Preferred content release format for TS5?

The base game with expansion packs is the best way; as long as they are better thought out; and better items included; instead of splitting them between several Game and Stuff Packs. I can see the TS2/TS3 Item Store working; but I have no interest whatsoever in a live service. I am NOT paying a subscription. I buy the game, and I buy the expansion packs as I please.

Zero interest in live service/subscription model. And the store reeks of TSM/SFP micro transactions - items end up costing more individually & the totals would be way higher than DLCs.

Expansion packs for in depth gameplay, no more stuff packs. I much prefer a store system where I can go shopping and pick what I want. I hated the overpricing and I hated I had to buy bundles for the Store, but the system as such I prefer to stuff packs I need to buy because I like one particular item.

Personally would opt for a TS2/TS3 style framework.

Personally, I'm all for the base+pack model.

A $10 TS4 stuff pack gets you a "hero item", around 60 other assets, and often a new gameplay element. TS3 premium store content is $5 a pop, and individual build/buy objects can cost up to a dollar per item.

Considering that Sims 3 still refuses to accept that I bought a lot of items from the store, even Barnacle Bay. I prefer the first option. At least I get a receipt for those bought via the Origin App.

I refuse to go back to a store system. I never bought anything from the TS3 store and still won't.

I am not a fan of a game store. It is microtransactions in disguise. Also once the game is at the end of life and the store gone, how do you obtain store items now? As for a subscription service, I will never pay a subscription. Don't even try it.

I'm tired of basegames that have to wait on weather, a dog or cat, cars, and some open lots like clubs/bars. I think this type of system has out lived itself. I think a basegame should come with weather, some strays to adopt and some transportation. The world is full of cars, let's not pretend they all disappeared and why TS4 doesn't represent a life simulator to me as much as others because we've gone back to TS1 days where they couldn't even own a car. (Eyeroll).

EPs should enhance a game not be the actual gameplay in my opinion. The actual deep gameplay should be the core. EPs should expad the core in all areas. If there is weather in a base than an EP should enhance that maybe with extreme weather. If there are cars in a base then an EP should enhance transporation maybe with public transit, and or airplanes, and hover boards and expand a core feature for all areas of the game. You get the idea.

I never considered the TS3 store microtransactions. Nope, microtranactions are like needing to pay more for something your Sim needs to be able to level up, get a promotion, a better partner, etc. TS3's store was highly expensive, I couldn't afford most stuff, but it allows people to customize their games with what they want in their own games. It was a rip off many times, lol, but no one's game had to be the same.

That was the beauty of it. This endless need for everyone's game to be the same is so not The Sims in so many ways. It's like MS wanting everyone in the world to use one OS, Windows 10, when there are so many ways to do it better with something else. I don't need to share or get everything everyone else has. Individuals should remember that. Just because it has The Sims on it, doesn't mean you need to buy it. :p eta: I'm so over collective mind gameplay.

I think Rollercoaster Tycoon 3 has a pretty good system. The base game is pretty much complete as it had a lot of rides and a good structure to the game. There are two EPs. One added water park functionality and another added zoos. It complemented the game well.