Recent reports confirm that The Sims 5 is not currently under development at Electronic Arts (EA), as the game studio has shifted its attention towards a different multiplayer endeavor. Instead of working on a new installment in The Sims series, EA is channeling resources into enhancing The Sims 4, a title that has been around for a decade. While initial indications suggested that Project Rene had been abandoned, according to a statement by Variety, the project remains in progress and is positioned as a separate multiplayer project within The Sims universe.
EA has explicitly stated that there are no immediate plans for a sequel to The Sims 4, marking it as the longest-running version in the franchise’s history since the original game’s release 25 years ago. The Sims 4 will continue to receive both free updates and paid expansions, ensuring a sustained level of engagement for its player base.
In tandem with ongoing support for The Sims 4, EA is exploring new avenues by introducing a multiplayer mode in a forthcoming project. Additionally, EA is collaborating with Sims content creators to enable them to market their custom in-game assets through the EA store, a feature reminiscent of The Sims 3.
Kate Gorman, a representative from EA, highlighted concerns about discontinuing The Sims 4 in favor of The Sims 5, particularly due to the significant investment of players in the former over the past decade. With over 80 million active players globally and a vibrant social media community, EA intends to sustain the franchise’s momentum by evolving the current iteration rather than starting anew.
Recently, EA announced plans to address longstanding issues in The Sims 4 based on feedback from fans. Additionally, an “exciting base game update” is scheduled for release ahead of a major expansion in October, with details gradually being unveiled. Among the anticipated updates is the Life and Death expansion, offering insights into tarot-related content, potential new professions, and skills.
EA has promised further insights into Project Rene in the near future, shedding light on the multiplayer ambitions that the Sims team has been refining over several years. While previous attempts at a multiplayer Sims experience, such as The Sims Online, met with limited success before its eventual closure in 2008, EA remains committed to exploring innovative multiplayer opportunities within The Sims universe.
