It’s hard to believe that almost a decade has passed since the release ofThe Sims 4base game. Since then, developer Electronic Arts has released twelve expansion packs and twelve “game” packs that add additional content to the game, creating a rich legacy for this franchise iteration. The latest addition toThe Sims 4is theGrowing Togetherexpansion pack, slated for release on March 16th. While the expansion is an exciting reveal for any Simmers who enjoy family-oriented gameplay, it might be “too little, too late” for longtime fans burnt out by underwhelmingSims 4content.
In fact, out of the entireSimsfranchise,The Sims 4might take the cake for the most decisive release. While the game has added unique elements with theEco LifestyleandHigh School Yearspacks, it has also been heavily criticized for technical issues, additional content that’s been defined as “cash-grab,” and underwhelming gameplay. Not to mention, theremoval ofThe Sim 3’s open-worldexploration mechanics has dealt another blow to the franchise, making fans excited about the release ofThe Sims 5,aka “Project Rene.” It remains to be seen ifGrowing Togetherwill be the pack to win over fans who leftThe Sims 4for greener pastures.
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The Sims 4 Has Been A Difficult Sell With Longtime Simmers
The game has come a long way since its release, with recent updates adding glucose monitors, binders, and otherinclusive elements toThe Sims 4’s gameplay. Even still, the franchise has struggled - especially compared toThe Sims 3,one of the best-selling PC games of all time. Not onlywas The Sims 4released without much of the basic functionality of its predecessor - like different skin tones, toddlers, and basements - but the paid additional content for the game is modeled almost directly afterSims 3content.
It’s no wonder that Simmers looking for next-generation gameplay have become estranged from the games. What has been apparent since the release ofThe Sims 4is the blossoming modding community. Modders have created thousands of mods to fix issues in gameplay and make expansions of higher quality than official content - including a mod that makesThe Sims 4an open-world game. WhileGrowing Togethermight ultimately be the best-sellingexpansion pack forThe Sims 4,it can’t be ignored that family ties and social dynamics should have been in the game from the start.
How The Sims 4 Growing Together Can Win Simmers Back Before The Sims 5 Is Released
It’s no secret that theannouncement of the upcomingSims 5has fans ecstatic for a new game that answers their wants forThe Sims 4.The release of anotherSims 4expansion pack might have been unexpected for Simmers, but it ultimately gives Electronic Arts another chance to win players back to the franchise. The addition of a new “infant” life stage is an exciting update toThe Sims 4base game, and hopefully,Growing Togetherwill add meaningful content to complement the change. Items teased in the trailer, like infant carriers, breastfeeding, and changing tables, could add a much-needed layer of immersion toTheSims 4early childcare.
Hopefully, theGrowing Togetherexpansion will be released in a playable state, as theMy Wedding Storiesgame pack was riddled with bugs upon release. Ultimately, while new content is a plus, what players might want more is gameplay that adds depth and realism, and also delivers on what was advertised. If theSimsdevelopment team focuses on making this expansion a smash hit with fans, it could be confident thatThe Sims 4will retain its player base. With the development of highly anticipatedlife simulators likeParalivesthat are direct competition forThe Sims,it’s more vital than ever for newSims 4content to deliver.
The Sims 4is available now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
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