That’s not true, they more than likely will start work on a new title whilst the current game is still in development, they did it with the sims 3 and the sims 4. What we do know is EA are recruiting for a new title, if it’s not the sims 5 then it’s a spin off because from the description and mention of the world realistic in the description that can not mean the sims 4 content.
In a few years some people will jump ship and be prepared to pay all over again, history has shown that sims fans do that. They have proved it four times. Not to mention it could be a new audience for people who haven’t played the game before. Once game changers play it, people will flock to it like bees on honey. I don’t trust EA not to cut and run with the sims 4 because history has taught us they are very good at doing that. See Sim City, sims medieval for reference for life simulators, there are more beyond that. The sims 4 will continue while it is profitable but I do think the writing is on the wall for the game. Why that bothers people I don’t know. Let’s say the sims 5 is announced tomorrow, the sims 4 still works and still runs in its current buggy mess state. I don’t care either way, I’m indifferent to a sims 5 game right now, it would have to be one hell of a game to convince me for a fifth time and given the direction of the sims 4 I don’t have faith a sims 5 will be the answer to our prayers. Let’s hope it will, but I’m not too optimistic.