, and not only on ground level
RestrictBuildBuyInBuildings on/off – Edit and build on public lots enableLotLocking on/off – Lock/unlock lots for editing AlwaysAllowBuildBuy on/off – Enter Buy/Build anytime. Even if a Sim is dying or during a fire. allowObjectsOnRoofs on/off – Allow object placement on roofs
Goofy Cheats
jokePlease – A random joke pops up in the console. Doesn’t affect your gameplay.
discotags on/off – The maptags will blink and change color
Expansion Pack Cheats
discoverAllUnchartedIslands – Unlocks all the hidden islands – The Sims 3: Island Paradise Ctrl + Shift Click on any bars you can hire a new bartender and manage their working shifts – The Sims 3: Island Paradise OnTogglePerformanceMeter – Shows a performance bar above your playable Sim while they’re performing on stage – The Sims 3: Showtime Shift + Click on Community lots and NPC neighborhood houses to Spawn a job. – The Sims 3: Ambitions Shift + Click on mailbox to manage the supernatural life states in game – The Sims 3: Supernatural Shift + Click on floor lets you control the weather – The Sims 3: Seasons
Visual & Filming Cheats
hideHeadlinesEffects – Hides the plumbob and talking bubbles Moviemakercheatsenabled – Lets you pose your Sims by Shift + Clicking on your Sim
recordvideo small/medium/large low/moderate/high/max – You will start recordning a video with a specific quality and size maptags on/off – Hide or show your map tags enableLlamason/off – Turn llama notifications on/off that appears in your top right corner. Doesn’t affect your gameplay.
Technical Cheats
quit – You exit the game fullscreen on/off – You are able to switch between windowed or fullscreen mode fps – Show/hide the frame rate counter in the top right corner fadeObjects on/off – Toggles how an object fade depending on how close the camera is, does not affect your Sim. playsounds on/off – Turn on or off all the audio features. slowMotionViz [0-8] – Enables you to change the game speed from normal 0 to 8 which is the slowest.
Help Cheats
help – Displays a list of the cheats help [CHEATNAME] – Show details for a specific cheat
Cheats can make building easier, storytelling smoother, or gameplay just a little more exciting. But every player has that one cheat they always come back to. So tell us — which The Sims 3 cheat can you not live without? Let us know in the comments below. Check out more The Sims 3 news and guides here.
The Sims FreePlay: An Update on the Case in SimTown: Heir of Mystery
Something mysterious is happening in SimTown with the newest The Sims FreePlay update. The first chapter of the case Heir of Mystery have started and will continue over the next three updates. Follow the clues, uncover hidden secrets, and question which Sims you can truly trust.
Table of Contents
It all begins at the elegant old Landgraab estate, where many questions remain unanswered. This is where your Sim step in as an investigator, trying to piece together a puzzle of clues. Dress your Sim in both polished and elegant outfits that match the mystery theme, and make sure they look professional while interrogating suspects.
Quest: HANS ON!
HANS is making a comeback. Meaning completing a HANS ON! limited time quest you unlock a new object to your Sims home. In this case you unlock a Home Automation Network System, a Freestanding Dishwasher, and Built-In Dishwasher.
Craft Challenges
Three different craft challenges are here. Mystery in the Manor, Fresh Fruiternity, and Glamorous Getaway. The more things you craft, the more things you unlock and discover.
Three different SimChase’s
Race against a rival investigator in a chase. Investigate the manor’s game room as suspicious Sims start entering. Even weddings aren’t safe, a Sim chase can happen anywhere!
Influence Island
On Influence Island, you can influence your way through different scenarios in various locations. But if things become a bit overwhelming, you can relax and unwind at the Lullaby Loft.
More mysteries and suspicious Sims await!
Upcoming The Sims FreePlay Live Events Blog
Sul Sul…
Something isn’t adding up in SimTown. Whispers are spreading faster than wildfire, polite smiles are slipping, and more than a few Sims are suddenly very eager to defend their version of events.
Heir of Mystery opens the first chapter of a case that will continue to unfold across the next three updates. Your Sims are invited to a sprawling countryside estate where wealth, inheritance, and long-held grudges sit just beneath the surface.
As alibis shift and new clues emerge, you will question motives, uncover secrets, and decide who can truly be trusted. In this story, details matter, and every Sim has something to hide.
Before we step into the mystery…
Alongside this update, we’re launching the Livin’ Large Town Expansion, a permanent upgrade to progression, Sim capacity, store upgrades, and Town Map rewards.
If you’d like the full breakdown of what’s changing and how it works, you can read more about Livin’ Large here.
Now… back to the case.
The Case Begins at the Manor
The old Landgraab estate is elegant, opulent, and full of unanswered questions. From locked rooms to lingering glances, every corner hints at a story waiting to be uncovered. Across a series of live events, your Sims step into the role of investigator, piecing together clues and deciding who can truly be trusted.
A Look Worth Inheriting…
Dress your Sims in refined, old-money fashion with the Manor Heiress Look. This polished outfit arrives as a gift in your inbox throughout the first week of the update, delivered in four elegant variations that perfectly suit estate life, from afternoon tea to quiet interrogations.
Each variation is available to claim for 48 hours and keep forever.
Here’s what’s coming to light…
Craft Challenge: Mystery in the Manor
Elegant décor fills the estate, but not everything is as it seems. Restore refined rooms and polished interiors while subtle clues emerge along the way. The more you craft, the more questions begin to surface.
SimChase: SimTown P.I.
This case isn’t yours alone. A rival investigator has appeared, and they’re determined to stay one step ahead. Race through offices and leads as the investigation grows more crowded and trust becomes harder to place.
SimChase: A Game of Crime
Suspicion simmers in the manor’s game room, where polite play turns into risky business. As Sims gather around polished tables, sharp glances and hidden motives come to light. Some games are more dangerous than they appear.
Influence Island: Misdeeds on the Green
The estate gardens are pristine, perhaps too pristine. As conversations unfold among trimmed hedges and quiet paths, doubts begin to grow. Influence your way through hushed exchanges and uneasy truths as the mystery takes a new turn.
Other stories are unfolding across SimTown…
Quest: HANS ON!
Professor Hans Free’s ambitious Home Automation Network System aka HANS, is making its return to SimTown. Designed to modernize everyday living, HANS offers control over light color, light dimming, and streamlining of other chores as it brings smart technology into your Sims’ homes
But as with any ambitious experiment, things don’t go entirely according to plan. Help guide Hans through the challenges of launching his system and unlock the Home Automation Network System, along with both Freestanding and Built-In Dishwashers, to add a little high-tech convenience to your household once again.
Influence Island: An Inheri-Tense Situation
A long-lost relative has vanished, leaving behind a valuable collection and a line of eager bidders ready to claim it. Influence your way through tense conversations and raised eyebrows to prove you’re the rightful heir before Ben E. Ficiary seals the deal.
Craft Challenge: Fresh Fruiternity
Bring a splash of playful charm into your home with fruit-filled décor that celebrates spring in style. From citrus-patterned walls to cozy furniture trimmed with juicy details, this challenge is all about bold colour, lighthearted design, and a home that feels ripe with personality.
Craft Challenge: Glamorous Getaway
Turn everyday living into something a little more indulgent. Craft modern glam interiors with marble finishes, statement lighting, sleek furnishings, and polished décor that feels perfectly suited for Sims who enjoy the finer things.
Influence Island: Lullaby Loft
Create a calm, elevated space designed for rest and relaxation. Soft lighting, limewashed walls, cozy textures, and gentle motion come together to create a loft where your Sims can slow down, sway gently, and unwind in comfort.
Influence Island: Tranquil Retreat
Step into a space of quiet luxury and self-care. With soothing water features, arched accents, and carefully curated furnishings, this retreat offers a peaceful escape where beauty, balance, and calm take center stage.
SimChase: Spouse Showdown!
Wedding bells are ringing, but someone’s trying to outshine the happy couple. Race through this high-stakes showdown to unlock elegant wedding décor, bold fashion, and dramatic finishing touches that prove your Sims know how to make an entrance.
Complete Event List*
Event
Start time (UTC timezone)
End time (UTC timezone)
Event Duration
NEW Craft Challenge: Mystery in the Manor
March 2, 2026 7:00
March 14, 2026 7:00
10 Days
Influence Island: Season 36 – “Lullaby Loft”
March 2, 2026 7:00
March 8, 2026 7:00
5 Days
NEW Manor Heiress Outfit Drop
March 3, 2026 7:00
March 11, 2026 7:00
9 Days
Premium Perks: Season 6
March 5, 2026 7:00
March 14, 2026 7:00
7 Days
NEW SimChase: Season 99 – “SimTown P.I.
March 9, 2026 7:00
March 19, 2026 7:00
9 Days
Paperboy Rewards with 2x Multiplier
March 14, 2026 7:00
March 18, 2026 7:00
4 Days
Influence Island: Season 80 – “An Inheri-tense Situation”
March 16, 2026 7:00
March 21, 2026 7:00
5 Days
Craft Challenge – “Fresh Fruiternity”
March 18, 2026 7:00
March 29, 2026 7:00
10 Days
NEW Pregnancy Pack 50 – “ Vintage Nursery”
March 20, 2026 7:00
March 28, 2026 7:00
9 Days
NEWSimChase: Season 100 – “A Game of Crimes”
March 25, 2026 7:00
April 4, 2026 7:00
9 Days
Premium Perks: Season 7
March 28, 2026 7:00
April 6, 2026 7:00
7 Days
Influence Island: Season 40 – “Tranquil Retreat”
March 30, 2026 7:00
April 4, 2026 7:00
5 Days
Craft Challenge – “Glamorous Getaway”
April 3, 2026 7:00
April 14, 2026 7:00
10 Days
Paperboy Rewards with 3x Multiplier
April 3, 2026 7:00
April 7, 2026 7:00
4 Days
SimChase: Season 57 – “Spouse Showdown!
April 9, 2026 7:00
April 19, 2026 7:00
9 Days
RE-RUN Hans On Quest
April 10, 2026 7:00
April 13, 2026 7:00
7 Days
NEW Influence Island: Season 81 – “Misdeeds on the Green”
April 13, 2026 7:00
April 18, 2026 7:00
5 Days
This is only the beginning
The case opened in Heir of Mystery won’t be resolved overnight. It unfolds across three connected updates, beginning here. New locations, new characters, and new twists will reshape what you think you know.
For now, keep your eyes open, your notes close, and your suspicions closer.
When everyone has an alibi, the truth has a habit of hiding in plain sight.
Dag Dag!
Latest The Sims FreePlay Patch Notes
Sul Sul Simmers!
Here’s a list of the fixes we’ve made in the latest release of TSFP:
Lighting fixes
Fixed a bug that prevented lighting items at a Residence from updating to the color selected in Enhanced Lighting mode using HANS.
Fixed a lighting issue that caused dark textures to appear on candle items placed on the Festive Pine Dining Table in Enhanced Lighting mode.
Fixed a glitch that rendered the shadow of the stairs on the upper floor in an incorrect place.
Fixed a visual glitch that produced a black texture near the Beach/Walnut Midwest Pullout Bin.
Fixed an issue that caused screen-flickering in certain areas of the ice rink at the Snow Park when using the Classic Lighting mode.
Fixed a visual glitch that rendered dark textures on the walls of Modest Beech Stairs in the Enhanced Lighting mode.
Fixed a lighting issue where the Single/Double/Quad Pink Drapes appeared brighter than they should in the Enhanced Lighting mode.
Fixed a visual glitch that rendered dark textures on the Neutral/Vibrant Sorority Single objects in the Enhanced Lighting mode.
Fixed a visual glitch on fireplaces when turning them on or off.
General improvements and bug fixes
Fixed an issue that made multiple variants of a certain rug appear darker.
Fixed a bug that reverted players’ Community Market Customers to the ones from the CM tutorial upon performing certain in-game actions.
Fixed a bug that prevented certain Daily Tasks involving actions with Pets from completing.
Fixed an issue that caused Daily Tasks to reset unexpectedly when the local time shifted due to daylight saving.
Fixed a bug that removed the audio of Sims singing while they performed actions in the shower.
Fixed a visual glitch that produced a dark texture on the corn plant at the Community Market when produce was ready for collection.
Fixed a glitch that caused the glass object to be out of sync with the Sims’ hand(s) when they performed actions at the Coastal Juice Bar.
Fixed a bug that replaced the ‘Download Later’ button with ‘Quit’ in the ‘DLC Download Error’ Pop-up on Amazon platform devices.
Fixed a bug where the screen on the Rose Gold/Gold/White/Black Tablet Device didn’t display anything when Sims performed actions on it.
Fixed a bug that prevented Sims from using the Go For A Drive interaction on cars at a certain Home Lot.
Fixed a bug that prevented the charcoal-burning VFX from appearing when using the BBQ grill at the Town Park or Deer Spring Falls.
Fixed a glitch that prevented the Sunroom Box Seating Bay window objects from adapting to the floor texture at a Residence.
Fixed a bug that removed the adult Siamese Cat from being available for purchase at the Pet Store.
Fixed a bug that could result in getting stuck on the Daily Tasks completion screen.
Fixed a bug that incorrectly surfaced the “Feed birds at campgrounds” Daily Task for players who hadn’t yet built the Bird Feeder.
Reduced the SFX volume when using the Collect All Revenue button on the Town Map.
Fixed an issue where certain hairstyles had low-res textures.
Fixed a glitch where, in the Build Mode, windows incorrectly snapped onto upper floors instead of the ground floor of a Residence.
Fixed a bug where multiple objects in the Home Store incorrectly moved from the Decorations tab to the Outdoor Decorations one.
Fixed an issue where some Backyard Wedding house templates were missing objects and lacked functionality on the wedding arbour.
Fixed a glitch where Sims clipped through the bollards near the parking area of the Plumberg Lot.
Fixed a couple of UI issues in the Daily Task and Mystery Box screens for certain foldable devices.
Fixed a bug that made it difficult to tap the Dismiss button on various Coming Soon and Now Available screens.
Added an interaction on the Simoleon Swap machines from the ‘It’s On Like Yamachan!’ event.
Fixed a glitch where the texture of a path near the garden area of certain Large House Lots appeared broken.
Fixed a glitch where the texture at the top of the chimney incorrectly renders on the floor above the Restaurant.
Fixed a visual glitch that caused a black texture to appear on the TV cabinet when the Glamor TV Unit was placed at a residence in the Enhanced Lighting mode.
Fixed a bug where certain hairstyles didn’t render when adult Sims entered the shower.
Fixed a bug that prevented preteen Sims from bathing toddler Sims.
Fixed a glitch that caused senior Sims to be out of sync while performing certain actions at the Gold Round Double Spa.
Fixed a visual glitch that caused Sims to clip through walls when performing actions with the Pine Holio/Beech Holio Cornhole Sets.
Fixed an issue that could leave Sims standing in front of dartboards while they’re being used.
If you missed it, you can also read about the previous Sims FreePlay update teaser that was revealed last week.
On The Case Series: Coming Next
A Family Affair (April)
Heist Stakes (June)
What do you think about The Sims FreePlay case series so far? Let us know in the comments below, and stay updated for the latest information on The Sims FreePlay on Sims Community.
“The intent is to provide creators with a sense of pride and accomplishment for unlocking 30% revenue opportunities”
That quote above was not in any way said by anyone at The Sims Team. It’s inspired by Reddit’s most downvoted comment in history, written by the EA Star Wars franchise representative.
But the same sense of monetization funneling and questionable sense of accomplishment goes with the recent announcement of The Sims 4 Marketplace’s 30% cut for the creators. Making it seem like CC creators around the world have to band together in order to pay out EA’s 20 billion dollar buyout debt.
Today, EA has opened up invitations to join and register for The Sims 4 Marketplace and get that 30%. “It pays in exposure” was probably a huge thought process behind the upper executives when thinking of this cut deal. As if there aren’t other well established platforms that provide individual creators 83% for their talents. And allow the players to get that content for free after a month’s worth of early access initiatives.
Without being too opinionated about this (the featured image was more than enough for a statement), you can join The Sims 4 Maker Program down below.
“They really do know how to target CC creators who are either greedy or financially struggling”
In a long message posted to their Tumblr page, Sims 4 creator Simandy announced that they would be leaving the new Marketplace and Maker Program after learning new information that was “not in accordance with my personal and my community’s values”.
She is now urging other creators to do the same, emphasising that they can “just get out”.
We are bringing you the latest updates from the new marketplace and maker program as they happen, so keep checking our dedicated pages for updates.
The Sims 4 Maker Program Creator Leaving
Who is Simandy?
Simandy is a Sims 4 creator who makes lots of maxis match style custom content, such as hair and clothing, often taking commissions from their followers.
Simandy’s Statement
In this statement, she explains that she was approached about a “project” – which we now know to be the new Maker Program – and that it was initially presented as an easy opportunity to earn extra money while continuing their usual content.
As the explanation continues, Simandy describes how the program operated and why it began to feel uncomfortable. She then goes on to describe how the organisers knew how to target creators who were either financially struggling or motivated to earn more money, and that the offer initially caught their attention. Over time, however, the expectations reportedly became stricter, with increasing pressure for perfection.
Another concerning element mentioned is that creators in the program were kept anonymous from each other and were told to treat the project as a secret, so people who signed up to the program have no idea how many of their fellow creators are going to be involved.
Below is the full statement she has shared on her Tumblr page about her leaving the program.
Okay, let’s go
I never hid anything from any of you (other than happy surprises) and this won’t be the first time, so:
They contacted us in the last year about this “project”. The idea sold to us creators was something like “do the same thing as you always do and earn extra money from us!”. Unfortunately i can’t say MANY things about it because there are contracts and i don’t want to risk it for being dumb. I’ve decided i would be OUT of this thing as soon as november and now I read stuff I really didn’t know about, all in here and from YOU, i made the last decision. There were many promises as they really do know how to target cc creators who are either greedy or financially struggling and I do admit that they caught my attention, but as the months got by and as they would ask more and more PERFECTION from us (note: i have no idea who else is at the program. They kept us all anonymous to each other by holding us accountable of “our little secret”) i noticed this thing wasn’t for me at all. I was REALLY just waiting for the bubble to burst or for them to announce it so I could finally be free to AT LEAST talk about it with you guys because i was SCARED of their contracts.
Highlighting that she already had her mind made up about leaving the program as early as November last year shows this is also not a rushed decision, but one she has had to sit on for a long time until the day came for the program to be made public.
Possibly the most worrying part of the statement is when she mentions feeling scared to talk about this new marketplace. Understandably, a company as large as EA will have tight restrictions and lots of non-disclosure agreements given to creators, but no person entering into a contract or business deal should come away from the encounter feeling scared or worried about consequences.
Urging Others To Do The Same
The post was finished off with a direct message to other creators who are signed up to the Maker Program. A statement that, while showing her frustration and urgency to other creators, also has a degree of empathy for them not knowing the full extent of the situation when they signed up.
This is now a recommendation to all the other cc creators who were caught in their webs: get out. You can just get out. They can’t force you to stay. They can’t force you to disappoint your community. It’s OKAY to not know better. It’s okay to make poor decisions based on your needs. But you need to get out as soon as you know better, or else excuses aren’t gonna make you more palatable. Just stand up and get out.
While also reminding people that creators are human, and to treat them with kindness.
By the way, i know this might make many people very mad about me or other cc creators. I already talked about me but, talking about the other guys, be gentle with creators you know aren’t greedy. They’re probably scared to breach information as well and probably don’t even know how to START to get out of it. So please be gentle. They’re real people as well and we never know what other people are going through.
In another Tumblr post, she also explained that any custom content added to the Sims 4 marketplace cannot be posted elsewhere, so any content made for the marketplace is exclusive to that platform (and therefore permanently paywalled).
By the way, I hope this thing will make you guys more comfortable with pirating CC instead of surrendering to sites like curseforge etc. You probably won’t be able to even pirate the stuff that’s gonna be released on the marketplace, as the creators aren’t allowed to post the same cc they post to the marketplace elsewhere (like on patreon or simfileshare). It’s all made in a different format, not using sims4studio and with different files as well (not a single .blend or .png file). Take this as a restraint exercise for you.
Understandably, Simandy’s comments under this post have been full of support and thankful for the transparency, as well as shocked at the tactics mentioned regarding targeting creators who were struggling financially.
And a Reddit post on the subreddit r/HighSodiumSims, where many commenters praise them for backing out of the program and see it as an example of a creator pushing back against what they perceive as a problematic system.
Several users express hope that other creators will follow suit, arguing that an official marketplace controlled by EA could damage the long-standing culture of freely shared custom content in the Sims community.
As well as people hoping that the Marketplace will eventually fail, echoing Maxis’ alleged wishes.
What do you think about this ongoing situation? Do you think other creators will take Simandy’s advice/warnings and also leave the program? Let us know.
Fancy your chances at ruling a Kingdom? Let’s break down each step of the noble active career to make sure you can rule with an iron fist.
Sims 4 Noble Active Career Guide
Joining The Noble Career
Joining the noble active career isn’t as straightforward as finding a job on the phone or computer, and might set you back a few thousand Simoleons. It’s the best-paying job in the game, though, so you’ll make that investment back quickly.
Researching Noble Legacy
A quick and cheap/free way to join the career.
Read the book called ‘The Duchess Diaries: A History of Nobility’ to become a Noble. You can find this book on the bookshelves at Zanbira Market in Ondarion, or I found it inside the bookcase of the pre-made homes.
Gaining a Knighthood
This is a very long-winded way of becoming a noble.
If you know a Sim who is level 4 in the noble career, and you are good friends with them, you can Request a Knighthood.
This will induct you into the noble career.
Buying a Throne
By far the easiest way to join the career is to purchase a throne from Build Mode and clicking Join Noble Career.
It will set you back either 2,500 or 3,300 Simoleons, but you will need one anyway to do most your royal duties, so it’s worth purchasing.
Being around a throne will also give your Sim an inspired moodlet which will encourage them to think about joining the career.
Inheriting a Noble Title
You can pass on nobility and titles to your children, but this isn’t a straightforward shortcut into the career. Once your noble Sim dies, they can pass on their throne and title to their children, and once they join the career, they will move quickly through the ranks and inherit your success (as long as they haven’t been promised another noble title by another Sim who is higher in the career ranks).
Claim Lost Career Rank
If you lose your title and don’t promise it to anyone beforehand, any spouse or child of yours can click on the throne and select “Claim Lost Career Rank” to take over.
Getting Promoted
Promotions work slightly differently for this career compared to others in the game, as you won’t be automatically promoted for having good performance and meeting your milestones.
Instead, you have to click on the throne and select Claim Noble Promotion. Once you reach level 3, you can also get promoted through coronation.
You can turn on automatic promotion in the game settings if you prefer. Do this by:
Opening Game Options in the menu
Clicking on Pack Settings
Tick or untick the box beside Enable Noble Career Auto Promotion
Apply changes and quit the menu
Preparing To Enter The Noble Career
To level up in the noble active career, you will need to level up in the Charisma and Swordsmanship skills.
We recently published a guide to mastering the Swordsmanship skill, which you can view here.
All Noble Active Career Levels
Noble Newcomer
Pay: §672 a day
Days: Every day
Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Ideal Mood: Confident
Daily Task: Assorted Noble Duties (see the full list below)
Promotion Tasks: Reach Level 2 Charisma Skill
Honourable Herald
Pay: §816 a day
Days: Every day
Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Ideal Mood: Confident
Daily Task: Assorted Noble Duties (see the full list below)
Promotion Tasks: Reach Level 3 Charisma Skill and Level 2 In Swordsmanship Skill
Being promoted to Charismatic Courtier will also earn you a Signet Ring, §350, and the ability to donate to the Kingdom Funds via the throne, phone, or computer.
Charismatic Courtier
Pay: §1,008 a day
Days: Every day
Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Ideal Mood: Confident
Daily Task: Assorted Noble Duties (see the full list below)
Promotion Tasks: Reach Level 4 Charisma Skill
Once you hit level 3 of the noble active career, as well as receive a bonus of §380 and the Royal Golden Sword, you’ll be able to:
Hold Court
Receive Promotion through Coronation Ceremony
Receive Promotion through Coronation Speech
Give an interview for the local newspaper (Noble Venture)
Charming Chamberlain
Pay: §1,152 a day
Days: Every day
Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Ideal Mood: Confident
Daily Task: Assorted Noble Duties (see the full list below)
Reaching level 4 in the noble active carer will allow you to hold a press conference and bestow a Knighthood, as well as bonus of a plain crown and §510.
Influential Leige
Pay: §1,416 a day
Days: Every day
Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Ideal Mood: Confident
Daily Task: Assorted Noble Duties (see the full list below)
Promotion Tasks: Reach Level 5 Charisma Skill, which you should already have.
You’ll receive the Regal Romancer bonus trait once you reach this level in the noble active career, as well as the ability to Enact a Noble Decree. This promotion will also give you a bonus of §650.
Admirable Aristocrat
Pay: §1,824 a day
Days: Every day
Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Ideal Mood: Confident
Daily Task: Assorted Noble Duties (see the full list below)
Promotion Tasks:
Level 6 of the noble active career will grant you a bonus of §780, a chain necklace, and allow you to attend a political conference.
Opulent Overseer
Pay: §1,992 a day
Days: Every day
Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Ideal Mood: Confident
Daily Task: Assorted Noble Duties (see the full list below)
Promotion Tasks:
This promotion to level 7 in the noble active career will also give you a bonus of §880 and allow you to Set Kingdom Taxes.
Distinguished Dignitary
Pay: §2,208 a day
Days: Every day
Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Ideal Mood: Confident
Daily Task: Assorted Noble Duties (see the full list below)
Promotion Tasks: Reach level 9 in Charisma
This promotion will also give you a bonus of §1,050, a jewelled crown, and allow you to perform a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Respected Regent
Pay: §2,688 a day
Days: Every day
Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Ideal Mood: Confident
Daily Task: Assorted Noble Duties (see the full list below)
Promotion Tasks: Max Charisma to level 10 and reach level 5 in the Swordsmanship skill
This promotion will also give you a bonus of §1,345 and a new regal crown display.
It’s worth noting that there can only be one ruler in each world, so once your Sim reaches level 9, they will need to remove the current Ruler to progress to level 10.
Kingdom Leader
Pay: §3,024 a day
Days: Every day
Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Ideal Mood: Confident
Daily Task: Assorted Noble Duties (see the full list below)
Promotion Tasks: None!
Reaching the top of the noble active career will earn you the bonus trait of Blue Blood, the ability to grant a noble title, and a §1,980 bonus.
Once you retire from this career, you will also get the Former Noble Hustler trait.
Every day, you’ll need to complete a few noble duties if you want to progress in the noble active career.
You will also get paid for each one you complete.
These vary day-to-day, but the main ones I found when playing are:
Take a nap
Practice speech
Partake in a Swordsmanship duel
Practice the Waltz
Practice Swordsmanship with a practice dummy
Reply to noble mail
Go on a noble venture
Help a court visitor with a dilemma
Enact a noble decree
Use noble introduction to meet a new Sim
Give an interview for the local newspaper
Favor & Noble Ventures
Do you want to align yourself with the people or go after the aristocracy? This is how you’ll decide.
Sims can earn Favor through career interactions like replying to Noble Mail, going on a Noble Venture, Setting Taxes and Donating to the Kingdom. You can also build it through different social interactions, with more opportunities becoming available as you reach higher favor levels.
Keep an eye out for Noble Gifts, which are delivered every few days. Depending on the sender’s alignment your Sim may receive a lovely present or something far less pleasant.
There are three different Favor alignments that you can take: royalist, commoner, and neutral. Once your favor shifts you’ll receive a moodlet and a pop-up explaining which interactions you’ve unlocked.
Neutral
Nobles who are just starting out will usually have Neutral Favor. If you sit on the fence with your activities within the noble active career, say one day going on royal noble ventures and the next a commoner noble venture, you won’t move from Neutral Favor very much, but this doesn’t make for very interesting gameplay.
Royal Enthusiast
Aligning yourself with royal sims or other high-ranking families will swing your Favor towards royal enthusiasts.
Friend of the Commoners
Becoming a ruler for the people in the noble active career will get you favor from the commoners.
Going on Noble Ventures
Noble ventures are rabbit-hole activities in the noble active career where you will disappear for a while to do some royal duties. Each option will impact your favor.
To go on these ventures click on your Sim and select any from the Noble Ventures pie menu option. Your Sim will then make a phone call to sort the arrangements before they disappear off lot. You can go on one noble venture each day.
Commoner Noble Ventures
Visit and Present at Local School
Cut the ribbon at a local business opening
Give an interview for the local newspaper.
Royal Noble Ventures
Visit Kingdom Heritage Sites
Attend Political Conference for Nobles.
Holding Court
Holding court is a new feature in the noble active career, and it is how you will hear from your loyal subjects and learn what their issues are. It’s then up to you how you solve this.
To hold court, click on your throne and choose the relevant option. Guests will then start turning up and talking to you about their issues. The holding court event runs just like any other active work day or event, where you have different goals to complete in order to get top marks.
Think carefully about what you say to each request though; how you respond will impact your Favor, alignment, and career performance. It will also give you a happy moodlet for helping out your subjects.
It’s also a great opportunity to build new allys from powerful families.
Noble Decrees
You are able to enact up to three different royal decrees at once while you are in the noble active career, and all of them have different perks.
Hovering over the scroll under each enacted decree will tell you the gameplay benefits. Here is a breakdown of what each decree does.
The Cradle Accord: Pregnancies throughout the kingdom have a higher chance of being twins or triplets. Toddler and infant skill gain is boosted, and ‘Try for baby’ has a higher success rate.
The Silver Charter: Elder Sims have less chance of Woohoo-related deaths and will have increased skill gain.
The Verdant Accord: You will have a higher chance of getting rarer materials or animals, like frogs, rare fish and fossils, when hunting for them. Plant growth rate is also increased.
The Technocrats Mandate: Tech Guru and Astronaut Careers will have a performance boost. Skill gain applied for Logic, Rocket Science, Programming and Handiness Careers. Scientist Career performance boost (requires Get to Work), and if you have Discover University, you’ll get a boost to the robotics skill gain and the engineer career.
The Artisan’s Proclamation: Entertainer, Painter, and Writer Career performance boost. Busking earns more Simoleons. Painting, Writing, Photography, Guitar, Violin, and Piano skill boosts. The following skills will also be boosted if you have the relevant DLC:
Knitting skill gain (Nifty Knitting Stuff)
Pipe Organ skill gain (Vampires)
Pottery skill gain (Business and Hobbies)
Tattooing skill gain (Business and Hobbies)
Cross-stitch skill gain (Cottage Living)
Singing skill gain, Art Critic Career performance boost (City Living)
The Culinary Edict: Food and drink created in the Kingdom will be of a higher quality, and the culinary career will receive a performance boost.
The Doctrine of Vitality: Athlete Career performance boost, Fitness skill boost. The doctor career will also have a performance boost (requires Get to Work).
The Edict of Enlightenment: Homework, presentations and school projects will be finished faster, and good school grades will be easier to gain.
Noble Rivalry
You might encounter a noble rival blocking your way to the top of the noble active career.
There can only be one ruler of a world, so once you become level 9 if there is a current ruler they will become your noble rival.
If your Sim gets involved in a noble rivalry, this is going to stop you from getting promoted until the rivalry is resolved.
There are a few different ways you can do this.
Encourage abdication
Duel for noble rivalry
Pressure to abdicate
Seduce to abdicate
Extort to abdicate
If the sim dies or is demoted from their position.
This career is very different to the other active careers we have within the game in so many ways, and depending on how you decide to rule it can have lots of impacts on the world around you.
Have you managed to begin ruling a Kingdom? Are you a ruler for the people or have your sided with the royals? Let us know below.
All the new and returning features Nintendo has confirmed ahead of Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream’s release.
After more than a decade of fans asking when – or if – the Tomodachi Life franchise would receive another entry, Tomodachi Life: Living The Dream is probably one of this year’s most highly anticipated games. Announced last March, the game revolves around creating and caring for Mii characters as they go about their lives on a tropical island, and to say fans are excited would definitely be an understatement.
The game looks to be just as wacky as its predecessor, and thanks to a dedicated Nintendo Direct released at the end of January, we have our first glimpse at the gameplay, including some highly anticipated new features. Here’s everything we know about Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream!
Tomodachi Life: Living The Dream Release Info and Features
Release Date and System Information
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream is set to launch on Nintendo Switch on 16th April, 2026, and will receive a physical and digital release, both of which are currently available for pre-order. The game will also be playable on Nintendo Switch 2 thanks to the console’s backwards compatibility.
Price and Additional Content
Nintendo has confirmed the game will cost $59.99/£49.99. Both the physical and digital copies are listed for this price point.
Regarding paid DLC, there has been no official announcement of any additional content related to Tomodachi Life:Living the Dream. However, as previously seen with other Nintendo life-sim games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons, the game is likely to receive free content updates after launch.
Rating
The game has received an ESRB rating of E, with warnings for comic mischief, mild fantasy and violence.
Queer Inclusion
Despite being known for the wild relationships that formed between players’ Miis, Tomodachi Life on the 3DS notably didn’t allow for your Miis to be queer – something Nintendo actually released an apology for back in 2014, promising that this would be included in the franchise’s next instalment.
However, many fans were still apprehensive about improved inclusion following Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream’s initial announcement. Thankfully, the Direct has confirmed the ability to create queer Miis, showcasing a new settings menu.
When making a Mii, players will be able to select whether they are male, female or nonbinary, as well as their ‘dating preferences’. The latter setting is incredibly inclusive, allowing Miis to romance any combination of genders. You can disable romance for individual Miis by leaving their preferences blank.
New Mii Maker
Another major improvement shown in the Direct is the new Mii Maker. You may remember struggling with the old maker’s limited features, but Tomodachi Life:Living the Dream boasts a new art style and highly customisable Miis.
In the Direct, we were shown a few examples of how features such as eyes and hairstyles can be tweaked to create unique new looks for your characters. After choosing how your Mii looks, you can then choose their name, build, voice and personality.
The old Mii Maker included a method where a Mii could be generated from a photo, though it was not always the most accurate. In Tomodachi Life:Living the Dream, players have two ways to make Miis; either on their own ‘From Scratch’, or choosing to ‘Get Help’, where a Mii is created by answering questions about their features.
Increased Customisation
It’s not just the Mii Maker that’s had an upgrade – Tomodachi Life:Living the Dream will give players the choice to customise many other aspects of their gameplay. The game will see the introduction of custom clothing, pets, objects, food and even houses, using a feature reminiscent Animal Crossing’s custom designs.
The island your Miis live on is also highly customisable. Not only can furniture, decorations and plants be purchased to give the island more character, but the shape and layout of the island itself is entirely up to you. In the Direct, Nintendo showed off a range of customised islands, emphasising the level of creative control players will have over their game.
Controlling Mii Interactions
Unlike a lot of the other games in the life-sim genre, Tomodachi Life is in many ways more of an observational game – although you could help your Miis, your control over them was a more limited than in a game like The Sims, for example.
Tomodachi Life:Living the Dream differs slightly, introducing a ‘drag-and-drop’ feature where you can pick up and place Miis near each other to make them interact by suggesting conversation topics. After meeting, Mii’s interaction becomes more autonomous, allowing their relationships to develop without the need for constant interaction.
Phrases and Little Quirks
The Miis in the game have a lot of personality. Not only will players be able to set catchphrases, but the Direct also touched on a new feature called ‘Little Quirks’, which you can collect to add further individuality to the characters. Some of the quirks shown include how a Mii eats, how they sleep and wiping away sweat.
Houses and Roommates
One particularly exciting change explored in the Direct was the fact that, unlike the last game where houses were exclusively for married couples and their children, you can now choose to have up to eight Miis live together as roommates.
Miis can ask each other to be roommates, and Miis living in the same house will have unique interactions. This was demonstrated in the Direct with two Miis fighting over the TV remote, and another group debating fashion icons around the table. Nintendo promises that with this new roommate dynamic, some unexpected drama will unfold!
Shops
Most of the shops from the last game are returning, although many of them have received new names and designs. Additionally, the Direct introduced several new shops as well. The following shops have been confirmed ahead of release:
Fresh Kingdom – Food
Where & Wear – Clothing
T&C Reno – Room interiors
Marketplace – Mystery bags, where players can acquire a range of items depending on the time of day
Palette House – Custom designs
Quik Build – Island decoration/design
Island Facilities
Alongside the Island’s shops, there are some other facilities that were discussed in the direct. The MNN news station lets players keep up with the everyday happenings on the island, broadcasting daily reports that, if the previous game is anything to go by, are sure to add even more silliness.
There is also Foto-Tomo, where you can access the game’s photo mode. You can choose a Mii or group of Miis, a background and placement to create memories of the game.
Real-Time Progression
Another gameplay mechanic returning from the 3DS game is the use of real-time game progression. In Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, time will move as it does in real life. This progression means that, even when you’re not actively playing, things will still happen as the Miis live their lives.
Online Communication
Whereas the last game used the 3DS’ StreetPass to share travellers and items between players and for Miis to be shared via QR codes, Nintendo has confirmed that Tomodachi Life:Living the Dream will not allow online communication. Instead, local communication can be used to share Miis with friends.
This decision was informed by the new customisation options. Nintendo stated that they placed restrictions on certain sharing features to ensure the game remains ‘fun and safe’ for all players.
Features Yet To Be Confirmed
One fan favourite facility noticeably absent from the Direct was the Concert Hall, leading some fans to speculate on whether it will appear in the final game. Similarly, The Pawn Shop where players could get money by selling the treasures their Miis gifted them was not mentioned.
Marriage and babies, while seen briefly, were also not explored in much depth, and so it is still unknown if any changes or improvements have been made to these aspects of the game.
The Nintendo Direct has given us a great first taste of the game and its gameplay. Given that the game is still over a month away, some details are likely still being kept under wraps, but it’s clear that Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream players can expect a great mix of new and familiar features upon the games release.
Tomodachi Life: Living The Dream is set to release on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on 16th April 2026.
What new features are you most excited for? Is there anything else you want to see? Let us know in the comments!
The old reliable source is back again with new insider information about The Sims Franchise.
A new insider report about the plans within The Sims Studio with The Sims 4 Marketplace and Project X have surfaced online. From the same reliable source that brought you first talks about Sims 4 Marketplace, no more Packs after Royalty & Legacy and Project X information.
Today, this ATRL insider has come online again to give some additional context about Sims 4 Marketplace morale within the Maxis development studio. Revealing that Maxis employees themselves are hoping this storefront fails so that EA gives up. It’s been revealed in a previous insider post that EA is doing the biggest framework shakeup within the Maxis studio since 2000, and the developers themselves are not satisfied with the current monetization plans and EA’s control.
The insider also revealed current talks about The Sims Project X, which now talk that the game will have one big world. And separate Neighborhoods that will be monetized. According to the insider, the plan is to have the World Map unlockable through purchasable Neighborhoods. Very much reminiscing of the fate that Skate. franchise is currently having with EA’s mistreatment of the Intellectual Property. Monetizing separate islands and areas of skating in an open world behind a paywall.
Here’s everything they’ve stated about The Sims 4 Marketplace and Project X below:
General The Sims 4 Marketplace Morale within Sims Studio
Sims Insider: I had to pretend I wasn’t 100% sure this was coming and that it was from different sources or what have you, but sadly this has been talked a lot about amongst employees for several months and morale is very low at the moment at EA. They’re basically treating Maxis employees like their own creators instead of a development studio. Very sad to see.
EA have been working on this for months and specifically told people they needed to design it in a way that almost always left virtual currency in your bank.
Maxis employees are hoping this storefront fails so that EA gives up on this idea. They plan on exploring the idea of scalable pricing for content you’d see. So a pack with more gameplay items or animations would potentially cost more than another pack that has less.
One World and Paid Expansions of Project X Neighborhoods
They’re also exploring the idea of having one world for Project X over seperate releases, and having you start with a smaller chunk that you have to pay for to expand as time goes on. So you might start with two Neighbourhoods and then have to pay to unlock new Neighbourhoods as they come out. Rather than delivering one world at a time with different packs.
They’ve absolutely found every idea they can to squeeze money out of the Sims and save money on development by basically remaking the same game again with some shiny perks but cutting off a lot of the back catalogue that eats into QA time.
Project X Questions and Answers
Question: So from what I get, they’re planning to roll this Marketplace out across the whole franchise eventually, right? Like for other Sims stuff too? Including Project X?
Also, do you happen to know anything about where X is at right now? Are they still aiming for a late 2026 release or is that up in the air?
Sims Insider: I don’t know about when X is launching. I think that is up in the air at this stage.
The last I heard was they were looking to visual styles and anti-piracy measures. I’m assuming the Marketplace will stop people from being able to pirate things outside assets and I believe the game will have an always online requirement, pirated copies won’t work. But to be confirmed.
Question: It’s funny you said they’re basically remaking the same game because the recently announced Quality of Life roadmap is also said to be a cost-cutting investment; fixing the current product will allow them to bring more of it for Project X. Do you happen to know anything else about this?
Sims Insider: I know that Project X is a cost cutting project to keep a mainline Sims game as part of its live service model, and this is the easiest way to continue that live service model. They’re just shifting the product to a new product and in process, cutting a huge chunk of their QA work for older content.
They are basically going to be recycling everything they can from The Sims 4 and doing the bare minimum to make it attractive enough to be considered a new game to invest in. Certain things like increasing visual fidelity, or changing how the game works (eg. open neighbourhoods vs closed neighbourhoods) will have very little change in cost to EA for the most part as an ongoing cost for dlc development. This is definitely not a Sims 5, it’s more of a Sims 4 refresh being sold separately and not being compatible with majority of previous content, as I assume EA will recycle Sims 4 DLC content as well.
I would imagine a lot of the things EA will be focusing on is bugs or tuning things that will be used for Project X and will score some brownie points if they can retrospectively improve the Sims 4.
What are your thoughts on current insider information about Maxis wanting The Sims 4 Marketplace to fail and Project X neighborhood monetization plans? Join the discussion below!
Make sure you bookmark Sims Community for all the upcoming updates and insider information on The Sims and Life Simulation franchises.
