Sims 4 -- Endless Entertainment

Sims 4

Format: Video game.

Developed by: Maxis.

Published by: Electronic Arts (EA).

Designed by: Eric Homber-Weidler and Matt Yang.

Written by: Danielle von Mayrhauser.

Where to play: Desktop and laptop computers and video game consoles like the Playstation 4 and Xbox One.

Released: 2014, updated as of 2023.

Genre: Simulation

Rating: E for everyone.

Trailer: Have you ever dreamed of being a rock star? A mermaid? A parent? A success? A failure? Crazy? Smarter than everyone else? A criminal? An astronaut? What if you could live a million lives in a matter of hours. Well, now you can.

Check out the Sims 4 Trailer:

The Sims 4 is a single-player social simulation game that involves the player operating characters as they navigate through day-to-day life. Players can enjoy objective based game play based around fulfilling their characters programmable aspirations or unstructured play completing any goals the players themselves create. In addition to controlling characters, players build homes and environments for the characters to interact with. There are 12 expansion packs for The Sims 4 that include more character and building customization options as well as expanded gameplay opportunities. For example, an expansion called Get Famous released in 2018 allows characters to gain fame from various careers and includes many new outfits, home decorations, and building tools (The Sims 4, Wikipedia). The Sims 4 includes some base characters that the players and spaces may operate or interact with, but players are also encouraged to create their own characters and spaces as well.

Analysis: As far as simulation games go there are few more popular than The Sims franchise. The base game for The Sims 4 is already robust, but expansion packs and custom made 3rd party content makes the opportunities truly feel endless. In recent years the expansions and updates have elevated the game play and created more representation within the game. For example, characters are now able to wear chest binders and other gender affirming garments.

I am a longtime fan of The Sims franchise and frequent player of The Sims 4. I think simulation games present valuable opportunities to explore one’s own goals, desires, fantasies, and imaginations. Players can try out different gender expressions, sexualities, family dynamics, lifestyles, careers, and more. In a recent update gameplay was expanded to include pre-made situations that players can navigate. For example, a player can now navigate a situation in which a character has many children and a low-wage job, a high school student who is trying to make the honor roll, a couple that is navigating a period of conflict, and many more situations. The updates are valuable because they place players in situations the players themselves might have never imagined or created for themselves. In some ways, The Sims franchise is like a practice run for the real world. Alternatively, The Sims franchise is a version of the world that empowers players with complete control, something they might be lacking in their own lives. I started playing The Sims franchise games when my parents were first separated before their divorce. I know that playing the game gave me a sense of control that I was really lacking over my own life at the time. When I play now as an older young adult I often find that my playtime coincides with periods of stress and lack of control. I find The Sims franchise games to be very healthy outlets for those feelings.

Created by: Maxis is an American video game developer known for the Sims franchise; SimCity; and Spore, a game in which the player creates and evolves an alien creature. Maxis was founded in 1987 by game designers Will Wright and Jeff Braun (Maxis, Wikipedia). Maxis operates under the larger game development company, Electronic Arts (EA). Though they haven't released a new game in a long time, Maxis continues to provide updates and expansions to the Sims games.

Take a look at the Sims 4 build mode with these fabulously entertaining YouTubers, Caryn and Connie!

In the Library: I would love to have The Sims franchise games loaded onto computers in the teen area for young adult patrons to enjoy while in the library. Ideally, the library could purchase the game and expansions on one Steam account and then channel the game to many computers within the licensing parameters. Additionally, I could see a semi-regular gaming club for The Sims franchise being successful. I would love to challenge teens to create the library on Sims using the building/creating mode either collaboratively taking turns or individually.

Potential Issues: This game is a simulation of real-life so there are some real-life experiences included in game play. For example, sex and death play a big role in gameplay. Characters have sex, or "woohoo" as it is called in the game, under a sheet with privacy blurring. Even though nothing is shown, this could be considered an adult theme.

Additionally, the base game itself is free to download but the expansion packs are pricey. A library that wanted to load Sims 4 onto public computers would only be able to offer the base game, which has much more limited options.

Reason for Inclusion: Sim 4 is a classic, of sorts. This series has been popular with teens since the early 2000s. The game continues to adapt to life as it is now which gives it a modernity and relevance other games can lack. I think the Sims franchise is an excellent way to explore all that life has to offer.

Sources:

CarynandConnieGaming. (2023, March 5). Building a house in the Sims 4 but every room is the same random size. YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGOR8ealCZg

IGN. (2022, October 18). The sims 4 - official free base game launch trailer. YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJENRAB4ykA

Maxis. (n.d.). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maxis

The sims 4. (n.d.). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sims_4

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