The Sims franchise continues to thrive during what many consider the gloomiest month- January- to brighten our lives with fresh content and help cure our post-holiday blues. Sims Freeplay stunned its audience with a gorgeous Mariachi Romance update, Sims Mobile plugged away on its most recent Valentine's update, and Sims 4 prepares salivating Simmers for a new Carnval-themed kit and upcoming romance game pack. ​

​Sims FreePlay was far and away a winner this week with the incredible announcement of their freshest update - Mariachi Romance. This update, which began January 24th and will run through March 13th, features a barrage of events that all offer jaw-dropping, Mexican-inspired apparel and build/buy items to players. It begins with a beautiful botanical gardens downtown developer event on January 24th. Players even get a taste of the Chinese New Year with Sim Chase #37, Lunar New Year Spark Up! This event rewards players with firecrackers, red wallhangings, ceiling lanterns, traditional Changshan Preteen Male outfits, Qipao Preteen and adult female outfits, offering tables, mandarin trees, intricate new pinned up hairstyles, and fortune potted trees.

The first event which gives players a taste of the Mexican-inspired theme, however, is Influence Island #22: Hacienda Home. It began January 25th and will run for 10 days. Players travel to a tropical island filled with NPC Sims. The player Sim must cajole and convince the NPCs into tight friendship- "clanmate" status- in order to win network coins. These coins are exchanged for such gorgeous prizes as colorful floor rugs, potted cacti, floral wall hangings, arched doorways, mezzanine railings, fine Otomi 3 seater couches, queen beds, and wooden sofas beset with jewel-colored pillows.

But this is not nearly all. Players can also look forward to a brand-new Oh-so-Ombre event which offers a slew of new adult female hairstyles in a range of saturated colors and stunning textures. Players are already raving over the swept back braids, the lime green coiled curls, the lavender waves, the straight silver looks, and more.

The title live event - Heart Fluttering Hacienda - arrives in player games February 2nd and lasts for 10 days. During this event, droves of player Sims must craft mountains of candles, glassware, pottery, and jewelry in order to earn the prizes which promise Mexican countryside romance. These prizes include saltillo tiles, handwoven rugs, hanging dried peppers, talavera bowl sets, corner cupboards, crockery cabinets, hacienda stovetops and range hoods, and villa bathroom sinks and iron bathtubs. If the player manages to unlock all the offered prizes, they are rewarded with the grand prize: the Heartfluttering Hacienda, a driveway home with four car slots, a work of beautiful blue and red tile, handwoven tapestries, outdoor sunning areas, vine-covered archways, intricate brickwork, and much more.

There is far more to this update, including the Mariachi Mayhem Simchase of February 23rd, some hobby event reruns, the Hans on Player Favorite quest, the Ghost Flustered Player favorite quest, a rerun of the Art Deco and New York loft events, maternity events, and more, but more on in later podcasts.

​The Sims Mobile chugs laboriously on-course for its latest Christmas-Valentine's Day update.  After wrapping up a Treasure Hunt event - Lovely Knick Knacks - which offered an array of eclectic items for their players' decorating pleasure, including the Snowy Escape fireplace and Island Living Tiki bar, the Sims Mobile is now diving into a Sweet Treats rerun event, which will trigger in game February 2nd.  This rerun will offer new players the chance to romantic items like a marble spa-like tub, flower petals, and romantic lighting options. Veteran players, who have seen this event no fewer than three times, will finally have the opportunity to take part in this event and win fresh swatches for their previously earned content. 

In addition, Sims Mobile EA Creators announced there will be a new sort of event coming to Sims Mobile. The Spring Clean Up quest and event box will give players tasks that will earn karma tokens.  These tokens can be used to unlock items and swatches. More information is forthcoming. 

​Last, but certainly not least, Sims 4 developers revealed their Carnaval Streetwear Kit to their hungry players, who continue to salivate for more romance game pack news.  The freshest Carnaval streetwear kit is an incredible collaboration with Brazilian Drag Queen sensation Pabllo Vittar. The pack offers not only bright new looks in loud, neon colors, cut outs, sequins, and eye-popping mesh, but it also brings a new Carnaval radio station to the game to base game.  The new, hip-swinging station even features Pabllo's own "Buzina." This pack is sure to please as it celebrates one of the most vibrant, befeathered, unique events in the world - Carnaval.  The pack drops February 3rd. 

That's all for now! Until next time, stay safe, love your loved ones, and happy Simming.