The Life of a Sims 4 Bug

After years of dealing with The Sims 4’s ever-growing bug list, I’ve realized something: smaller packs (Kits/Stuff Packs) consistently have fewer bugs and get fixes faster than large Expansions or Game Packs. If EA wants this game to survive long-term, they need to rethink their DLC strategy—modular, smaller packs would reduce bugs, speed up fixes, and keep the game functional.

1. Smaller Packs = Fewer Bugs, Faster Fixes

• Kits & Stuff Packs rarely have game-breaking bugs because they’re simpler. When issues do arise, they’re patched quicker (e.g., Bust the Dust fixes vs. Eco Lifestyle’s untouched mess).
• Compare:
  • For Rent (Game Pack): Landlord system broken on launch, tenant AI glitches, event failures.
  • Tiny Living (Stuff Pack): Mostly stable, minor bugs fixed within weeks.
• Less code = fewer conflicts. Expansions like Get Together (clubs) and Eco Lifestyle (N.A.P.s) break each other because their systems collide (N.A.P.s sometimes will override club activities). Smaller packs avoid this.

2. Big Packs Are Bug Factories

• Expansions/Game Packs introduce complex systems that conflict with older content (e.g., Business and Hobbies’s small business venues vs. Get to Work’s retail rentals).
• Testing is impossible at this scale. How can QA check every interaction between 20+ Expansions? Result: Bugs like:
  • Couples and celebrities invading in vacation worlds
  • Eco Lifestyle’s community lots broken
• The more systems added, the more the game crumbles. We’re past the point of no return with 20+ large DLCs.

3. A Modular Future: How For Rent Could’ve Worked

Instead of one buggy Expansion Pack, imagine six smaller, stable packs:

1. Stuff Pack: Landlord Luxe
   • Rental lot type, landlord events, property aspirations.
   • Focus: Core rental mechanics (no fluff = easier to debug).
2. Stuff Pack: Neighborhood Hangout
   • Pool parties, Pot lucks, marbles, hopscotch, hot tubs, Generous/Cringe traits.
   • No systems that break existing gameplay.
3. Stuff Pack: Sneaky Secrets
   • Break-ins, spy career, Nosy trait.
   • Contained gameplay (no overlap with Detective career).
4. Stuff Pack: Fixer-Upper
   • Handyman career, mold system, water heaters, fuse boxes, ac, and furnaces, plus appliances that need repairs.
   • Solo systems = no conflicts with Bust the Dust or Eco Lifestyle.
5. Stuff Pack: Vibrant Kitchens
   • Colorful appliances, pressue cooker, kettles, craftable counters, under-counter microwaves.
   • Pure objects = minimal bug risk.
6. Adventure Pack: Tomorang
   • New world, cultural clothing/build items, rabbit-hole adventures.
   • No major systems = just exploration.

Benefits:

• Fewer bugs per pack (less to test, fewer conflicts).
• Faster fixes (smaller scope = easier patches).
• No more "this Expansion breaks that one" (smaller and more confined systems).
• Less code bloat = fewer crashes, lag, and simulation delays.
• Players buy only what they want (no $40 packs where half the features are broken).
• Lets players avoid unwanted mechanics (e.g., N.A.P.s).

4. Why This Won’t Be Popular (But Is Necessary)

• Players love "big" Expansions—but would you rather have:
  • A stable game with smaller, functional packs?
  • Or broken "EPs" where key features don’t work for years?
• EA’s current model is unsustainable. Every new Expansion adds 50+ bugs. 

5. The Biggest Advantage of Smaller Packs: Fewer Bugs at Once

The single biggest benefit of smaller packs is that they introduce far fewer bugs per release. Instead of players and developers drowning in 50+ bugs from a single Expansion Pack, a Stuff Pack or Kit might only have 5-10 minor issues at launch.

Conclusion: Time for a Change

I know this isn’t what most players want to hear, but it’s what the game needs. Smaller packs would:
✅ Reduce bugs (simpler systems = fewer conflicts).
✅ Speed up fixes (easier to isolate issues).
✅ Let players customize their game (buy only what they’ll use).