Re: The Sims™ 4 Music Expansion Pack

Hello, fellow Simmers and EA/Maxis team!

I would absolutely love to see an expansion pack dedicated to the thrilling world of forming a band, making music, and living the life of a rock star (or pop icon, folk sensation, etc.). Here is a detailed proposal for what could be an incredibly deep and fun addition to the game.

Proposal: The Sims 4 "Music Legends / Rock Star Life" Expansion Pack

Core Vision: A game pack that allows Sims to form bands, navigate creative collaboration, rise to fame, and experience the full spectrum of stardom—from adoring fans and chaotic concerts to the personal drama that comes with life in the spotlight.

1. Core Gameplay: The Band

• Form a Band: Sims can found a band, name it, and pick a primary music genre (Rock, Pop, Metal, Indie, Folk, Electronic, Hip-Hop). Genre influences style, fanbase, and available songwriting options.
• Band Roles & Management: Assign roles like Frontman/woman, Lead Guitarist, Drummer, etc. Members can have multiple roles. The band operates as a Freelance Career with gigs, or as an active group where you control all members.
• New Skills & Instruments:
  • Skills: "Group Performance," "Stage Presence," "Sound Engineering."
  • Instruments: Full drum kits, electric & bass guitars, synthesizers, and folk instruments (flutes, sitars).
• The Creative Process:
  • Write or Buy Songs: Compose original music (a multi-step process) or purchase songs from indie writers.
  • Rehearsals are Key: Success depends on holding regular rehearsals at a home practice space or a rented studio. Poor rehearsal leads to bad gigs.

2. Career, Fame & Aspirations

• Dynamic Fame System: A reputation meter from "Unknown" to "Local Act," "Rising Star," "Superstar," and "Music Legend." Fame affects income, venue access, and fan behavior.
• Supporting Careers:
  • Talent Agent/Manager: Hire one to autonomously book better gigs and handle PR.
  • Sound Engineer: A new active career working in Recording Studios (a new venue type) to mix and master tracks for other bands.
• New Aspiration: "Music Icon":
  • Goal: Reach "Superstar" fame → Win a "Simmy" Award → Play a sold-out show at the new "Sim-Arena" stadium → Secure your legacy (record a "Legendary Song" or mentor new bands).
  • Reward: "A Legend" trait (+2 Inspired moodlet), a unique trophy, and unlockable platinum instrument decor.

3. New Character Traits & Voices

• New Traits:
  • Scandalous: Gains fun from causing drama; scandals give short-term fame but attract Haters.
  • Humble: Feels tense from outrageous actions but inspired by genuine fan connection.
  • Perfectionist: Often dissatisfied with rehearsal quality; slows progress but drastically improves final song/performance quality.
  • Superfan: (For non-musicians). Lives for their favorite band, auto-participates in fan activities.
• Expanded Voice & Vocal System in CAS:
  • New Voice Types: Smoky, Melodious, Ethereal, Gravelly, Velvety, Piercing.
  • Unique Vocal Techniques (unlocked with skill): Scream/Growl (Metal), Falsetto (Pop), Vocal Fry (Indie), Power Vibrato (Gothic/Symphonic), Rap Flow (Hip-Hop). These affect musical success and social interactions.

4. Fans, Haters & The World

• Fan Culture System:
  • New "Music Fanatic" trait/hobby. Fans can create fan clubs, send gifts (from flowers to creepy stalker items), wait outside venues, and become obsessed Stalkers.
  • Concert Interactions: Fans can chant, mosh, hold up lighters, and create a "Sea of Lights" with their SimPhones during ballads, boosting the band's mood.
  • Extreme Reactions: Fainting from euphoria, hysterical crying, and a new death: "Death by Fandom."
• Haters & Scandals: Successful bands attract Haters who vandalize posters, leave nasty comments, and try to ruin gigs. Bands can also intentionally start scandals for a quick fame boost.
• Band Merchandise: Popular bands can design and sell merchandise (t-shirts, posters) that then appears on fan Sims around the world.

5. Band Management & Crises

• Losing a Member: If a member dies or quits, the band faces a crisis. Fame decays until you hold auditions and train a replacement.
• Internal Drama: New relationship dynamics: creative differences, jealousy, band romances. Can lead to a member leaving for a solo career or a full band breakup.

6. New Lots, Objects & CAS Assets

• New Venues: Dive bars, concert halls, outdoor festival grounds ("SimFest"), massive stadiums ("Sim-Arena"), and professional recording studios.
• New Build/Buy: Home rehearsal spaces, soundproofing, instrument racks, tour buses, trophy cases.
• New CAS:
  • Stage Fashion: Leather, latex, spandex, ripped jeans, extravagant costumes.
  • Hairstyles: Mohawks, dreadlocks, vibrant colors.
  • Makeup & Accessories: Dramatic makeup, colored contact lenses, facial piercings, band-themed tattoos.

Why This Would Be Amazing:
This pack would create a rich, persistent gameplay loop that blends creativity (music, style), strategy (managing the band's career and morale), and social storytelling (navigating fandom and fame). It adds a highly requested life path with endless drama, humor, and memorable moments.

Visual Concept: Imagine a pack cover featuring a diverse, iconic band of Sims (inspired by legends like Bowie, Rammstein, or pop icons) rocking out on a massive stage in front of a crowd of ecstatic, light-waving fans.

Thank you for considering this idea! I believe it would be a monumental hit with the community.

Victoria