Sims 3 update, Jan 13, 2025: discussion thread

Edit:  Since we now have two threads about this patch, one originally on this forum and one migrated from Answers HQ, I wanted one to convert to a general discussion thread and one to cover technical issues.  So this is now the discussion and general questions thread.

EA released a very minor update for Sims 3 today.  It's only for Windows and only for the EA App version.  It fixes the Alder Lake issue, where the game wouldn't start correctly on some newer Intel processors.  There are no other changes.

Edit:  Because the game's internal build number has changed, core mods may throw an error or force the game to minimize at launch.  ErrorTrap has already been updated to account for this (link).  For the few other core mods in existence, there is no actual harm in playing through this, as the update hasn't affected the game core.

If you see an activation window, simply click Exit and launch the game again.  It should work this time around.