Re: Sims 3 won't work

@puzzlezaddict I forgot about the video you linked, so I watched it.

Turns out I was trying to open the wrong files all along. I was trying to open the expansion pack shortcuts (that I for some reason got duplicates of. Two of each package, where the difference is that one of them is titled in my mother language). 

I followed the instructions in the video instead and was able to do it correctly. Now my game works fine again.

Well, the graphics are terrible, but I have heard that is caused by the Mac's Iris graphic card. So I guess it is no solution to that problem, unless EA releases a patch, witch is unlikely as "The Sims 3"-series is done.

Would you still like me to share my deviceconfig info? 🙂

@Saratustrar  Yes, please, seeing the deviceconfig would be great.  And if you want, I can get you some help with the .sgr file edits.  Like I said, it won't make a huge difference, but it should help at least a little, and you can play with the graphics settings in your game options until you get something you can live with.

@puzzlezaddict Yes, it would be fantastic if the graphics could be improved.

Is this the information you wanted?

=== Application info ===
Name: Sims3
Version:
Build: Release
=== Rating info ===
GPU: 1 GPU Memory: 4 CPU: 4 RAM: 4 CPU Speed: 3100 Threading: 3
Adjusted CPU: 3734 RAM: 5387 Adjusted RAM: 4875 Cores: 2
=== Machine info ===
OS version: MacOS 10.14.0
OS prod type: 0
OS major ver: 10
OS minor ver: 14
OS SP major ver: 0
OS SP minor ver: 0
OS is 64Bit: 0
CPU: GenuineIntel
Brand: Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-7267U CPU @ 3.10GHz
Family: 6
Model: 14
Cores: 2
HT: 1
x64: 0
Memory: 5387MB
Free memory: 1531MB
User: -----
Computer: -----
=== Graphics device info ===
Number: 0
Name (driver): Intel Iris Plus Graphics 650
Name (database): Intel Iris Plus Graphics 650 [Found: 0, Matched: 1]
Vendor: Intel
Chipset: Vendor: 8086, Device: 5927, Board: 00000000, Chipset: 0000
Driver: display, Version: 0.10.0.11360, GUID: 40C1B248-9D7D-4A29-D7B7-4CD8109F3D5D
Driver version: 11360
Monitor: DISPLAY
Texture memory: 1536MB
Vertex program: 3.0
Pixel program: 3.0
Hardware TnL: 1

@Saratustrar  Alright, so under "Rating info" a few lines down, you can see that TS3 rates your GPU (graphics card) as a 1 out of 5, because it doesn't recognize the card and just assigns it to the weakest category.  A couple of lines under "Graphics device info," you'll see a [Found: 0, Matched: 1].  When the game is forced to properly recognize your card, that will change to [Found:1, Matched: 1], which is how you'll know the .sgr edits worked.  (The deviceconfig is refreshed each time you launch the game.)

As it turns out, Bluebellflora already has instructions for your card, an Intel Iris Plus Graphics 650.  Here's her article with instructions for the edits:

https://bluebellflora.com/2018/07/24/sims-3-mac-players-i-need-your-help/

You can read the description of the issue, but don't worry about providing your information—your card is already listed, and the device ID is in your deviceconfig, anyway.  Just click on the link for your card.  Be sure to go over the readme carefully; in particular, keep in mind that you'll need to fix both the graphicsrules.sgr and the graphicscards.sgr files.

If you have questions about the process, feel free to ask.  The edits themselves aren't my strong suit, but I can certainly show you how to adjust your own files using the text that Bluebellflora has provided.

And thanks so much for the info.  We've been wondering about how TS3 handles the newest generation of macbooks, especially those running Mojave.

@puzzlezaddict Thank you so, so much for your help! I managed to follow the instructions, I messed up the first time but succeeded the second time. I will try to change the settings in game later today.

BUT, I do have one more question: If I happen to get another expansion pack, say "Ambitions" for example, will it ruin the game again?

@Saratustrar  No, installing another pack won't ruin anything.  The .sgr edits will be untouched (unless you uninstall and reinstall the base game), but you will have to create an alias for Ambitions and copy its files the same way you did for Late Night.  But there are only four packs affected like this; the others are Fast Lane and Outdoor Living, so all others should install fine without your having to take any extra steps.

I'm glad you got the .sgr files fixed, and hopefully you'll be able to adjust your settings enough to enjoy the graphics.  Keep in mind that you should only change the graphics settings in particular while at the Main Menu, because you'll have to quit and reload (or else you'll see some freaky graphics errors).  The two settings that take the most resources are water and high-detail lots; I have a strong dedicated graphics card, and I still keep those on "mirrors only" and 2, respectively.  But I would think you could raise some of the others without stressing your graphics card too much.

@puzzlezaddict Hi, just going to update you on how the game works. It works fine! No further problems yet. I was able to better some graphics, as long as I did not touch the settings related to the environment (then everything got crazy colors and glitched out). Also my pets have transparent fur, but I guess that is because of the low graphics settings.

Anyway, I wanted to thank you once again for all your help! I am so glad to have all my Sims 3 games up and running again, and thanks to you I am able to play them too. In fact, the reason I am writing to you so late, is because I have been playing the game nearly nonstop since my last post.

You seem to frequently help other simmers out with their problems too, which is really kind and noble of you. Your work is widely appreciated 🙂

Finally, thank you so much for all your help, it is a blast being able to play again 😃

@Saratustrar  I'm glad you're having fun with the game, and that you could raise the sim graphics a bit.  For the environment options, what happens if you raise one or two (slightly) at the Main Menu, then quit the game and reload?  Changing the options in-game can have exactly the effect you described.  If you don't want to mess with your current TS3 game folder, you can pull it out of Documents\Electronic Arts; the game will spawn a new one the next time you load.  Then if anything weird happens that you can't reverse, you can trash the new folder and go back to the old one.

Of course, if you're happy with how your game looks, there's no reason to mess with it.  I'm just happy to hear it's working for you.