They already confirmed, loading screens allow multi-tasking and packs like Get To Work, Dine Out, running a Vet in C&D etc.
It also allows proper Community Venues. The reason why Community Lots in TS3 are so poor is because all gameplay is tied to objects, not the lot or game.
The difference between a community lot and Residential lot in TS3 is “visitors allowed” being toggled. That’s it.
Open World is useless to me when there’s nowhere to go. The store venues like the Cinema, Bistro, Bakery and Spa are an absolute joke for $15 - $22 each, the Savvy Seller collection is abysmal and an embarrassment to Open For Business and makes the Retail system in The Sims 4 look like the second coming.
The Sims 1 and 2 always have amazing places to go, and The Sims 4 is still building on it.
I can have all of the EP venues in 3 placed, and all of the store venues placed and be bored.
Credit where credit is due though, TS3 University was very well done and it’s a shame that EA only figured out how to make the best of limitations so late in the game