Why Doesn't Maxis Care About the Baby Sims?

"simvasion;c-17687516" wrote:
Sometimes you have to look at something objectively and think... does that really improve my gameplay or is it just something that sounds cool in concept but in reality isn't?

I think they'd add stuff to babies if there was an actual gameplay benefit - like they added the ability to give them knitted onesies recently because it ties in with knitting gameplay. But fluff stuff, even if it was in a previous game like washing babies in sinks or handing them to other sims... doesn't add much value to gameplay at all if you really look at it from an outside in view.

Bathing babies in sinks sounds cool, but if changing a diaper maxes their hygiene fully, then why bother? What would passing around babies to people do other than waste time, or lose your baby (like in TS2 there was a bug where the nanny would carry the baby off lot after they were dismissed and "kidnap" your baby).

I support them adding more baby gameplay if they can actually think of something that would be fun, have value and make the game better. Like first-person baby mode where you must learn skills and actually benefit the baby, or an Eco-Lifestyle or Woodworking crafting set for new baby bassinets or bassinet upgrading, actual stuff like that.

I understand what you are saying about gameplay benefit however, it's/ was a life simulator. It was not a goal orientented, scripted, level as high as you can go type game. If we think like what is the gameplay benefit then there really is no need for YAs and Elders in The Sims, either.

First because those two life stages are no different than an adult stage. In TS4 they don't matter at all. What do I mean by that as far as gameplay value? Think about it. Child, maybe because they can gain skills for later in life things to do and gain or to build upon personality, however, in TS4 IIRC children in the game lose those benefits when they turn into teens or did. Teens, ok, yeah, necessary as far as 'gameplay value' because they sort of have a set personality goal etc. YA, not necessary in TS4 like it was in TS2 because of how late University pack was released in TS4. So, YA is no more than adult life stage, and elderly really no need to keep them around anymore. So, if we ask what is the gameplay value of babies being improved and expanded upon....we can say the same about YA and Elders in TS4. The Sims should be about the journey not the goal of reaching the end game.

It sort of reminds me of years and years ago when some played The Sims and they stated 'I don't understand the game, what's it about? What are you supposed to do? What is the goal? There is no win or lose.....'

The type question you asked (about gameplay benefit) seems to fit within those comments about a life simulator over twenty years ago. :)

It's supposed to mimic life, or not? If we look back what was the purpose of opening a dresser drawer and see folded clothes inside it when Sims changed clothes? Or opening a car door to get in and have to sit down and turn the key.

Slot popping is not a life simulator. I hope Maxis will someday soon just admit TS4 isn't one.