Expanding The Sims with Cars!

Hey fellow Simmers!

I’ve been thinking about how adding drivable cars could elevate The Sims experience and create new opportunities for gameplay and storytelling. By partnering with a company like Rockstar Games, known for their advanced driving mechanics, The Sims could introduce realistic, drivable cars that expand gameplay and attract a wider audience.

Time Management and Driving Skill: Imagine a new “Driving Mode” where time pauses when you take your Sims for a drive. This would let players freely explore neighborhoods, interact with other Sims on the road, and discover hidden spots—without disrupting time-sensitive activities like work and skill-building. For practical commutes, like going to work or visiting another lot, players could still choose a fast-travel option to keep schedules intact. In addition, introducing a “Driving Skill” would allow Sims to become more adept behind the wheel over time. As they level up, they could unlock new interactions like parallel parking, street racing, or even defensive driving classes!

New Lots and Expanded Teen Activities: Adding drivable cars can open up new lot types and gameplay options, providing players with a broader range of activities. For example, teens could visit a DMV lot to earn their driver’s license, completing a series of challenges to pass the test. Once licensed, teens can have new social opportunities, such as taking their friends to Drive-Through Movie Lots or visiting Gas Stations to fuel up and grab snacks. There could also be Car Wash Lots where Sims can either go to clean their cars or take on part-time jobs to earn some extra Simoleons. These lots could become central hubs for social interaction and skill-building, bringing a new layer of realism and immersion to the game.

Expanding Car-Related Careers: We could also introduce new car-related careers! With the “Live Work” system, players could guide Sims through professions like Mechanic or Car Salesperson, where they perform real-time tasks such as repairing vehicles or interacting with customers based on their needs and budgets. Car Salespersons could develop their sales pitch based on knowledge from the new Driving Skill, which would influence the outcome of each sale!

Integrating with Get Famous and Discover University: Imagine if Sims could gain fame and recognition through car-related careers! Mechanics who master their craft or become well-known for tuning luxury cars could earn fame points, especially if celebrities bring their cars in for customization. Similarly, Car Salespersons could become famous for closing high-profile deals or selling to celebrity clients, turning them into car experts on TV or social media. This would seamlessly integrate with the Get Famous pack, giving players more ways to build their Sims’ fame and social status.

This concept could also connect with Discover University. Imagine new car-related degrees, such as Automotive Engineering for Mechanics or Business Management for Car Salespersons! Sims with a Business Degree could negotiate higher prices or gain unique interactions that help them close sales more effectively. Graduating with a relevant degree would provide a head start in car-related careers, giving Sims an edge over others without a degree. This integration would add academic progression to career paths, making education a more strategic choice for players.

Introducing the “Car Stuff Pack”: To add even more depth to the gameplay, I propose a “Car Stuff Pack” that could introduce new items and seasonal interactions related to car ownership. Here are some of the features that could be included:

• Seasonal Car Care: Sims could have unique interactions like cleaning snow off their cars during winter, wiping off pollen in the spring, or washing off dirt and grime after a heavy summer rain. Additional items could include snow brushes, de-icers, and hose kits, allowing Sims to perform seasonal maintenance and keep their vehicles in pristine condition.
• Car Waxing and Polishing Kits: These items would help Sims keep their cars shiny and new, adding a bonus to the Driving Skill or increasing the car’s value if a Sim is preparing it for sale. The process of waxing and polishing could become a social interaction, where Sims compare cars and talk about their maintenance routines.
• Seasonal Upgrades and Repairs: Imagine changing out tires for snow tires during winter or getting an oil change before a long road trip! New career paths could include seasonal repair services that give car mechanics additional responsibilities depending on the time of year.
• Garage Customization: Players could design and decorate garages with toolkits, seasonal storage units for car items, and even collectible car memorabilia. Sims could host garage parties where other car enthusiasts come together to share tips and tricks, show off upgrades, or trade car parts.
• Special Seasonal Car-Related Events: Imagine holding a car show in the summer where Sims can show off their collections, enter competitions, and even trade vehicles! Or, during winter, they could attend an ice-racing event or work together to push snowed-in cars out of the driveway.
• Car Wash Lots and Gas Stations: The pack could also include special lots for gas stations and car washes, where Sims can fuel up, get a quick clean, or work part-time jobs. Sims who own these lots could upgrade equipment, manage staff, and even introduce custom services.

Revenue and Marketing Potential: From a business perspective, this feature could be introduced as an expansion pack or game add-on, boosting sales and generating new revenue streams. EA could also introduce microtransactions like custom car models, paint jobs, or car-related accessories to allow players to personalize their Sims’ cars even further. Additionally, branded partnerships with real-world car manufacturers could open up in-game advertising and co-branding opportunities, enhancing realism and providing additional marketing benefits.

Final Thoughts: Overall, integrating drivable cars with new lots, a Driving Skill, car-related degrees and careers, seasonal car care interactions, and Get Famous fame-building opportunities would enrich gameplay, provide new storytelling experiences, and financially benefit the franchise. Imagine your Sim rising to fame as a top mechanic or luxury car dealer, or a teen Sim earning their license and becoming a top racer in college! Would this make The Sims experience more dynamic and engaging for you?

 Let’s discuss these ideas and explore the potential of bringing cars to life in The Sims!