The Sims 4 will permanently go free-to-play starting 18 October 2022, according to a recent announcement by publisher Electronic Arts (EA) and the title’s developer, Maxis (not to be confused with the local telco that bears the same name). This applies to all platforms that the popular life simulation video game is available on, which includes Origin and Steam for both PC and Mac, as well as PlayStation and Xbox systems.
Keep in mind that only the base version of The Sims 4 will be offered to be completely free of charge. Which means that you’d still have to spend a pretty penny if you wish to complete the experience by including all of the title’s expansion packs, game packs, stuff packs, and kits. To this date, there are currently a dozen expansions available, with High School Years being the latest pack released back in late July this year. For your reference, the game is currently available on Steam for RM 79, while the total cost to own all of its existing collection of DLCs is a jaw-dropping RM 3,643.
Downloadable content notwithstanding, rest assured that the game’s upcoming shift won’t see any sudden inclusions of microtransactions – an element that is often included in a majority of free-to-play titles, including the franchise’s own The Sims FreePlay mobile game which is currently available for iOS and Android devices. Neither EA or Maxis explained why The Sims 4 is becoming a free title after eight years of its release, though it is speculated that a sequel to the game may finally be announced during the upcoming Behind The Sims Summit live stream that is scheduled to take place on 18 October 2022 at 10 am Pacific Time (1 am on 19 October for local time) – the same day as the title’s shift to free-to-play.
In a statement, Maxis says it is “more dedicated than ever” to develop new experiences for players, and will continue to create and release various packs, kits and Sims Delivery Express drops now that The Sims 4 base game is going free. Additionally, both the developer and EA note that players who have purchased the title prior to the forthcoming shift will receive the Desert Luxe Kit add-on for free starting from 14 September until 17 October 2022. A strange choice, as the same kit is currently being offered for free on Steam.
More players! More stories! More ways to chaos! ✨
The Sims 4 will be FREE to download across PC/Mac & Consoles on October 18!More updates to follow during a special Behind The Sims Summit stream: https://t.co/89B3MDdeek pic.twitter.com/W4Gjg3xl75
— The Sims (@TheSims) September 14, 2022
Anyway, if you’ve not played The Sims 4 for whatever reason since its release back in 2014, then its free-to-play transition next month is undeniably the best time for you to finally give it a shot. Even without its expansions and add-ons, the base game on its own has received numerous critical acclaim for its addictive and fun gameplay.
(Source: EA [official website])
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