The Simsis one of the longest-enduring franchises in video game history, producing years of content.The Sims 4is approaching “decade status,” joiningThe Elder Scrolls: Skyrimon a short list of games that have been played for ten years. While manySimsfans are waiting for the release ofThe Sims 5- aka “Project Rene” - it might come as a surprise that Electronic Arts is continuing to create new content forThe Sims 4.The newly announcedSims 4 Growing Togetherexpansion pack is an odd release for a game nearing the end of its life cycle, but it’s also a fitting end for the franchise.
The Sims 4has received mixed reviews from fans, often under-delivering compared to its predecessorThe Sims 3.The franchise has also seen backlash for perceived cash-grab paid DLC and for removing the open-world mechanics present in previous games. Some players have already been disenchanted by the franchise, instead waiting for a newSimsbase game that might fix the issues inherent inThe Sims 4.WhetherGrowing Togetheris the closing note ofThe Sims 4or a last attempt to win back fans, the family-oriented gameplay is a nice nod toSimshistory.
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Growing Together Might Finally Achieve What Other Sims 4 Expansion Packs Could Not
A vast amount of content has been released forThe Sims 4,including twelve expansion packs and over ten game packs. From theaddition of pets inThe Sims 4: Cats & Dogsto expanding the high school experience inThe Sims 4: High School Years, the franchise has tried its best to innovate on previous games. Unfortunately, much of the content released forThe Sims 4has been closely related to previous DLC, essentially allowing for the game to be constantly compared to previous titles.Growing Togetheroffers the franchise a chance to develop refreshingly new gameplay.
All in all,The Sims 4- as with the rest ofThe Simsfranchise - was designed to be a life simulator, allowing players to give their Sims fully developed lives.The Sims 4has struggled to capture the essence of this goal, focusing less on evolving base gameplay and instead adding features that muddle the game. For instance, althoughThe Sims 4: My Wedding Storiessought to evolve the wedding events present in every game, the pack was virtually unplayable. Hopefully,The Sims 4 Growing Togethergives theSimscommunity content that adds to the game in a meaningful way.
Why Growing Together Is A Fitting Conclusion To The Sims 4 And New Start For The Sims 5
Given thedevelopment ofThe Sims 5,some fans believe thatThe Sims 4 Growing Togethermight be the last expansion pack released for the franchise. While future content is not confirmed in theSims 42023 roadmap,Growing Togetherwould be a satisfying end tothe game’s decade-long run. According to the gameplay trailer,Growing Togetheris solely focused on providing moments of growth and connection for Sim families, giving players the opportunity to have a truly memorable experience. From learning to ride a bike to family cook outs, the expansion pack centers the game back on community and connection.
The emphasis on family is also undoubtedly connected to the release of the new “infant” life stage. It might seem odd forThe Simsteam to release another life stage - after all,theSims 4update is causing issues for modders.What the infant life stage does forThe Sims 4is give players a complete life span to play through, solidifying all the base aspects of a Sim’s life. As such, the choice to focus on family growth, community, and connection might have to do withThe Sims 5,as theSimsteam has been vocal about emphasizing those values in the upcoming game.
The Sims 4is available now for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
