Today, the Sims 4 development team dropped the gameplay trailer for Snowy Escape, their newest expansion pack.  In doing so, Sims 4 solidified their commitment to diversity in a few, wonderful ways. 

Gameplay trailers are immensely significant for players because, after viewing in-game footage, they can differentiate between actual gameplay experience and glossy, render fluff. That is, in animated official trailers, developers can sometimes include gameplay features that are not actually in-game.  In-game trailers, however, only show what is actually in game.  They are real portrayals of what gamers can expect in a given expansion pack. 

October 28th, Simmers feasted their eyes on the stunning, frosted world of Komorebi. 

As most players suspected, Komorebi is a Japanese-inspired winter wonderland which exists at the foot of the massive Mt. Komorebi.  

Dappled with pink cherry blossom trees, ancient-looking curved bridges, lovely flower strewn boulevards, and scintillating slopes, Komorebi shines with culture both new and old.  The Japanese-esque appearance of Komorebi is a deep departure from the currently, largely Euro-centric worlds available in Sims 4. Komorebi is filled with hot springs and temples, threaded with ski-routes and snowboarders, and brimming with both modern and ancient buildings.  Players should expect a marriage of old with the new, both paper lanterns and vending machines, tatami mats and modern hibachi stoves.  

There are are several neighborhoods in Komorebi, boasting fourteen lots, each offering unique experiences. 

Wakaba; Residential
Wakaba rests at the foot of Mt. Komorebi.  Stuffed to the brim with waterfalls and gardens, genkan entryways and giggling children. Wakaba offers players their first brush with the Festival of Youth and such time-honored traditions as bowing respectfully and removing shoes inside. Players will quickly realize that, while enjoying the new foods Wakaba offers, that they can choose the utensil they'd prefer: forks or chopsticks? 

At the Festival of Youth, kids will meet Yamachan, the town mascot.  They can also take part in Voidcritter hunts. 

NEW SIM DEATH: DEATH BY VENDING MACHINE
When attempting to retrieve a snack from a festival vending machine, the desired item may get stuck, killing the hapless Sim determined to dislodge their chosen snack. 

These vending machines will also offer "Simmies," collectables for which a Sim can scour the new world.  There are twelve Simmies in all, with ultra-rare golden variations. 

Senbamachi: Thousand Leaves Town
A more traditional area surrounded by serene nature, Senbamachi is the place where players will experience hiking, picturesque bridges, cave exploring, electric bugs, and the festival of lights. 

Yukimatsu: Vacation spot
Yukimatsu, cloaked in snow, offers what players will most likely salivate over for many weeks to come.  Here, players may create rentals for their Sims, and this ability extends to other worlds such as Sulani.  This means that Sims will be able to vacation in any world, not just Granite Falls, Batuu, or El Selvadorada. 

Yukimatsu offers a stunning variety of snow sports such as: skiing, snowboarding, sledding (for one or two Sims), rock climbing, and cave exploring.  Yukimatsu also houses the onsen, a hot springs bath house, to relax in the steaming, therapeutic waters of Komorebi.

Near the onsen, Komorebi citizens hold the Festival of Snow, a celebration filled with fireworks and fantastic sculptures. 

NEW WOO-HOO SPOT
Get down and dirty while you get relaxed and squeaky clean in the brand new hot spring locations. 
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The Summit
Players will be able to trek either in groups (tours begin at the onsen) or alone to the top of Mt. Komorebi. Much like Jungle Adventure excursions, a player's Sim will need the right skills and pack the right snacks in order to survive this dangerous journey that  is often disturbed by the new thunder snowstorms. There are caves along the way available for both exploring and woo-hoo, and as a player's Sim climbs, the weather worsens, increasing the possibility for a new Sim death.  

NEW WOOHOO SPOT: ICE CAVES
During their trek up the slopes, any given Sim may find the intriguing ice caves.  If conditions are just right, Sims can climb inside to enjoy each other's ahem... body warmth.  

NEW SIM DEATH: DEATH BY FALLING
If weather conditions are too icy or a Sim's climbing skill isn't quite up to par, then that Sim runs the risk of falling during their scenic climb, plummeting to a painful death. 

The Sims 4 ensured this newest trailer was filled with Sims of many ethnicities.  The trailer's narrator is, of course, Asian, but Sims 4 included Sims of other ethnicities too.  Players quickly noted the new textured hairstyles and unique CAS items.  Players also got their first look at the Lifestyles function, a new addition to Sims gameplay that will have an even bigger impact on Sim behavior than even traits. 

"Lifestyles are an expression of a Sim's behaviors and habits over time," the trailer overlay explains. "A Sim can only work towards or against a lifestyle so much in a given day." 

That is, a Sim's unique lifestyle is unlocked by their own daily habits.  Participating in a lot of extreme snow sports may earn a Sim the "energetic" lifestyle, for example. But if a Sim is already committed to a lifestyle, then that lifestyle can fade if the Sim doesn't continue practicing their way of life.  For example, a "sedentary Sim' won't be considered that any more if he suddenly takes up skiing and rock-climbing. 

The lifestyles currently available are: 

• Sedentary 
• Energetic
• Close-knit
• People Person
• Indoorsy
• Outdoorsy
• Junk food fiend
• Health food nut
• Workaholic
• Hunger for love
• Frequent Traveler
• Health food nut

The new expansion also comes with two new aspirations. 

The "Extreme Sports Enthusiast" aspiration will motivate Sims to rock climb, to explore the most death-defying reaches of Mt. Komorebi, and to snowboard to their heart's content! 

The "sight-seer" aspiration will encourage Sims to eat at every town festival, to meet Yamachan, and to explore the various Komorebi sights.  

 Sentiments, a fresh feature, deeply affect Sim behavior and moodlets.  When Sims share experiences with one another, they form memories that affect how they feel away from that Sim and in that Sim's presence.  Did a Sim's friend let them forget their bug spray at home, as suggested by the gameplay trailer?  That Sim can now hold a mean grudge against the negligent Sim, gaining angry moodlets in when that Sim is around. 

Most heartwarmingly, the narrator of the latest gameplay trailer reveals that she met the female love of her life at Mt. Komorebi! This nod to LGBTQi+ inclusion only solidifies Sims 4's commitment to representing people of all walks of life: all cultures, all sexual orientations, all ethnicities.    

Bravo, Sims 4 devs.  Bravo. ​

What are you most excited about from the game play trailer? Tell us on Twitter! 

The official Sims team revealed the newest Sims 4 expansion pack, Snowy Escape, on October 19th, 2020.

While the Sims 4 news cycle is generally predictable, involving a steady stream of off-hand hints and guru-generated clues in the weeks before a new expansion release, the days before the newest expansion pack release was eerily, in Pixelade’s words, “air-tight.”

There were no light-hearted hints this time, only a near stony silence from the Sim gurus.

However, all this changed early October 19th, when the official EA Twitter account broke its silence.

The newest pack art reveals not only Sims engaging in such snowy weather activities such as snowboarding and sledding, but also hinted at Asian-inspired architecture. Behind one of the Sims, who points at something in the distance, is a pagoda, the iconic type of building endemic to Chinese, Korean, and Japanese culture!

Sim Guru Graham later confirmed that, behind the scenes, the Sims team collaborated with Game Changers James Turner, Deligracy, Lil Simsie, and Simlicy to create this much-anticipated pack. He also said that players will experience Mt. Komorebi, a new world, October 20th at 8AM PT/11AM EST.

​

Simmers were quick to drum up excitement for this pack. Earlier this year, the Sims team rolled out a survey which asked players what they desired in future packs. A snowy getaway neared the top of the list alongside more diverse architectural representations.

Some Simmers, however, insist that the features of Snowy Escape should have been imbedded in the Seasons pack.

However, over all, player reception has been warm.

A few weeks ago, a few Simmers were quick to notice a brand new, snowy area on Lil Simsie’s screen. After screenshotting, the players informed the rest of the community that the next pack would involve snow. Back then, Simmers were largely wary of this idea and dismissed it as a deep fake.

The official unveiling confirms this accidental leak as truth. So what can we expect from this new pack?

Look forward to

-New, Asian inspired architecture like pagodas and curved, intricate bridges.

-New snow day activities such as snowboarding and sledding

-New, cold weather outerwear

-New environs which include mountains and mountain tops

-New activities which involve mountains such as rock climbing

And much more!

What are your hopes for the newest expansion pack? Tell us below! Keep it locked here for detailed updates and a closer look at the upcoming expansion pack!

Stay safe, stay warm, and happy Simming!

The Sims 4 team has officially kicked off the spooky Halloween season with a new round of Sims Spark’d!

As usual, Simmers can choose to participate in one of three categories: stylist, builder, or storyteller.

This challenge is all about crafting a new creature, “never seen” in the Sims universe before. Simmers must use CAS, build mode, and their own creative storytelling skills to create this creepy creature’s appearance, their abode, or their story.

What story will you tell?

Admittedly, Hispanic Heritage month is a largely American phenomenon. Our proximity to both Central and South American countries has an encouraged a free exchange of culture, ideas, language, and foods. Yet, the contributions of Hispanic people is evident worldwide, and this is what Maxis, the minds behind the popular Sims 4 franchise, seek to highlight this October.

In an update dropping October 6th, 2020, Sims 4 developers will showcase hispanic culture as an amalgamation of many cultures, including Brazilian. As a part of this free, base game update, players will receive beautiful new pots, traditional coal-based grills, mosaic tables, lovely new chairs, and stunning murals.

Focusing on the unifying themes of bold, vibrant colors and tight-knit family, Maxis has also included and male, female, and children’s CAS items in this update.

Bold new tattoos, almost Aztec-like in appearance, have also been added to base game.

If this were not enough, in addition to the theme
of vibrancy and family, the Sims 4 team has “exploded” the available grill recipes. All grills will now include recipes for elotes, grilled plantains, and many more delicious, traditional Hispanic dishes.

What excites you most about this update? Tell us in the comments below!

Stay safe, wash your hands, and happy Simming!

Adios, chicos!

​FreePlay wrapped up its latest Sim Chase only to dip back into a fan-favorite quest: Inner Child’s Play. This quirky quest guides the player through an adorable storyline involving a child’s birthday party, a semi-helpful but fabulously dressed witch, and a hapless friend named Crystal, who struggles to wrangle a houseful of hungry children. The player earns a treehouse for completing this quest, a prize that players can use for both adults, teens, and preteens.

Most notably, FreePlay began its fresh live event: School’s Out. During this event, the player makes mountains of craftable materials such as pottery, glassware, jewelry, and candles. The player trades these items for various themed prizes. During “School’s Out,” players earn prizes like school desks, science lab stations, new flooring, brightly colored school doors, vending machines, a principal’s desk, and far more. As a grand prize, Simmers earn a fully built, full furnished school building.  FreePlayers can stay tuned for the return of “Mean Curls,” which repopulated into the game September 9th, and the newest Sim Chase, which begins September 15th.

On August 25th, Sims Mobile Game Changers confirmed what mobile Simmers witnessed earlier as a leak: the introduction of the newest Sweet Treat Showdown — Cultured Kitchen. Beginning August 31st, this event offered mobile players various kitchen accoutrements such as new counters, islands, womenswear, bread loaves, and similar clutter material. The grand prizes for successfully opening all prize boxes are a countertop pizza oven, a seriously smart fridge, and cutely curled side style for women.

Game Changers also churned out news about two new purchasable packs. The first pack, Kitchen Essentials, popped September 5th for $7.99 USD. It included:

• Frothing Mad Milk Jug
• Clean it Tomorrow Stack
• Good as Gourd Vase
• Triple Hanging Shelves
• Circular End Table
• Glass a Day Wine Rack
• 7K Simoleons

 The highly anticipated Labor of Love pack will trigger for players September 16th. Costing $9.99, the pack offers:

• Labor of Love Uniform 
• Gutsy Gumboots
• Rolled Up Tee 
• Appropriately aproned Outfit 
• Plaited and Proud Braids 
• Funky Framed Glasses 
• 9K Simoleons 
  

Furthermore, Wumples #36 and #37 also dropped. In return for a grueling five day to-do list, Wumples the bunny offers Simmers the Very Voguish Vase and the Perfect Perfume on September 6th, and the Sitting and Staring doll alongside the Forget me Knit plush doll on September 21st.

Finally, with just days before the release of Sims 4: Journey to Batuu, Sims Mobile offered its players two free Star Wars themed packs. The first, an adorable stuffed version of The Child, affectionally deemed “Baby Yoda,” was actually a rerun of the earlier May 4th offering. The second pack featured a dancing DJ R-3X, a droid-shaped stereo. It also offered two lightsaber wall lights in six different colors.​

The Sims rolled out a new Sims Spark’d season with a glittering new theme: Golden Years.

​Compete with other avid Simmers in this brand new challenge by showing off your fabulous elder Sims, their homes, and their amazing lifestyles as they bask in the best years of their lives.

Contestants may submit their creations here: https://www.ea.com/games/the-sims/sparkd/

Submissions fall into three categories: Stylist, Builder, or Storyteller. Contestants may enter one category, a combination, or all three! Winners are featured on the official Sims Spark’d page and are entered into a pool for the reality show Sims Spark’d!

What will you create? Tell us in the comments below, and happy Simming!

Simmers are an often loud and opinionated bunch. Increasingly frustrated by the lack of appropriate skin tones, meaningful gameplay, and non-glitchy Sim sessions, many Simmers have raised their voices in adamant displeasure.

Journey to Batuu felt, collectively, like the proverbial nail in the coffin. Simmers railed against what they deemed poor decision-making at best and a disregard for cultural timing at worst. They flooded Maxis’s tweets and YouTube posts with a measure of discontent that hinged upon vitriol.

Thursday, September 3rd, Sims 4 gurus responded to the loud, often abrasive outrage with a letter to their beloved fans:

Lyndsay insists that the team is thoughtfully changing the game to meet player demands. Improved skin tones will pop into games this fall in a much-anticipated patch, and Simmers hear word of the next expansion pack in the coming weeks. While this pack will not include drivable cars, bunk beds, or farms, Lyndsay promises that this pack has been in the works for a very long time and, thus, will deliver.

What do you think is next for Sims 4? Tell us below in the comments!

Stay safe, stay kind, and happy Simming.

To prepare for the newest Sims 4: Journey to Batuu game pack, Sims 4 developers have released a hot, fresh patch with a few surprises folded into the update.

First, Sims now have the ability to “elope” to vacation spots! Want to get married in Granite Falls? This is your chance.

Secondly, Simmers may now more freely place windows on their builds! If they feel so inclined to do so, a player can even stack windows on top of each other. Huzzah!

Check out the blog notes below.

Disable your mods, stay safe, and may the Force be with you! Happy Simming!

Simmers every where waited with bated breath in the Gamescom YouTube stream. Shouting green, glowing hearts into the internet in lieu of plumbobs, Simmers settled onto the edge of the seats for the announcement they have been waiting weeks for: the unveiling of Sims 4’s ninth game pack.

After a parade of premieres which included infamous shooters such as Doom and Call of Duty, well-entrenched adventure series such as Crash & Bandicoot, and long anticipated RPGs such as World of Warcraft - Shadowlands and Bioware’s Dragon Age, Gamescom turned to EA’s newest Star Wars pilot game: Squadroon.

Immediately, the Sims community collectively held its breath. All speculated and buzzed that a Sims announcement would soon follow.

We were not disappointed.

Simmers watched as the familiar Sims 4 landscape transformed into the sandy dunes of Batuu. Sims wielded light sabers, watched spaceships jet across the sky, and simple Sim homes transformed into the joyful, dimly lit, music filled Star Wars bar: the Cantina.

With this pack, Simmers will be able to:

• ​Choose between the light and the dark side of the force
  
• Journey to the brand new world of Batuu
• Quest to earn galactic credits
• Gather materials to forge their very own lightsaber
• Build a helpful droid to take back home
• Meet and greet new alien Sims
• Dress to appease the Force with new CAS items
• Build out of this world, galactic grunge structures with brand new build/buy objects

And much, much more!
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May the force be with Simmers, for this game pack zooms into Origin September 8, 2020!


Stay tuned right here for more detailed information about this stunning game pack’s contents!

What are you most excited about in this newest, out of this world game pack? Tell us in the comments below!

Stay safe, stay sane, and may the force be with you.

After weeks of silence and speculation, the Sims 4 team finally announced when and where they will reveal the ninth Sims 4 game pack!

As part of a special three-day event, Gamescom will unveil the newest game news from Crash Bandicoot, Ratchet & Clank, and yes, The Sims.

Tune in Thursday, August 27th at 11AM PST/2PM EST for the latest in Sims 4 news! Check out Gamescom’s opening day here at Openingnightlive.com!

This massive three-day event is usually held in person, but amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Gamescom team has transformed their approach and their venue into a stunning, virtual event no red-blooded gamer will want to miss.

What are you expecting from the Sims 4 team tomorrow? Let us know in the comments below!