Disclaimer: I wanted to focus on positives here because I feel there has been a lot of negativity recently surrounding the rebrand, which is totally valid, but I have been feeling overall positive about The Sims 4!Background: I have only been reliably playing The Sims 4 for about one month now and joined the forums within the past few months. Upon launch, The Sims 4 interested me until I started playing it. It lacked many things, including the toddler life stage. I put down the game until this year because of that.https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/sims/images/8/8b/Ts4_beta_sc.pngSource: The Sims FandomUpon doing a little research, I found in this wiki article that The Sims 4 was originally an engine built for some type of successor to The Sims Online and was repurposed at the last minute. I feel that this is the best explanation for any lacking features, past or present. Maybe that is not news to you, but for me it actually allows me to forgive the game developers in the current moment. No need for me to carry a poor attitude five years in when there is some pretty positive things going on. Besides, as people we cannot change the past, so it is good to focus on what we can control going forward.For the game developers, I see some of that happening now. The numerous free updates, whether they have features that should have been included to begin with or not, have added so many game features for everyone. There is an incentive to play the game every time there is an update with new features because the game automatically gets better.https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/sims/images/d/d6/TS4_EP6_Official_Screenshot_3.pngSource: The Sims FandomI also only recently bought some extra packs. I have to say, some of the packs really do augment the game in a great way. I am in love with the Get Famous expansion pack because it reminds me of The Sims: Superstar, allowing me a lot of interactivity and they overhauled the celebrity system from The Sims 3: Late Night. It makes me feel like it is not random anymore. There is a certain quality of immersion to it that is charming and makes me feel like it warrants a spot in The Sims series.The fact that the developers are going to continue with the game's development for longer means they have a chance to work out many errors and add many features (not even including any new types of packs which will be coming). By all means, continue to give your feedback because they should cater the game more to fans. But maybe, there is also more potential for the game that may actually be fulfilled. :)Examples for what may be capable: Expanded coloring and/or customization options (see: The Sims 4 Cats and Dogs) Expansion of features such as cars (see: added pools, basements, and toddlers). Expanded CAS sliders or features (see: CAS story mode, new CAS items, and CAS teeth)Are there cons? Definitely. Is the new rebrand questionable? Undoubtedly. But is there much more capable? Absolutely!

"Chazzzy;c-17170515" wrote:What does “the game was repurposed from The Sims online sequel” have to do with feeling positive about the game going forward? I’m not seeing a connection between these statements. Saying the game is the way that it is now because it was supposed to be a totally different type of game doesn’t make me feel better about the status of the game currently. You’re saying you feel some type of relief knowing this. Why does that give you relief?Because it would be more frustrating if the game that they released in 2014 was intentional rather than unintentional, as it is. Yeah, we have all heard how irritating it was that they left out toddlers or pools. But I imagine they didn't sit down in a room and go, "let's leave out the following features." Instead, it probably went more like, "The release is when? Oh, plumbobs. We'll do what we can, I guess."Also, while the details about The Sims 4's development is disappointing with the content left out in 2014, understanding why that is the case validates for me why they have to add extra free content. They need to add that to keep the game at all relevant because it has been seriously lacking for their fans. It was the only way to get me back. That doesn't mean it can't catch up to be a better game though.Hope that is more clear!Edit: edited for clarity (hopefully)

I'm very positive for it's future also and it's nice to see positive threads. I think the team is doing the best they can considering what they are working with. And who knows what other budgets and inside stuff they are also dealing with. I really do think they try to make us happy and I for one am very happy. It's not perfect but nothing ever is and at the end of the day it's just a video game.I'm honestly excited for future content though! I have no idea what people are doing in their game when they say there is nothing to do because I brought the jungle pack when it came out and have yet to explore the jungle. All because I've been so busy doing other things in the game I never get around to it all.I personally think things are only going to get better.

Oh I wanted to add that I honestly believe we would get even more content if it were not for people. Something I noticed recently is that people fly into this massive outrage over any and everything. And they are much more sensitive as well as entitled than they use to be. I believe EA or the sims team or whoever is in charge is afraid of the outrage and backlash so they hold back a lot of things.Burgerlers are just one example. People were screaming its abuse or something. But if I were them I would be afraid too. It's like they have to walk on eggshells not to offend anybody.

"Babykittyjade;c-17170616" wrote:Oh I wanted to add that I honestly believe we would get even more content if it were not for people. Something I noticed recently is that people fly into this massive outrage over any and everything. And they are much more sensitive as well as entitled than they use to be. I believe EA or the sims team or whoever is in charge is afraid of the outrage and backlash so they hold back a lot of things.Burgerlers are just one example. People were screaming its abuse or something. But if I were them I would be afraid too. It's like they have to walk on eggshells not to offend anybody. That's an interesting take for EA that I have never heard of. Holding back content for fear of backlash? Their brand does seem to be fit for everyone in a careful way.On the other hand, having a burglar in the game (like we should) couldn't be nearly as bad as the mischief skill :D

I know about this since 2014 and that's why after 5 years I can't stan this game anymore. I srarted with hopes but I ended up HATING it (yeah, it seems too much but is true).

Feeling Positive for TS4's Future

zanyshane
6 years ago
"ScarletSimEater;c-17180397" wrote:
Here's my worry.

The base game has markedly improved with updates, to the point where I'd have no problem recommending that someone buy it. It still has a few very noteworthy flaws - emotions really need to be improved and deepened, multitasking needs to be made actually time efficient (turning on the TV should not make breakfast take forever), traits should become more impactful - but I have faith that there are prototype fixes for all these things being worked on. Fix those, take some time off to clean up the game's code, and ideally put more forethought into whim weights so that expansion wants don't get too spammy, and I'm sold.

However, Maxis programmers have been pretty upfront that they're on tight money and time budgets. They have to move packs in order to get paid, and packs sell based on the content they bring. So time spent fixing up the remaining base game flaws means that corners have to be cut on packs, and there's nobody advocating for taking time off of sellable projects in favor of a massive free upgrade patch.

I do get the feeling that the sims team does want to improve the core of the game as much as they're able. Things like the quality of toddlers give me hope. But the amount of time and effort that would have to be put into free work makes me wonder how much we can expect to see in a reasonable timeframe.

If the game is really going to last a few years longer, that would mean a sizable number of packs along with various bug fixes and features. Granted, we do not know what the new packs will bring in terms of bugs or features. I am not inclined to believe it is such a tradeoff as you say, but if it is a tradeoff then the amount of time should be an indicator that what is left to come is still significant to the base game, even if a few packs are lackluster here or there.

They have shown from the beginning they are capable of adding much-needed features to the game despite launching any type of pack at or around the time. Their limits sound more along the lines of how much they can get done at once. I watched an interview between The Sim Supply and Lindsay Pearson, general manager of The Sims. She something like, "We're just chipping away at a long list of things simmers want."

5 years of chipping has been good so far! I'm excited to see more chipping away come to fruition, for now at least. :)
ck213
Seasoned Scout
6 years ago
"zanyshane;c-17179425" wrote:
"james64468;c-17179324" wrote:
"Simburian;c-17179320" wrote:
"the1akb;c-17179316" wrote:
It's fair to be excited and enthusiastic about the future of the game. They have a huge fanbase that for some inexplicable reason, are not just willing but actually desperate to throw more money at them for content that in all fairness, should have (in most cases) been included in the main game when it was released. Whilst they retain this incredibly ~~gullible~~ loyal horde of fans (which I sadly include myself in) then they're going to continue to work on the game and release content for it. The Sims 4 still has a good few years in it yet - as let's face it, it still doesn't have all the features we've seen in previous installments.

If we are at all keen to see The Sims 5 and to effect change on how the content is released for it (anyone remember how content-light the base game was), then we should all stop paying for future expansions and make enough noise to be heard so that changes might actually come about. However, with the huge playerbase that The Sims has, let's face it, that's just not going to happen. So we can safely bet on many more expansions, stuff packs etc at ridiculous prices for a good long while yet. The Sims 4 isn't going anywhere and we're to blame :wink:

If Sims 4 comes to an end before most of us want it to can we all blame you? ;)

All games come to end. I don't think re-branding is going to help them. People could stop buying any time they want. Not trying to be negative but one day the engine they have will hit it limit. I am certain they not going to be able to do another 5 years of this.

But they have shown they are capable of changing large components of the engine at-will. By that logic, that means they can continue to push their limit! Besides, there are plenty of game series which are still-ongoing after almost 10 years (look at Bethesda's Games, for example)

Bethesda's success is primarily from the modding community. What modders have done to the game is incredible.
I just quit out of Skyrim. I would not be playing this game still if it were not for the modding community.
I love My Skyrim. I tuned it to a game unique for me and what and how I want to play. It's a different game from vanilla Skyrim.
astridentanja
6 years ago
"zanyshane;c-17180416" wrote:
"ScarletSimEater;c-17180397" wrote:
Here's my worry.

The base game has markedly improved with updates, to the point where I'd have no problem recommending that someone buy it. It still has a few very noteworthy flaws - emotions really need to be improved and deepened, multitasking needs to be made actually time efficient (turning on the TV should not make breakfast take forever), traits should become more impactful - but I have faith that there are prototype fixes for all these things being worked on. Fix those, take some time off to clean up the game's code, and ideally put more forethought into whim weights so that expansion wants don't get too spammy, and I'm sold.

However, Maxis programmers have been pretty upfront that they're on tight money and time budgets. They have to move packs in order to get paid, and packs sell based on the content they bring. So time spent fixing up the remaining base game flaws means that corners have to be cut on packs, and there's nobody advocating for taking time off of sellable projects in favor of a massive free upgrade patch.

I do get the feeling that the sims team does want to improve the core of the game as much as they're able. Things like the quality of toddlers give me hope. But the amount of time and effort that would have to be put into free work makes me wonder how much we can expect to see in a reasonable timeframe.

If the game is really going to last a few years longer, that would mean a sizable number of packs along with various bug fixes and features. Granted, we do not know what the new packs will bring in terms of bugs or features. I am not inclined to believe it is such a tradeoff as you say, but if it is a tradeoff then the amount of time should be an indicator that what is left to come is still significant to the base game, even if a few packs are lackluster here or there.

They have shown from the beginning they are capable of adding much-needed features to the game despite launching any type of pack at or around the time. Their limits sound more along the lines of how much they can get done at once. I watched an interview between The Sim Supply and Lindsay Pearson, general manager of The Sims. She something like, "We're just chipping away at a long list of things simmers want."

5 years of chipping has been good so far! I'm excited to see more chipping away come to fruition, for now at least. :)

I think that what EA says is not as interesting/relevant as what EA does. And looking at what is done now: bug fixes, yes, but also no bug fixes yet an entirely new design project nobody asked for. And bug fixes that break again. And new bugs. And packs that seem to be focusing on looks rather than gameplay. And a clear agenda to draw in new players, as opposed to catering existing players.

I might be wrong about this, my observations are as subjective as anyone else’s, but I’m too old to fall for marketing talk alone, that’s for sure.
Writin_Reg
6 years ago
Change always affects various people differently - where for some of us it is refreshing - there will always be people that detest change - so for me I look forward to where it all goes as long as I possibly can look forward to anything. So far I have been happy with the changes EA has made in the game over the last two plus years especially and like the fact they are gearing up for more - whatever they may be.

My entire life itself is all about hope and even having a future. I would love to see where it all goes.
astridentanja
6 years ago
I love change. For the better though. Or for the different. But not for the worse. I also think we'd maybe better stick to how we experience things ourselves and try to word that, instead of trying to pinpoint for others what they like or don't like and the reasons why (detesting is a feeling I only reserve for marzipan and ear wax anyway, not for games).
Cinebar
6 years ago
TS4's future, what else is there left to want in a series of this version other than University, Magic? Possibly a farming pack (but you already have gardening) and possibly cars if ever? I don't see what else they can bring to the game after five years that isn't from past games that people are wanting. And I hope they get their school/college pack and magic, but after that I don't see much more they could or should do.
Simburian
New Traveler
6 years ago
It looks like Sims 4 is getting some love from EA at the moment.

https://simscommunity.info/2019/08/02/the-sims-4-development-team-is-expanding-after-the-recent-success-report/
drake_mccarty
6 years ago
Not surprised to see such a gloriously slanted article coming from that website.

On the positions, they would be exciting if Maxis didn’t already have the capacity to produce plenty of objects/animations. Where are the engineers? Are those contract workers now? Is that why we are seeing literally next to nothing new and just rehashed systems from previous DLC?! It’s ludicrous to say this will change anything at all about Sims 4 or fix it’s problems.
Cynna1065
6 years ago
"Sk8rblaze;c-17187404" wrote:
"Simburian;c-17187149" wrote:
It looks like Sims 4 is getting some love from EA at the moment.

https://simscommunity.info/2019/08/02/the-sims-4-development-team-is-expanding-after-the-recent-success-report/

The majority being object modelers and art designers.

Because that’s totally what The Sims 4 needs right now. /s Looks like they’re just doubling down on trying to sell more DLC for this buggy game.

At least the one thing that I was looking for is there. They're going to hire more animators. At last!

I hope that this next batch doesn't mind animating Sims who can actually do things together.
astridentanja
6 years ago
"Babykittyjade;c-17171272" wrote:
"JoAnne65;c-17170930" wrote:
"Babykittyjade;c-17170616" wrote:
Oh I wanted to add that I honestly believe we would get even more content if it were not for people. Something I noticed recently is that people fly into this massive outrage over any and everything. And they are much more sensitive as well as entitled than they use to be. I believe EA or the sims team or whoever is in charge is afraid of the outrage and backlash so they hold back a lot of things.
Burgerlers are just one example. People were screaming its abuse or something. But if I were them I would be afraid too. It's like they have to walk on eggshells not to offend anybody.

People have been asking for burglars from the very beginning, when EA themselves had decided to leave them out for whatever reason nobody knows. Fear of outrage can’t have been it, because the predecessors had them and I don’t remember anyone objecting to them, ever. What have you been doing with the jungle pack by the way, that you never got to exploring the jungle? I’d love to know because I bought it and I finished playing it in three hours. I’d love to know what I missed.

Lol I mean I installed it yet my sims never traveled there. Between wedding planning, downloading days of cc, house designing, cas designing, meeting sims needs, trying to build and maintain my celebrity status, friendships, relationships, careers etc. I just have yet to get to it. It's on my vacation to do list though and I'm excited for it.

Yes, I misunderstood, I thought you meant you'd done all kind of things in that particular pack that had kept you from exploring the jungle. It took me seven years to finally play a fire fighter's career so I understand what you mean ;) Exploring the jungle is what I loved the most in that pack by the way.