They describe it as "more accessible" yet it's the complete opposite. A whole bunch of players with all sorts of sensory issues, ADHD, visual OCD, Autism etc. feel very irritated by that constant pulsating and genuinely have a hard time just concentrating on the game. Not to mention that it may activate certain triggers, too.
Despite being annoying the only group this marketing strategy is successfully targeting are impulsive buyers (e.g. kids) which is.. a questionable choice to make.
Distracting and pushy ads should be separated from the gaming experience itself anyway (esp with a game like the Sims, where a majority of players have spent a bunch of money on it already). Heck, the main menu already contains the whole shopping catalogue + news on expansions/merch, you always automatically come across it when wanting to play. An ingame icon is redundant here.
This feature should be optional and able to hide away in options, if not removed entirely.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the modders for allowing us to remove the shopping cart completely and all those advertisings. Thank you to all the modders out there ♥
