The Sims Project Rene: Revolution or regression for fans?

For several weeks now, Sims fans have been buzzing with excitement. More and more information is leaking about a new expansion for The Sims 4, focusing on death and life (afterlife?), as well as reports about the next instalment of the game. Will The Sims Project Rene replicate the success of the previous series?

The Sims is a game with a long tradition. The first instalment was released in 2000 and immediately captured the hearts of fans worldwide. The Sims have grown up with players: successive instalments of the series attracted new players and those who have been playing it forever.

The sentiment (or preferences regarding gameplay) often leads experienced players to choose old and unsupported versions over the most current and graphically enhanced The Sims 4. Moreover, they jump through hoops to adopt new computers to run at least a decade-old (depending on the instalment) game. That's what dedication means!

Everything, however, indicates that Electronic Arts plans to move away from the well-known path of single-player gameplay. News recently spread that The Sims 5 will not be - instead, game developers are working on The Sims Project Rene - a multiplayer game that will likely be mobile.

Unlike the previous ones, the new instalment of the game is supposed to be completely free. But don't be misled. Such declarations from big companies may not be deceitful, but there's usually something behind them. In the case of games, microtransactions are most often used. If you want to improve your character's skills, collect coins. Want better equipment - pay. Want prettier clothes - you know what to do.

The most important leaks concerning The Sims Project Rene come from the Reddit portal of user DzXAnt22. He revealed that the game is currently being tested in mobile mode and will include several sections:

• For You
• Marketplace
• Multiplayer
• UGC (User Generated Content)

The game will also feature weekly events and a season pass, a paid subscription that unlocks access to special events or unique items. It can be compared to the Battle Pass in Fortnite.

In The Sims Project Rene, you can also play alone - the multiplayer mode is meant as an add-on and enrichment of the experience. The game will have a currency called SimCash.

The Create A Sim mode is intended to be more detailed than in The Sims series games and allows for precise creation of a character's figure, including adjusting their height. Wheelchairs are also supposed to be available in the game from the start.

Although it's just a test phase, nothing excuses the frightening and awkward characters we see in The Sims Project Rene. EA is focusing on children. Older players are likely not to be satisfied with the childish graphics. Even compared to The Sims 4, it's a considerable step back.

In the Live mode, the main storyline is about running a café. A task list appears on the panel that needs to be completed to earn simoleons, which can later be spent on clothes or other accessories. Players in multiplayer mode can communicate with each other via chat.

Fans of The Sims are currently sceptical. But... does the game have to cater to their tastes?

The latest expansion for The Sims 4 will be released on 31 October. It's no coincidence that this date was chosen, as Halloween is the perfect time to release a game focused on celebrating death. The first look at The Sims 4 Life and Death will be available today.

Leaks suggest that the game will feature a career as a dark reaper, the ability to write a will, and the ability to organise a wake, among other things.