Bayou Bijou Collab Completed - World save and Part 4 video released!
Welcome to another builder's collaboration hosted by Hidehi2 , Sandraelle and me soocoolsim ! Introducing Bayou Bijou, a New Orleans / Louisiana inspired world featuring seven areas. Our collaboration has been a success. Thank you to all participants! BAYOU BIJOU BASE WORLD (empty lots) This is a flat vanilla world created by Hidehi2 and is very loosely based on New Orleans or anywhere in the Louisiana Bayou country. Included are French Quarter, Garden and City Districts, Beach and Farming areas and two Bayous. The base world includes a mix of 93 empty residential and community lots. Download from the EA Exchange LINKS TO INDIVIDUAL COMPLETED BUILDS Map A - French Quarter ✅ - See Part One video tour Map B - Garden District ✅ - See Part Two video tour Map C - Bayou Sauvage ✅ - See Part Three video tour Map D - Farming Area ✅ - See Part Three video tour Map E - Beach Area ✅ - See Part Three video tour Map F - City District ✅ - See Part Four video tour Map G - Lafitte Lagoon ✅ - See Part Four video tour SHOWCASE VIDEO TOURS (YouTube) Part One - The French Quarter Part Two - The Garden District Part Three - Bayou Sauvage, Farming, Beach Areas Part Four - City District, Bayou Lafitte Full Bayou Bijou playlist (All 4 videos) WORLD SAVE FILE We're assuming that most people will probably want to select which lots they'd like to add to their Bayou Bijou world, but for those who may want to have a version with all the lots placed, Sandraelle has created a world save for you. Since a fully loaded Bayou Bijou includes many highly detailed builds, we recommend you adjust your in-game settings lower for optimal gameplay. Download and install the empty base world Download and extract the world save file Place the extracted folder under .... \Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Saves before launching your game BACKGROUND (Edit! July 5/25 - The collab is complete. The following instructions are for reference only) Experienced creators (Intermediate+) are invited to join us in creating builds to add to this empty world. If building is not your forte, but you love decorating, just let us know. We'll try to match you with an appropriate builder to create a shell for you. Everyone can experience Bayou Bijou taking shape by downloading the empty base world and installing builds as they become available. Constructive comments throughout this process are welcome, so don't be shy. Please keep an eye on the "News and Updates" post for milestones and links to new creations as they become available. You can also check out in-game Bayou Bijou Stories and Sims from players / creators. Without further ado, onto the details below and come join in the fun! CLAIMING OVERVIEW Download the Bayou Bijou empty base world created by the talented Hidehi2. Take a look at the lists of available lots using the Map posts as reference (see links above). Indicate you're on board for the collab and sign up for your first claim by replying on this thread with your chosen map lot reference # (eg A8). I will update the lists with claims and add download / media links when builds are completed. Every two weeks (approx the 1st and 15th of the month) a new claiming period starting with a 'Claiming Day' post will begin. During this period, if you are now joining the collab or had a build in progress on Claiming Day, you can claim 1 lot. For ongoing participants, if all previously claimed builds are completed and link(s) submitted by Claiming Day, you may claim up to 2 lots. Edit! Effective Apr 15/25, after successfully uploading a completed cc-free build, participants may claim another lot if desired. However, max 2 claims in progress remains in place. Edit! Apr 17/25 - All lots Claimed. See the Map listings for links to completed builds. BUILDING GUIDELINES Please stay within the theme of each map area and general New Orleans, Louisiana inspiration. You have creative freedom otherwise. All Expansion Packs OK for use. All Stuff Packs OK for use. All official EA Store Items OK for use. Free EA Store Items OK for use. Note: Some are no longer available for download so use at your discretion. NO third-party Custom Content allowed. Please Custard Check your lot file before uploading to double check. We highly recommend you play-test your lot before uploading to ensure no routing concerns and downloaders can enjoy your build as intended. Another recommendation is to test placement of your final version. This helps identify any potential issues (windows/tiles out of place, etc). To do this... Export your build, save your game, delete the final version, then use the exported copy in the Library to add it back into the world. Take a look around to see if anything is amiss and correct as needed. It will be useful for players if the Bayou Bijou lot address is included in your build description on the Exchange, albeit optional. Do take the time to put your best foot forward to make your build(s) shine inside and out. Just be cautious about using a ton of clutter since that can add to lag when playing. Each build will be showcased with credit in video walkthroughs on YouTube once the world is completed. Once your build is available on the Exchange, please post a reply on this thread including: Name of build / map reference and/or address / download link / cover picture / custard screenshot confirming no 3rd party custom content included. Optional! Link to additional picture site / thread. SIM / HOUSEHOLD SUBMISSIONS The focus of the collab is on builds as the final world game save will be unpopulated, however we can link to Sims / Households created for Bayou Bijou. Bayou Bijou builders can submit Sims / Households for their completed claims as well as general (eg Townie) use. Non-builders can submit Sims / Households for general (eg Townie) use. All Expansion Packs OK for use. All Stuff Packs OK for use. All official EA Store Items OK for use. Free EA Store Items OK for use. Note: Some are no longer available for download so use at your discretion. NO third-party Custom Content allowed. Please Custard Check your Sim / Household file before uploading to double check. Once your Sim / Household is available on the Exchange, please post a reply on this thread including: Name / map reference or address (or flag as Townie) / download link / 1 cover picture / custard screenshot confirming no 3rd party custom content included. Optional! Link to additional picture site / showcase thread. Sims / Households created by participants for claimed builds will include lot addresses with their listings. Sims / Households created for potential use within Bayou Bijou but not associated with a specific build (eg Townies) will be listed under the heading of Auxiliary sims which players can place anywhere as desired. LIST OF PARTICIPANTS Chojrak75321, cindylou2662 , Hidehi2, Kcity74 (aka fatness74), JudiAlbert (aka IdahoGal65, Cheeseweasel), Minasawa , puzzlezaddict , Sandraelle , soocoolsim , SusanMarieD (aka DavisSM), suzses , whatsociallife , xDeltaMirage (aka fegar200198) PREVIOUS WORLD COLLABORATIONS Cape Albacore Coastal World / YouTube video walkthrough playlist Disney's Magic Kingdom / YouTube video walkthrough playlist The Orient Express (London, Paris, Venice, Alps) / YouTube video walkthrough playlist Ackney-Upon-Sherne English Village (hosted by suzses) TIP! When first viewing this thread, you might want to sort replies by "Oldest" to view all the related posts in order and get up-to-date to a certain point. However, for future visits you may wish to sort replies by "Newest" to reduce the amount of scrolling. But of course, it's your choice on what works best for you.
♥♥ ~ SANDRAELLE'S SHOWCASE ~ ♥♥ *NEW*: Bayou Bijou builds and personal builds
Welcome to my Showcase Thread, and thanks for visiting! A little bit about me: I'm not really a game player but I do LOVE to build and have been creating since Sims 2 came out. I mostly built for myself (back in the day), then started joining building contests and challenges in the old Sims 3 community forums, which then led to me becoming a member of the DNA request team and started creating for others for six years. I have been participating in several world collaborations most recently and it's been a lot of fun. I've learned a lot about building in these past 10-12 years and have improved quite a bit since those early days. I'm a stickler for details and aim for realistic interiors in my creations. Most of my builds contain store content, but are CC free and I always upgrade all the plumping/electronics. To visit my Sims 3 Studio, click here. To download FREE items from the store, click here. UPDATE June 2025: Added the Bayou Bijou Collaboration builds, added some sim households and completed posting some of my "2013-2017" builds. 😀 UPDATE August 2024: This thread has totally been reconstructed using posts from my showcase thread in the old Sims 3 community forum. Custom World Collaborations I've participated in (More information about these community projects can be found by clicking on the links below.) Bayou Bijou World Collaboration (a world based on New Orleans, Louisiana, USA) Orient Express Community Collaboration (a world that consists of London, Paris, Venice and the Alpine area) Cape Albacore World Collaboration (a coastal town inspired by Nantucket Island) Disney Magic Kingdom Community Collaboration (experience the magic of Disney) Ackney-upon-Sherne Creators' Collaboration (an English Village Collaboration) BUILDS FROM WORLD COLLABORATIONS (this section updated on 6/13/2025) Bayou Bijou Project dates: Jan 2025 - June 2025 Orient Express Builds Project dates: Spring 2024 and Jan 2020 - Apr 2021 Cape Albacore Builds Project dates: Sep 2023 - Feb 2024 Disney's Magic Kingdom Builds Project dates: Oct 2021 - May 2023) Ackney-upon-Sherne English Village Builds Project dates: Aug 2021 - Mar 2022) MISC BUILDS -- Personal builds and DNA Request team builds New build: Fallen Acres, 10/30/2024 2021-2023 / 2020 / 2019 / 2018 / 2013-2017 (updated 6/14/2025) SIMS AND SIM HOUSEHOLDS SIMS / SIM HOUSEHOLDS (updated 6/13/2025)
Stuck in Build/Buy Mode?
I was stuck in build mode with the never-ending hourglass circle. I was able to press F5 and go to Edit Town. I chose not to save, and when I was in Edit Town, I clicked the Return to Game button. It put me in live mode in map view. I was able to return to build mode and complete the change I did when it froze. If you're experiencing this issue, try the solution I provided.
"From CD Keys to Digital Days: My Journey with The Sims 3"
As a long-time fan and supporter of The Sims franchise,I truly appreciate the creativity,freedom,and uniqueness that these games offer.The Sims 3,in particular, holds a special place in my heart.Over the years,I've spent countless hours enjoying its rich gameplay and detailed customization options. With the shift to digital platforms and newer updates like version 1.69,it's clear that EA has worked to make The Sims 3 more compatible with modern systems.This version helps eliminate many of the old issues,such as launcher problems,login errors,or CD key verifications,which often troubled users of the physical versions. However,many dedicated fans, including myself,still own and cherish the original CD versions.It's unfortunate that these older copies can sometimes face limitations or connection errors,even when we have legally purchased and supported the game from the beginning.I believe that continued support for CD versions,or a more flexible transition to digital,would be a great way to honor the loyal player base. While The Sims 4 offers new features,its aesthetic and emotional depth—especially with mods or paid content—feels different from the charm and freedom of The Sims 3.I fully support original games and continue to stay loyal,but I deeply miss playing The Sims 3 freely,without technical or internet-related issues. This isn't a complaint or criticism,but rather a hopeful message from someone who loves The Sims series and wants to see it remain accessible and enjoyable for everyone—newcomers and longtime players alike. I once wished for a little puppy...but instead, I discovered The Sims 3 Pets.And even after five years,it was one of the most wonderful experiences I’ve ever had.❤️🦋
Sims 3: Female and Male Bathroom Doors
I play the Sims 3 on my Mac and when I send my sims to a public place, they are not able to use the restroom due to the error with the doors. Is there some way to fix this? I have been just placing the lots with regular doors but it’s kind of annoying that I am not able to use assign doors.
Broken laundry
So a few weeks ago I loaded my sims3 game and got a message some objects could be loaded. Suddenly laundry items we're not available reducing the gameplay quality. I thought it was an update so I deleted the game and reinstalled it without updates, the problem persists. Why would they do this and how do I get my game refunded?Freezes at Build/Buy
Hello, ever since the wonderful update that allows newer laptops to launch the game without doing all that extra stuff, I haven't really played my game because I haven't had the time. But, now, I'm ready. Except my laptop isn't now. I tried to play. And for a little while, it was okay. I was making a family. And then, I was editing the world by adding buildings in Bridgeport. Everything was kinda slow, but by the time I started to building a house on a medium sized lot, the game became SO SLOW. Lagging to the point where it was unplayable. Putting down one piece of furniture takes 10 minutes-and that's without even changing swatches. I haven't gone into to Live Mode, yet. Only CAS and Build Buy and World Edit. IDK what is wrong. I rarely use this Legion laptop for anything. And before the patch that made the game easier to launch, my game ran smoothly. The graphic were terrible, but I could play in any world without any problems-even Isla Paridiso. I could place homes. Build mansions. All that. IDK if my settings are messed up or what? The graphics are still bad. But now the game hardly works. My questions are: Do I need to change my settings in the game? I don't even know what that means or how to do it. Do y'all think it's my computer? The specs will be below. I don't understand any of this. If my specs are the issue, please tell me what laptop you're using. I have most of the packs, a lot of sims 3 store things, and some CC. But, I've had all this on older and flimsier laptops with no problem. But, it is something to consider. So if you have 3 packs, no CC, and your game is still slow... maybe your laptop wouldn't be the best for me. But I really appreciate you and happy simming! Here are my specs. Once more, IDK if this is even helpful, but I'm trying. Please help.Trying (and failing) to Raise a Building
In Bridgeport is this lovely custom apartment I built. However, because Sims 3 permits only five floors, I decided to elevate using CFE (I know, shouldn’t have). Now the building is a livid mess It had a foundation and a basement to which I can’t connect stairs. Worse, almost all the objects are “in rubble.” I’d really love some help without rebuilding. Here are some pics. Thanks all
