Let Us Lock Stereos, Just Like Computers and Televisions
This is a tiny request that follows a pattern the game already established. We can lock computers (so Sims won't autonomously use them). We can lock televisions (same). So why can't we lock stereos?
The Problem
Stereos are one of the most autonomously attractive objects in the game. Leave a Sim unattended for thirty seconds and they'll be over there turning on the stereo, changing the station, and dancing—often at 3 a.m., often in a house with a sleeping infant, often during a tense dinner party where the mood was carefully set.
This causes real problems:
- Sleep disruption. Sims autonomously turn on the stereo at night, wake the whole household, and tank everyone's energy. The player has no way to prevent it except deleting the stereo—which they may want for the room's aesthetic or for parties.
- Mood and atmosphere. I've set up a quiet, cozy living room for a storytelling scene, and a Sim wanders in and blasts music. The "lock" system exists precisely to prevent this kind of autonomous interference.
- Parties vs. everyday. I want the stereo available for a party, but silent during normal household life. Without a lock, the only options are "stereo exists and will be used constantly" or "stereo doesn't exist."
- Inconsistency. Computers and TVs already have the lock interaction. Stereos are the obvious missing third in that trio—music, screens, and computers are the three big autonomous-use objects, and only two of them are lockable.
The Proposal
Add the same "Lock" / "Unlock" interaction to stereos that computers and televisions already have:
- Click the stereo → "Lock" → Sims will no longer autonomously turn it on or change the station.
- Click the stereo → "Unlock" → normal autonomous behavior returns.
- Player-directed interactions should still work while locked (the player can still tell a Sim to dance, or turn on music manually)—the lock only stops autonomous use, exactly like the computer and TV locks.
Why This Is a Natural Fit
- Same system, different object. The lock system already exists. This is adding one object to an existing interaction category, not building anything new.
- Consistent UX. Players already know how locking works from computers and TVs. No learning curve.
- Solves a genuine annoyance. Anyone who has played a multi-Sim household knows the stereo struggle.
- Preserves player choice. Players who like autonomous dancing keep their stereos unlocked. Players who want quiet keep them locked.
TL;DR
- Add "Lock" / "Unlock" to stereos, identical to the existing computer and TV locks.
- Locked stereos can still be used by player direction; they just won't be used autonomously.
- Consistent with existing UI, solves autonomous stereo spam, preserves player choice.
Gurus, is this a feasible addition? It seems like one of those small, obvious gaps in an existing system—and stereos are arguably the object most in need of a lock.