Summary
- Project Rene is not a replacement for The Sims 4, intended to coexist with it as a free base game with single and multiplayer options.
- Modders might shift to Project Rene due to enhanced features and the aging design of Sims 4.
- The Sims 4 will struggle to compete with Project Rene, potentially leading to a decline in player base and content purchases.
Although Maxis has announced that Project Rene is on the way, it's not useful to think of it as a mere sequel to The Sims 4, as it will go places its predecessor hasn't. The base game will be free and is being developed as both a single and multiplayer title. Of course, fans can expect expansions to the base game, which is where EA will presumably be raking in the dough.
Maxis claims that The Sims 4 and Project Rene will exist side by side, but that's hard to believe. If Maxis' upcoming game is anything like what the studio is describing, it's easy to imagine The Sims 4's player base making a mass migration to the superior title.
The Sims 4 May Not Be the Hub of Modding for Much Longer
Official Stuff Packs and DLC additions for The Sims 4 are pretty nice, but part of what has kept EA's game alive for so long is the hardworking modding community. It is a large one, which isn't unexpected, as modders have a nice sandbox to toy around with. Some mods are so large, they rival the official expansion packs; players can add or alter almost any aspect of The Sims 4 at this point. Where the modders go, players are likely to follow.
If Project Rene becomes more popular with modders, The Sims 4's player-base may shrink regardless of what official expansion packs are released. Though gameplay details are still scarce, it has been revealed that multiplayer will be possible in Project Rene, which could provide another avenue for modders to explore once they're done with The Sims 4 which doesn't have native multiplayer.
This won't be the first time The Sims goes online, but it appears that Maxis has bigger and better plans this time around. Game director Grant Rodiek highlights that Project Rene is not an MMO where everyone shares the same world. Playing with friends will be an optional feature, and gamers will still be able to access the traditional single-player experience.
Expansions for The Sims 4 were, and are still, purchased in droves, and Maxis' sandbox game made $879 per minute on average in 2020. Players have invested a lot into the game and so has Maxis, which is still producing new content for this 2014 game. This will make it hard for some players to desert.
Nevertheless, it's hard to ignore shiny new things, and it's worth noting that if Project Rene is still years away, The Sims 4 will be far more than a decade old. At that point, Project Rene will have much features to offer. As Rodiek explains, it will launch as a free title, releasing free content occasionally, though there will still be plenty to buy. Furthermore, customization will be taken further than ever, allowing players to modify furniture to their specific liking in more intricate ways.
It's a monumental project set to be released on PC and mobile. According to Maxis, it's relying on playtesting to create an experience that players will enjoy. Will all this in store, it seems like there's little reason to bother with The Sims 4 any longer.
How Long Can a Game Last?
There have been a few games that have managed to have unusually long lifespans. This includes titles like The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim and Grand Theft Auto 5. However, these titles have had remasters to keep things fresh. Time will tell whether The Sims 4 will be able to do it as well, except this time through a seemingly endless supply of DLC.
The Sims 4 Has a World Problem
Worlds in The Sims 4 are beautiful places where many beloved characters live, but there's a worrying trend developing in new worlds.
Project Rene Just Has to Get Things Right
Project Rene's base game is released for free on PC and mobile, there's a pretty low barrier to entry for any curious gamers. If promises are kept, and it manages to bring to the forefront all the features fans have wanted, including the ability to fine-tune furniture, it's far, far more tempting to go with Project Rene rather than The Sims 4. In addition, Maxis promises that even DLC will be easier to acquire. For example, wind might be available for free, but themes could be used for paid expansions.
Maxis is presenting a world where The Sims 4 and Project Rene live together in one ecosystem. It's hard to imagine this being pulled off successfully without The Sims 4 eventually dying off. Without a doubt, there will be those die-hard fans that will stick with The Sims 4 and continue to purchase the content that is being produced for it, but Project Rene will almost certainly steal the spotlight once its released.
The Death of The Sims 4 Will be a Sad Moment
There are players who have invested an inordinate amount of time and money into The Sims 4. The game has evolved over the years to include new features such as life stages and occupations. However, even with a game as vast as The Sims 4, it shouldn't be squeezed for everything it can offer. Sometimes, an intentional goodbye is better than a slow death.
It remains possible that Project Rene doesn't live up to expectations. There are still several questions surrounding how developers will bring the upcoming game to both PC and mobile, but that's okay, because The Sims 4 will still be around to support players as they wait for Project Rene to stick its landing.
The Sims 4
- Released
- September 2, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
Unleash your imagination and create a unique world of Sims that’s an expression of you. Download for free, and customize every detail from Sims to homes and much more. Choose how Sims look, act, and dress, then decide how they’ll live out each day. Design and build incredible homes for every family, then decorate with your favorite furnishings and décor. Travel to different neighborhoods where you can meet other Sims and learn about their lives. Discover beautiful locations with distinctive environments and go on spontaneous adventures. Manage the ups and downs of Sims’ everyday lives, and see what happens when you play out scenarios from your own real life. Tell your stories your way while developing relationships, pursuing careers and life aspirations, and immersing yourself in this extraordinary game, where the possibilities are endless
