Even though I have been with the Sims franchise since the beginning, I am aware of the fact that things change. I am open-minded enough to accept that fact. If we can't accept change we inhibit our growth as human beings. But there is also the fact that we do have the right to express displeasure in things that test our patience or lack merit. That is why this particular thread has grown over the last few days.
This latest stuff pack is exactly why there has been a long, drawn-out battle between EA and the fans of the Sims franchise since Sims4 was released. Sims4 lacks true substance. We have hung on to the hope the game would improve for over 3 years and rather than improvement, we're seeing fewer new gameplay features being added. Even though My First Pet Stuff is a stuff pack and therefore should contain 'stuff' the marketing was aimed at the 'new' smaller pets. Which are disappointing, in my opinion. The new pets do things on their own, without direction from our Sims and that takes away from our enjoyment of them in that Simmers have no control over what the pets do in the privacy of their cages.
Unless one is inclined to simply watch and wait for something to happen. In other words, it's a lot like watching television without a remote.
And no matter how many rules and regulations EA must adhere to, that does not excuse the fact EA cares more about their stockholders than the fans of the game. I am quite certain someone was more than happy to purchase the EA shares I sold shortly after Sims4 was released. But that was my choice because I wanted to invest my money in a company that showed it's appreciation for the people who make a company successful. Customers buy the product. Stockholders invest in a company hoping for a return on their money. If customers don't like the product, they won't buy it. And probably will not recommend that product to friends and family members. Sure, I understand EA owns many successful game titles other than the Sims franchise. And as fans of the Sims we are not considered especially important in their overall scheme. But we care about this franchise. I believe the development teams care, too.
As fans, we have a choice to make. Do we simply accept the excuses we've been given about why the Sims4 hasn't met our expectations? Or do we make it clear we expect more gameplay and less stuff and fluff? Before toddlers were released we were very adamant about wanting them in the game. We made it very clear we were not happy toddlers had not been in the base game upon release. And then out of the blue toddlers were released in a free update. Truth be told, I would have had no qualms about paying for a game pack with toddlers. So to be asked to pay ten dollars for a stuff pack with just a couple of minor pets included in it was an insult. For those of you that did purchase the stuff pack, I hope it meets your expectations and you enjoy it. I believe we all have certain things we'd like to have in the game and I hope some of my wishes come true also. But if there are certain things or wishes we have for the game itself we must make it known. Change cannot happen unless we speak up and give voice to our disappointments.
