- Not everyone wants a full University experience. College is very “big” and academic, while your idea is more practical and modular: an Academy is about skills, life prep, and real-world application.
- Bridges businesses and life skills. Instead of just grinding painting/gardening/writing for money, Sims can go learn structured lessons, tips, and perks that tie into Get to Work, Dine Out, Eco Lifestyle, City Living stalls, etc.
- Accessible to more age groups. Teens, young adults, adults, and even elders could benefit — something that’s not true with Discover University.
- New Venue Type: Academy
- Works like a hybrid between University (classes, sign-ups) and Spa Day (classes/workshops you just attend).
- Can be community-driven: you can visit to attend, teach, or just hang out.
- Could even double as a club hotspot (Get Together synergy).
- Learning Tracks (Pick Your Path)
- Business Skills (learn how to run a shop, manage employees, market better → perks for “Get to Work” or “Businesses & Hobbies”).
- Life Prep Skills (parenting, dealing with fame, financial literacy, time management).
- Occult Control (vampires, spellcasters, werewolves learn discipline, maybe even unlock occult-exclusive perks).
- Craftsmanship (selling through markets, stalls, or galleries).
- Perks System
- Similar to Retail Perks but earned via Academy.
- Examples: “Customer Whisperer” (shoppers get more positive moodlets), “Efficient Manager” (employees’ needs drain slower), “Calm Under Pressure” (reduced tense buffs during fame/public mishaps).
- Could be stackable with existing business perks for more depth.
- New Trait: Eager to Learn
- Exactly like you described: Happy/Inspired when learning, Sad/Tense when stagnant. Would pair beautifully with Knowledge aspirations.
- New Aspirations (Knowledge Category)
- Educate Yourself: Complete classes, master learning tracks, graduate.
- Educate Others: Become a teacher/mentor, give successful lessons, guide younger Sims.
- Career: Educator / Mentor
- Active or rabbit hole (player choice).
- Tasks could include preparing lessons, giving lectures, mentoring students one-on-one, or writing teaching materials.
- Could even double as a freelance teaching career for flexibility.
- Graduation / Certification Party
- Similar to High School Years graduation but less formal.
- Sims could receive a “Certificate of Completion” (wall deco item).
- Maybe small gameplay bonuses if displayed (like how diplomas give environment boosts).
- Get to Work / Businesses & Hobbies: Obvious tie-ins with learning to run a business.
- Dine Out: Training for better wait staff, running restaurants.
- City Living / Eco Lifestyle / Crystal Creations: Market stalls tie-in (learning to sell items effectively).
- Get Famous: Learning to manage fame → stress reduction.
- Parenthood: Teaches parenting skills without needing the pack.
- Occult Packs: Self-control and unique perks (could be a huge selling point).
- Get Together: Attend academy as a group.
You’re spot-on that it feels too big for a Stuff Pack but doesn’t necessarily need to be a full-blown Expansion (especially without a world). A Game Pack is the sweet spot, especially if the main feature is the Academy venue + skill tracks + perks system.
Overall, I think this would be super popular because it:
- Appeals to players who want more depth without being career-locked.
- Adds value to almost every existing pack.
- Gives a progression system that feels rewarding but not grindy.
- Works for all ages, not just YA/adults.
- How It Works:
- The Academy is a venue you can visit anytime.
- Classes are scheduled at set times during the day (like Yoga or Meditation in Spa Day).
- You can drop in, pay a fee (or membership), and attend a session.
- Completing classes improves skills and contributes toward perks.
- Pros:
- Very casual and flexible — no commitment needed.
- Fits well with Sims who don’t want “school pressure.”
- Great for rotational play, since you don’t need to lock into semesters.
- Cons:
- Less structured progression — feels more like “bonus classes.”
- No real sense of graduation unless you grind multiple classes.
- How It Works:
- Sims enroll in an Academy track (Business Prep, Life Skills, Occult Control, etc.).
- They have scheduled classes (like DU, but maybe shorter terms — 1–2 Sim weeks).
- Sims need to attend, do assignments, and pass evaluations.
- Graduation or certification ceremony at the end, with unique perks unlocked.
- Pros:
- Feels like a real system with progression and reward.
- Stronger payoff: Graduation, new traits, Academy-specific perks.
- Taps into that “achievement” feeling DU players like.
- Cons:
- More time-consuming — can lock your Sim into routines.
- Rotational players might find it restrictive.
- Enroll if you want (structured path, leads to perks + graduation).
- Or just drop in for casual workshops (skill boosts, temporary buffs).
- This way, it works for both structured players and casual players.
For Sims preparing to run a shop, restaurant, vet clinic, or stall.
- Customer Whisperer → Customers get +Happy when browsing, more likely to buy.
- Efficient Manager → Employees’ needs drain slower, training time reduced.
- Smart Seller → Market Stall profits increased by 10–20%.
- Marketing Savvy → Business star rating improves faster.
- Quick Cashflow → Get small daily “dividends” from past Academy lessons.
For Sims who want everyday improvements without tying into a career.
- Zen Mindset → +Focused when stressed, shorter Tense moodlets.
- Social Confidence → Friendships decay slower, Charisma gain slightly boosted.
- Parent Prep → Parenting skill bonus, unlocks practice parenting interactions (play teaching games with dolls, give advice to other Sims).
- Financial Planner → Bills reduced by 10%, increased chance of successful “Ask for Loans.”
- Daily Balance → Random +Happy buff once per day for maintaining routines (eating, sleeping, hygiene)
For Vampires, Spellcasters, Werewolves, Mermaids, Aliens. Focuses on self-control & mastery.
- Inner Control → Reduce Fury drain (Werewolves) / Thirst drain (Vampires).
- Hidden Aura → Occult reveals slower (humans less suspicious).
- Powerful Mentor → Teaching occult skills gives bonus XP to students.
- Calm the Beast → Unlock “Soothe” interaction on other occults.
- Occult Scholar → Special +Focused buff while researching lore.
For creators, crafters, and Sims who sell their own work.
- Craftmaster → Items crafted at workbenches sell for 15% more.
- Market Magnet → Market stalls attract more foot traffic.
- Showcase Talent → Ability to host “Showcase” events where Sims display and sell work.
- Reputation Builder → Gaining fame from selling objects is faster.
- Artful Bargainer → Discounts when buying from stalls.
For future stars, streamers, actors, influencers.
- Media Training → Faster Fame gain, reduced negative Fame quirks.
- Public Relations → Can “Smooth Over Scandal” to clear bad reputation.
- Fan Manager → Fans bother your Sim less often in public.
- Stage Presence → Performing (acting, music, comedy) gives extra tips.
- Networking Edge → Easier to Befriend Celebrities.
- You enroll in one track at a time.
- Each track has 5 possible perks, but you can only earn 3 max → encourages replayability.
- Perks unlock by attending a set number of classes, workshops, or assignments.
- Graduation = Certificate item (wall deco) + permanent buffs tied to perks you earned.
- Week 1: Attend “Intro to Market Stalls” → learn basics, get +Happy buff.
- Week 2: Do a “Practice Sale” → test selling at a temporary Academy stall.
- Week 3: Pass evaluation → unlock your first perk (“Smart Seller”).
- Continue until 3 perks unlocked → Graduation Party.
When you set a lot to “Academy,” it would have certain functional requirements (like how Gyms need treadmills, or Spas need massage tables).
Required Objects:
- Lecture Area (podium, projector screen, or whiteboard)
- Classroom Seating (desks, chairs, or long tables)
- Workshop Area (workbenches, easels, crafting tables, instruments, etc. — varies by track)
- Market Practice Stalls (small stalls like in City Living / Eco Lifestyle)
- Faculty Office / Front Desk (NPC spawn point for teachers, mentors, or admin Sims)
Optional Objects (boost gameplay):
- Cafeteria/Café counter → Sims can grab food during breaks.
- Study lounge → Like a library area, with computers or skill books.
- Outdoor area → For gardening, wellness, or occult control classes.
Imagine a 40x30 lot (medium size) — flexible enough for builders:
Main Building
- Ground Floor:
- Entrance / Reception desk
- Small café corner (optional)
- Lecture Hall (podium, seating, screen)
- Second Floor:
- 2–3 classrooms (one for business/parenting, one for crafting/market, one for occult/fame training)
- Teacher’s lounge / admin office
Outdoor Area
- Market practice stalls (students can practice selling random items)
- Open-air workshop spaces (woodworking, candle-making, gardening plots)
- Chill zone with benches, club gathering spot (Get Together synergy)
- Attend Classes: NPC teachers host scheduled lessons (like yoga classes from Spa Day).
- Workshops: Sims can join a hands-on activity (crafting, selling, roleplaying parenting, practicing fame interviews).
- Perk Unlocks: After completing enough sessions → perk selection menu pops up.
- Mentor System: If your Sim is in the Educator Career, they can run classes themselves, gaining Simoleons and Reputation.
- Social Hub: Teens, adults, and elders can all hang out here. Works well with Clubs (study groups, occult groups, entrepreneur clubs).
- Club Integration (Get Together): You can set “Attend Academy” as a club activity.
- NPC Spawns: Teachers, mentors, guest speakers (famous Sims if you own Get Famous).
- Events:
- “Graduation Ceremony” (party event).
- “Market Showcase” (temporary stalls for all students to sell items).
- “Parent Prep Day” (teens/adults practice childcare skills with toddlers).
Build-wise: It could be dressed up like a community learning center — not as formal as a university, not as casual as a gym. Players could style it as:
- A modern training center
- A traditional academy with classrooms
- An occult temple for magical training
- Or even a rustic market hall for crafting/eco lifestyles
- Career Type: Education / Knowledge (semi-active, like Get to Work)
- Branches:
- Teacher / Mentor (hands-on classes, personal growth, parenting prep)
- Instructor / Specialist (business, crafts, occult, or fame guidance)
- Career Uniforms: Business casual for teachers, aprons/specialty gear for specialists (like chef whites, occult robes, crafting smocks).
Levels 1–4: “General Academy Staff”
- Intern Assistant – Fetch materials, help students settle in.
- Daily Task: “Assist Teacher” or “Clean Classroom.”
- Pay: §60/day.
- Classroom Aide – Help with small tutoring sessions.
- Daily Task: “Answer Student Questions.”
- Pay: §90/day.
- Lesson Planner – Create study guides, manage schedules.
- Daily Task: “Prepare Lesson Plan” (computer or notebook).
- Pay: §120/day.
- Junior Educator – Lead a workshop or supervise labs.
- Daily Task: “Teach Mini-Lesson.”
- Pay: §150/day.
At Level 5, you choose Teacher/Mentor OR Instructor/Specialist branch.
For Sims who want to shape minds, guide families, and help with personal growth.
- Life Skills Teacher – Teach basic classes (Parenting, Social, Wellbeing).
- Mentorship Coach – Guide individuals through personal struggles.
- New Interaction: “Offer Guidance” (gives +Inspired buff).
- Pay: §240/day.
- Parent Prep Instructor – Lead family and childcare classes.
- Daily Task: “Host Parenting Workshop.”
- Pay: §280/day.
- Head Educator – Oversee multiple classes, mentor junior staff.
- Career Perk: Unlocks “Boost Confidence” social (powerful moodlet for others).
- Pay: §320/day.
- Master Mentor – Sims seek you for life advice, fame boost for mentoring.
- Dean of Life Academy – Prestige role, full leadership, recognition at graduation events.
- Career Reward: Wall Plaque + Trait “Respected Mentor” (others gain faster skill XP around you).
- Pay: §450/day.
For Sims who want to train others in practical skills like business, crafts, or occult control.
- Business Skills Instructor – Teach entrepreneurship basics.
- Daily Task: “Run Workshop.”
- Pay: §210/day.
- Crafts Specialist – Lead hands-on creative or crafting classes.
- Market Mentor – Teach Sims how to sell at stalls and manage products.
- Career Perk: Unlocks “Give Selling Tips” (improves other Sims’ market sales).
- Pay: §290/day.
- Occult Guide (if occult present) or Expert Instructor – Teach occult Sims control, or run advanced workshops.
- Renowned Specialist – Attract Sims from other worlds for your expertise.
- Career Perk: Reputation boost when teaching.
- Pay: §390/day.
- Grandmaster Instructor – Sims recognize you as the authority in your field.
- Reward: Special Mentor Chair object (environment boost + aura).
- Pay: §460/day.
If you choose to follow your Sim to work:
- Run Classes: NPC students show up, you must “Present Lesson” and “Check Progress.”
- Workshops: Guide Sims through hands-on stations (crafting, business planning, childcare practice).
- Evaluate Students: Grade their performance, give feedback.
- Events: Graduation ceremonies, Academy showcases, or open workshops.
If you don’t go with them → it plays as a normal rabbit hole job with chance cards (like “Student asks for extra help, do you stay late or not?”).
- Unique Trait: “Respected Mentor” → Other Sims gain skill XP 10% faster when near your Sim.
- Objects:
- Certificate Plaques, “Academy Mentor Chair,” Educator’s Desk.
- Interactive reward: “Portable Lesson Kit” (like a briefcase → lets you run mini-classes on any lot).
That way, the career is playable, flexible, and integrated into the Academy venue while still working for players who prefer rabbit holes.
(For Sims who want to expand their knowledge, complete Academy tracks, and master skills.)
Milestone 1 – Fresh Student
- Enroll in an Academy track
- Attend 3 classes
- Reach Level 3 in any skill
Milestone 2 – Dedicated Learner
- Complete 1 Academy Workshop (crafting, business, or life skill)
- Unlock 1 Academy perk
- Reach Level 5 in 2 different skills
Milestone 3 – Knowledge Seeker
- Complete 2 Academy Tracks
- Unlock 3 Academy perks total
- Reach Level 7 in any major skill (e.g., Logic, Parenting, Charisma, Business-related)
Milestone 4 – Certified Master
- Graduate from an Academy with Honors (optional graduation party)
- Unlock the maximum number of perks in a single track
- Reach Level 10 in 2 skills
Reward Trait:
“Lifelong Scholar”
- All skill XP gains are increased by 15%.
- Sims gain a random +Focused or +Inspired buff while learning new skills.
(For Sims who want to guide, mentor, and shape other Sims through teaching.)
Milestone 1 – Budding Mentor
- Join the Educator Career OR run 1 Academy Workshop as a volunteer
- Give Advice to 3 Sims
- Reach Level 3 in Charisma or Parenting
Milestone 2 – Trusted Guide
- Successfully mentor a Sim to gain a skill level
- Run 3 Academy Classes (active career or venue hosting)
- Reach Level 5 in Charisma or Logic
Milestone 3 – Inspirational Teacher
- Mentor 3 Sims in total (across skills, parenting, or occult control)
- Host 1 Academy Event (Graduation, Showcase, or Workshop)
- Reach Level 7 in Educator Career OR max a mentoring-related skill
Milestone 4 – Esteemed Educator
- Mentor a Sim to max out a skill
- Graduate 5 Sims through Academy classes (they get certificates)
- Reach Level 10 in Educator Career
Reward Trait:
“Respected Mentor”
- Nearby Sims gain skill XP 10% faster when this Sim is present.
- Sims taught by this Sim build relationship faster and stay more inspired.
- Educate Yourself is the student path → progression through learning, perks, graduation.
- Educate Others is the teacher path → tied to the Educator Career, mentoring, and social learning.
- Both reward traits stack beautifully with the Eager to Learn personality trait you suggested earlier.
Imagine a household where one Sim is doing Educate Yourself while another is doing Educate Others — you’d get a cool feedback loop of teacher & student gameplay.
Category: Personality Trait (available in CAS)
Archetype: Knowledge-oriented
Sims with this trait:
- Gain strong positive moodlets when engaging in learning activities (skills, classes, reading, teaching/being taught).
- Become tense or sad if they go too long without learning something new.
- Naturally gravitate toward Academy activities, books, computers, and mentors.
Positive Moodlets:
- “Learning Sparks Joy” (+Happy/+Inspired, 4h) → Triggered when increasing a skill, attending a class, or being mentored.
- “Aha! Breakthrough!” (+Focused, 6h) → Random chance when leveling up a skill; makes studying faster.
- “Student at Heart” (+Inspired, 2h) → Triggered after attending any Academy workshop.
Negative Moodlets:
- “Stagnant Mind” (+Tense, 6h) → If they haven’t gained a skill point or attended a class in 2 Sim days.
- “Falling Behind” (+Sad, 8h) → Triggered if they fail an Academy evaluation or lose progress in a track.
- +10% faster skill gain in all skills.
- More likely to succeed at Academy chance cards (like tests, evaluations).
- Can autonomously “Ask for Lessons” when near a higher-skilled Sim.
- Builds friendship faster with mentors/teachers.
- “Ask for Teaching” → Target a Sim with a higher skill; they can mentor you directly (mini lesson).
- “Share New Knowledge” → Tell another Sim about something you just learned → gives them a small +Happy buff.
- “Discuss Lessons” → Builds friendship with other Academy students.
- Sims with this trait may autonomously read books or browse skill-related web pages more often.
- They’ll sometimes “daydream about learning” → short autonomous interaction that boosts Fun but gives them a +Inspired buff.
- If neglected too long (not learning), they may autonomously “Complain About Feeling Unchallenged.”
- Educate Yourself Aspiration: Progresses faster since they naturally seek out skill gains.
- Educate Others Aspiration: They become great mentors once they max skills.
- Occults: Eager-to-Learn Sims are more effective occult students → they can unlock occult control perks faster.
- Parenting / Parenthood: Children of Eager-to-Learn Sims may inherit stronger curiosity (faster Homework & Project completion).
The Sims 4: Academy (Game Pack Concept)
Not every Sim wants to dive into a full university degree or jump straight into owning a business. With The Sims 4: Academy, Sims of all ages (teen and up) can enroll in skill-based tracks, attend workshops, and gain practical knowledge that prepares them for business, life, and even the supernatural.
Whether you want to run a successful shop, become a great parent, control your occult powers, or simply be a lifelong learner, the Academy gives your Sims the tools they need to thrive.
- A flexible community lot where Sims attend classes, workshops, and events.
- Venue Requirements: Lecture space, classrooms, practice stalls, workshop areas, teacher’s office.
- Optional areas: Café, study lounge, outdoor learning gardens.
- NPC Teachers & Mentors spawn automatically.
Gameplay Flow:
- Drop in for casual classes (Spa Day style) OR
- Enroll in structured tracks with graduation (Discover University style).
- Hybrid system lets players choose their pace.
Sims can pick from multiple tracks, each with its own perk tree. Completing lessons unlocks up to 3 perks per track.
Tracks Include:
- Business & Entrepreneurship → perks like Customer Whisperer, Efficient Manager.
- Life Skills & Personal Development → Zen Mindset, Parent Prep, Financial Planner.
- Occult Control → Inner Control, Hidden Aura, Occult Scholar.
- Crafts & Market Stalls → Craftmaster, Market Magnet, Showcase Talent.
- Fame & Influence (Get Famous synergy) → Media Training, Fan Manager, Networking Edge.
Graduation: Optional ceremony with certificate rewards and permanent perks.
Choose whether to actively teach or send your Sim down the rabbit hole.
Career Branches:
- Teacher/Mentor → Life skills, parenting, social growth.
- Instructor/Specialist → Business, crafts, occult, or creative workshops.
Active Gameplay:
- Teach classes, host workshops, mentor students, grade performance, run graduation events.
Rewards:
- Trait: Respected Mentor (others gain skills faster around you).
- Unique objects like plaques, a mentor’s chair, and a portable “Lesson Kit” to teach anywhere.
Two new Knowledge aspirations:
Educate Yourself – Focus on personal growth.
- Milestones: Enroll, attend workshops, complete tracks, graduate.
- Reward Trait: Lifelong Scholar → Faster skill gains, inspired while learning.
Educate Others – Guide students to success.
- Milestones: Mentor Sims, teach classes, graduate students, max Educator career.
- Reward Trait: Respected Mentor → Boosts others’ learning speed, better relationships with students.
- Sims with this trait thrive when learning and get restless when stagnant.
- Gain +Inspired/+Happy when skilling, +Tense/+Sad if not learning.
- Unique socials: Ask for Teaching, Share New Knowledge, Discuss Lessons.
- Faster skill gains, better relationships with teachers/mentors.
- Graduation Ceremony → Celebrate Academy completion, earn certificate décor.
- Showcase Event → Market-style fair where students sell creations.
- Parent Prep Day → Teens/adults practice parenting with toddlers.
- Get to Work / Businesses & Hobbies → Prepares Sims for owning businesses.
- Dine Out → Train staff, learn restaurant management.
- City Living / Eco Lifestyle / Crystal Creations → Boosts stall-selling gameplay.
- Get Famous → Learn to handle fame, reduce stress quirks.
- Parenthood → Expand on parenting without the pack.
- Occult Packs → Unique control perks for each occult.
- Get Together → Attend the Academy with clubs.
- Bridges education and business gameplay.
- Appeals to casual players (drop-in lessons) and goal-driven players (structured tracks).
- Adds a new career, aspirations, trait, venue, and perk system → plenty of depth for a Game Pack.
- Complements nearly every major pack without feeling redundant.
The Sims 4: Academy is about learning, teaching, and preparing Sims for the future — without the heaviness of University or the grind of running a business. It gives new meaning to the idea of “life-long learning” in The Sims.
The Sims 4: Academy — Game Pack Concept
Expand your mind, sharpen your skills, and prepare for life’s challenges at the Academy! Whether your Sim dreams of running a business, becoming a better parent, mastering their occult powers, or simply learning for the joy of it, the Academy is the place to grow. Enroll in classes, attend workshops, or guide the next generation as an Educator.
Visit a brand-new community lot where Sims can attend lessons, practice skills, and socialize with fellow students. From lecture halls to market stalls, the Academy is a hub of learning for every Sim.
Choose from specialized tracks like Business & Entrepreneurship, Life Skills, Occult Control, Crafts & Markets, or Fame & Influence. Unlock up to three perks per track to give your Sims long-term advantages in business, parenting, fame, and more.
Become a teacher, mentor, or specialist. Lead classes, mentor students, and host graduation events in an active career — or send your Sim down the rabbit hole if you prefer. Unlock exclusive rewards and the Respected Mentor trait.
Sims with this trait thrive on growth, gaining bonuses when skilling and mood swings if they feel unchallenged. Share knowledge, ask for teaching, and embrace the joy of lifelong learning.
Celebrate your Sim’s achievements with optional graduation parties, certificate décor, and special events like Market Showcases and Parent Prep Days.
The Academy enhances nearly every other pack:
- Train for businesses (Get to Work, Dine Out, Businesses & Hobbies).
- Prepare for fame (Get Famous).
- Expand parenting (Parenthood).
- Control occult powers (Vampires, Realm of Magic, Werewolves).
- Sell smarter at stalls (City Living, Eco Lifestyle, Crystal Creations).
With flexible gameplay (drop-in classes or full enrollment), new perks, a versatile career, and deep pack integration, The Sims 4: Academy gives your Sims the tools to succeed — and the joy of learning along the way.
these are based on the descriptions so i expanded it more so the team can create an academy pack👍
i do think it will be usefull if you add atleast some of the packs because basegame wise it will be useless to me
