Summary
The Sims 4has taken on a unique tactic by releasing the base game for free and relying on its paid expansions to rake in the money instead. This isn’t a bad move, as with over a dozenSims 4Expansions, Stuff, and Kitsto choose from, there’s plenty for consumers to purchase if they wish.
A new feature added makes the additional packs feel a little less optional and puts pressure on players to make a purchase. With Project Rene in the works, this new feature inThe Sims 4could start things off on a bad foot.
A Shopping Cart Icon Appears in The Sims 4
Recently, a shopping cart icon has been added to the top menu. Click on it, and it recommends various packs for the player to purchase. Initially, this might seem innocuous, but it comes at the cost of constantly reminding players that there’s an Expansion they haven’t purchased or a Stuff addition they don’t have.
As though the base isn’t adequate, the shopping cart sits there as a constant source of temptation that some users further interpret as an instance ofElectronic Artsbeing greedy. Furthermore, it’s a button that’s easy for younger kids to click, so in the wrong circumstances, some parents might find themselves with unexpected expenses.
Is Adding the Shopping Cart Icon a Good Move for The Sims 4?
While EA and Maxis may see it as a way to drum up more sales in the present, it may not be good for building goodwill among players ofThe Simsfranchisein the long term. It serves as a constant reminder that they’re consuming a product meant to generate profit, which isn’t the most useful move within a game where immersion is particularly important.
The Shopping Cart and Project Rene
The shopping cart doesn’t build goodwill on the road to Project Rene’s release. LikeThe Sims 4, Project Rene will be free at launch with paid expansions made available. AsThe Sims 4has shown, this is a viable strategy that can benefit players and the developer. The increased focus on directing the player’s attention toward purchases suggests thatMaxis is doubling downon the strategy. This could lead to a base game that is free-to-play but is the barebones minimum, further pressuring players to make purchases.
There is already a bit ofcontroversy surrounding Project Renedue to leaked images that suggest it will feature very cartoonish graphics, so more negative attention is the last thing the game needs. Fortunately, it is still a while away from release, and Maxis has plenty of time to prove to players that Project Rene will be worth the long wait.
Time will tell whether the shopping cart icon will remain or whether it is merely an experiment that will disappear if it doesn’t enthuse fans. Either way,EA should tread carefullyto ensure that when Project Rene finally launches, it can hit the ground running.
The Sims 4
WHERE TO PLAY
Unleash your imagination and create a unique world of Sims that’s an expression of you. Download for free, and customize every detail from Sims to homes and much more. Choose how Sims look, act, and dress, then decide how they’ll live out each day. Design and build incredible homes for every family, then decorate with your favorite furnishings and décor. Travel to different neighborhoods where you can meet other Sims and learn about their lives. Discover beautiful locations with distinctive environments and go on spontaneous adventures. Manage the ups and downs of Sims’ everyday lives, and see what happens when you play out scenarios from your own real life. Tell your stories your way while developing relationships, pursuing careers and life aspirations, and immersing yourself in this extraordinary game, where the possibilities are endless
