Here's what we need to know (and speculate about) from the blog post: Devs are working on the Community Stuff pack. "I can’t tell you its name, because we have not voted on that yet, but I saw the list of options last week, and I have no idea which one you all will choose. I’m anxious to find out." "We are also hard at work on our next Expansion Pack. I’m super excited about the theme the team has chosen—I think it will be a surprise to many of you." -> There is a rather small group that won't be surprised but most people will be -> it's probably not a Farming pack nor Generations. I'm guessing Supernatural EP or Hobbies EP. "The team has also been hard at work on some new surprise additions we plan to bring to the game over the summer. They are not massive changes, but they are pretty cool ones that I think you will have a ton of fun with." -> We'll get new stuff in Patches coming over the summer. To give you a rough scale about what we're getting, we got the Freelancer career in a summer Patch last year. Other features we got in patches were the first-person camera view, odd jobs, that Alexa thing, etc. "Another group on our team is currently focused on our next Game Pack. This pack is a major first for us, and we are super eager to share it with all of you later this year." -> This GP being a major first probably means that we won't get any occults nor destination vacations. I'm taking a bet to say that it's a Singer/Band GP or something but we'll have to see. "Lastly, we have been working on some fun ways to Stay Home and Play Together. No, we are not doing multiplayer. We want to help our community of players connect with each other (and us!) in this time of social distancing. As part of that, we Gurus want a chance to share more with you." -> Probably a revamp of Maxis Occasionally Maxis Monthly/Guru Games streams. ++ some other stuff to keep us busy.The blog post implies that the Release order will be almost the same as last year:In 2019 we had: Freelancer patch -> bugfix patch -> OffTheGrid Pre-EP patch -> Island Living EP -> Create a Sim: Story Mode + UI revamp Pre-SP patch-> Moschino SP -> L-shaped stairs Pre-GP patch -> bugfix patch -> Bugfix patchFor this year we'll have (this is my speculation btw): -> -> -> Hobbies EP -> -> Community SP -> Singing skill and Instruments Revamp + for Instruments Pre-GP patch -> Singer/Bands GP But speculation aside, I'm hoping the team isn't going too far with the whole Surprise theme thing. Strangervile shows us that "Surprise themed" packs get mixed reviews and making them is a big gamble. They should stop doing these and make new packs based on Community surveys (like the one we got in January) instead. Otherwise, they risk losing a rather large part of the community and not getting enough revenue.

Oh I dropped this by the wayhttps://imgur.com/rloRGlB

"SinaMegapolis" wrote:it's probably not a Farming pack nor Generations. I'm guessing Supernatural EP or Hobbies EP.A Supernatural EP is definitely not happening now that the two most popular occults, vampires and witches, are in its own packs. The other life states like werewolves and fairies are not anywhere popular enough to warrant a whole EP.A Hobbies EP isn’t likely either. FreeTime was like the only hobbies pack we’ve had and it’s easily one of the least popular TS2 EPs. With TS4 they generally stick to packs with very clear and specific themes. A Hobbies pack is basically a random assortment of gameplay objects without a clear focus.I agree that it’s not Farming or Generations. Farming is probably the most requested EP right now; it’s anything but surprising. I also don’t think they seriously considered Farming until 2018 when many people started to request it (Farming has never been on a Maxis EP survey for example). Timing-wise it wouldn’t work very well since they plan three years ahead. As for Generations, SimGuruGrant essentially told us they wouldn’t do it again as TS3 Generations didn’t sell very well. Generations also suffers from the problem of not having a clear focus. It’s mainly just adding a bunch of random activities to all age groups. In contrast, TS4 Parenthood had a very clear focus (parenting).

Anyone else totally terrified that they want to surprise us so badly???????At this point I cannot even speculate what it might be.I think a superhero pack would be surprising and popular because of marvel though I have no interest.

"elelunicy;c-17447378" wrote:"SinaMegapolis" wrote:it's probably not a Farming pack nor Generations. I'm guessing Supernatural EP or Hobbies EP.A Supernatural EP is definitely not happening now that the two most popular occults, vampires and witches, are in its own packs. The other life states like werewolves and fairies are not anywhere popular enough to warrant a whole EP.If they were to do a fairytale pack, that might justify having both in the same pack. I don't know if they've done one before, or what else would be in said pack. But I do agree that neither one on their own is enough to justify a whole EP, and probably even doing the two together is a stretch.

"Babykittyjade;c-17447385" wrote:Anyone else totally terrified that they want to surprise us so badly???????At this point I cannot even speculate what it might be.I think a superhero pack would be surprising and popular because of marvel though I have no interest.I'm not interested in a superhero EP either, I'd rather they give us what's lacking first. I would like a school pack, Generations, Farming, or something with horses. AND CARS !! I would like hobbies too.They asked pretty specific questions about a skiing vacation pack and winter activities in the survey....Things I'm not interested in : Futuristic EP, Bands, Weird stuff, superheroes, etc

SinaMegapolis

5 years ago

Roadmap Speculation thread: What will we get?

Here's what we need to know (and speculate about) from the blog post:

Devs are working on the Community Stuff pack. "I can’t tell you its name, because we have not voted on that yet, but I saw the list of options last week, and I have no idea which one you all will choose. I’m anxious to find out."
"We are also hard at work on our next Expansion Pack. I’m super excited about the theme the team has chosen—I think it will be a surprise to many of you." -> There is a rather small group that won't be surprised but most people will be -> it's probably not a Farming pack nor Generations. I'm guessing Supernatural EP or Hobbies EP.
"The team has also been hard at work on some new surprise additions we plan to bring to the game over the summer. They are not massive changes, but they are pretty cool ones that I think you will have a ton of fun with." -> We'll get new stuff in Patches coming over the summer. To give you a rough scale about what we're getting, we got the Freelancer career in a summer Patch last year. Other features we got in patches were the first-person camera view, odd jobs, that Alexa thing, etc.
"Another group on our team is currently focused on our next Game Pack. This pack is a major first for us, and we are super eager to share it with all of you later this year." -> This GP being a major first probably means that we won't get any occults nor destination vacations. I'm taking a bet to say that it's a Singer/Band GP or something but we'll have to see.
"Lastly, we have been working on some fun ways to Stay Home and Play Together. No, we are not doing multiplayer. We want to help our community of players connect with each other (and us!) in this time of social distancing. As part of that, we Gurus want a chance to share more with you." -> Probably a revamp of ~~Maxis Occasionally~~ Maxis Monthly/Guru Games streams. ++ some other stuff to keep us busy.

The blog post implies that the Release order will be almost the same as last year:
In 2019 we had: Freelancer patch -> bugfix patch -> OffTheGrid Pre-EP patch -> Island Living EP -> Create a Sim: Story Mode + UI revamp Pre-SP patch-> Moschino SP -> L-shaped stairs Pre-GP patch -> bugfix patch -> Bugfix patch

For this year we'll have (this is my speculation btw): -> -> -> Hobbies EP -> -> Community SP -> Singing skill and Instruments Revamp + for Instruments Pre-GP patch -> Singer/Bands GP

But speculation aside, I'm hoping the team isn't going too far with the whole Surprise theme thing. Strangervile shows us that "Surprise themed" packs get mixed reviews and making them is a big gamble. They should stop doing these and make new packs based on Community surveys (like the one we got in January) instead. Otherwise, they risk losing a rather large part of the community and not getting enough revenue.

SinaMegapolis
5 years ago
"Simmingal;c-17449392" wrote:
"catloverplayer;c-17448167" wrote:
https://twitter.com/Cinderellimouse/status/1247213443175854081?s=20

https://twitter.com/SimGuruFrost/status/1247400505199992834?s=20

Sequel?
So expansion will be a theme that they have done once or done something similar to once?
but still surprising? not a very common theme?

I really wish it's medieval

I think y'all missed the tweet thread
it went like this:
"What EP will we get?"
->
"The Sims 4 "
->
"But we already have "
-> Frost: " the sequel?"

So i'm guessing that's just a joke
SinaMegapolis
5 years ago
"SinaMegapolis;c-17449576" wrote:
"Simmingal;c-17449392" wrote:
"catloverplayer;c-17448167" wrote:
https://twitter.com/Cinderellimouse/status/1247213443175854081?s=20

https://twitter.com/SimGuruFrost/status/1247400505199992834?s=20

Sequel?
So expansion will be a theme that they have done once or done something similar to once?
but still surprising? not a very common theme?

I really wish it's medieval

I think y'all missed the tweet thread
it went like this:
"What EP will we get?"
->
"The Sims 4 "
->
"But we already have "
-> Frost: " the sequel?"

So i'm guessing that's just a joke

And before anyone says "BUT THEY DON'T DO JOKES THAT CONTAIN FALSE HINTS"
I distinctly remember a joke ninja did years ago with a bottle thing that had everyone speculating that a Baby overhaul is coming but it didn't come
cemason004
5 years ago
What if it is a decades theme for the never been done before? Like, the roaring 20s...or there were protesters on the road map. Maybe they give the sims a government? And hopefully chest hair.
Loanet
Rising Scout
5 years ago
Strangerville was kind of a Console thing.

When they say "Surprise" they mean "Something earlier than you expected" at best and "Something you didn't ask for and didn't care about." at worst (or something inbetween)
Cinebar
5 years ago
"ClarionOfJoy;c-17449636" wrote:
"jcp011c2;c-17449088" wrote:

I think I remember reading somewhere that a Guru had indicated Amusement Parks would not be happening. Which is a shame, I'd love it. Even with Sims 3, just taking content not stability into account, it and more exercise/sports activities were the only main things missing in that game. I was hoping they'd be able to do it for Sims 4. But hey, just because they said that then does not mean it can't change in the future.

TS3 has a lot of exercise/sports activities:

1) The usual gym equipment - treadmill, push up bar, muscle machine. Sims can also work out using TV or radio.
2) Sims can jog, ice skate in frozen lakes and rinks, skate in rinks and travel by skates (with mod).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzo3VTwhrT0
https://www.carls-sims-3-guide.com/screenshots/seasons/wintericeskating.gif
http://thumbs.modthesims2.com/img/8/9/0/2/3/1/4/MTS_Arsil-1623537-71830_160529214553Roller.jpeg

3) Sims can water-ski, wind-surf, surf, boating with all kinds of water vehicles and of course swimming most anywhere (pool or ocean).

https://i0.wp.com/www.push-start.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/ts3_islandparadise_waterski.jpg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9huYuz6dzs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9U98Nk2YgMs
https://na.lvlt.sims3store.cdn.ea.com/u/f/sims/sims3/sims3store/objects/surfingClassic/Thumbnail_688x336.jpg

4) Sims can snowboard, play soccer, play catch with football or baseball, use climbing wall, play basketball.

https://www.carls-sims-3-guide.com/screenshots/seasons/wintersnowboarding.gif
https://www.carls-sims-3-guide.com/screenshots/seasons/summersoccer.gif
https://na.lvlt.sims3store.cdn.ea.com/u/f/sims/sims3/sims3store/objects/RockClimbingWall/Thumbnail_688x336.jpg
https://na.lvlt.sims3store.cdn.ea.com/u/f/sims/sims3/sims3store/objects/basketballHoop/Thumbnail_688x336.jpg

5) Sims can also do archery.

http://na.lvlt.sims3store.cdn.ea.com/u/f/sims/sims3/sims3store/objects/archeryRangeClassic/Thumbnail_688x336_ADD1.jpg

6) And of course, my favorite - scuba diving!

http://www.macgamestore.com/images_screenshots/the-sims-3-island-paradise-16345.jpg
Scuba Diving Skill Guide by SimsVIP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeSL6F2xT_o

Plus TS3 also has the Boardwalk, carnival and fair venues:

https://na.lvlt.sims3store.cdn.ea.com/u/f/sims/sims3/sims3store/objects/Boardwalk_SET/Thumbnail_688x336.jpg
https://na.lvlt.sims3store.cdn.ea.com/u/f/sims/sims3/sims3store/objects/CarouselSet/Thumbnail_688x336_ADD8.jpg
https://na.lvlt.sims3store.cdn.ea.com/u/f/sims/sims3/sims3store/objects/RenaissanceVenue_SET/Thumbnail_688x336_ADD8.jpg

Someone even modded in a ferris wheel!

http://thumbs2.modthesims2.com/img/6/9/6/2/8/0/6/MTS_douglasveiga-1599037-screenb4.jpg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8-691gUmnE

TS3 has a lot of stuff people are waiting for in TS4. So get TS3 to play while waiting for the stuff in TS4!

All of this just makes me see TS4 as a little facebook game. Just look at all those activites (and those aren't even a tip of the iceberg in TS3) and it makes me wonder out loud, what have you guys been thinking? Six years and surprise might mean, hey guys, Sims can now sit in a circle and talk, or hey guys, surprise we added One new trait! which btw will be the same trait as tense just by another name. I have to wonder why they have lost their innovation and ability to think bigger than ever before. It's like all they think about is social talking to each other and social issues. TS4 should be named the Sim Talking Game. Because litterally all these Sims still do after six years is talk and talk and talk. Do any of these gurus or development team do any physical activity and why haven't they tried to bring those activities to the game. It's almost as if they live in a bubble full of Twitter and Talking and don't know about life outside that box because that's all that is ever reflected in the TS4.
Stardustis
5 years ago
"SinaMegapolis;c-17449576" wrote:
"Simmingal;c-17449392" wrote:
"catloverplayer;c-17448167" wrote:
https://twitter.com/Cinderellimouse/status/1247213443175854081?s=20

https://twitter.com/SimGuruFrost/status/1247400505199992834?s=20

Sequel?
So expansion will be a theme that they have done once or done something similar to once?
but still surprising? not a very common theme?

I really wish it's medieval

I think y'all missed the tweet thread
it went like this:
"What EP will we get?"
->
"The Sims 4 "
->
"But we already have "
-> Frost: " the sequel?"

So i'm guessing that's just a joke

I'm hoping for it to be another adventure GP!
netney52
New Spectator
5 years ago
Well for the ep and gp I really don’t know. My only worry and I don’t know why I think one of the packs may be reality show related. It seems to fit the whole appeal to younger players and young adult sims and reality shows are a big thing at the moment. This is something they have not done before too. I really hope I am wrong as I would despise something like this. The stuff pack is obviously the knitting pack which I have no interest in. Part of me is excited for something new and different it just depends on what that is. I love strangerville, tiny living etc and I would like something different again that has not been done before.
YBNS
Seasoned Newcomer
5 years ago
My guess :

EP 9: going back to the past
GP 9: farm life
SEREFRAS
Seasoned Veteran
5 years ago
I would just love an expansion pack that is set in the 1920s with NO CELLPHONE, PLEASE.
AedanStarfang
New Spectator
5 years ago
"SERVERFRA;c-17450852" wrote:
I would just love an expansion pack that is set in the 1920s with NO CELLPHONE, PLEASE.

YES! I would love an expansions with more art deco-styled buildings and decor, and overall 1920's-30's vibe, with maybe some other vintage flavors thrown in.