It's hard to believe that almost a decade has passed since the release of The Sims 4 base 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 to The Sims 4 is the Growing Together expansion 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 underwhelming Sims 4 content.
In fact, out of the entire Sims franchise, The Sims 4 might take the cake for the most decisive release. While the game has added unique elements with the Eco Lifestyle and High School Years packs, it has also been heavily criticized for technical issues, additional content that's been defined as "cash-grab," and underwhelming gameplay. Not to mention, the removal of The Sim 3's open-world exploration mechanics has dealt another blow to the franchise, making fans excited about the release of The Sims 5, aka "Project Rene." It remains to be seen if Growing Together will be the pack to win over fans who left The Sims 4 for greener pastures.
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 other inclusive elements to The Sims 4's gameplay. Even still, the franchise has struggled - especially compared to The Sims 3, one of the best-selling PC games of all time. Not only was The Sims 4 released 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 after Sims 3 content.
It's no wonder that Simmers looking for next-generation gameplay have become estranged from the games. What has been apparent since the release of The Sims 4 is 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 makes The Sims 4 an open-world game. While Growing Together might ultimately be the best-selling expansion pack for The 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 the announcement of the upcoming Sims 5 has fans ecstatic for a new game that answers their wants for The Sims 4. The release of another Sims 4 expansion 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 to The Sims 4 base game, and hopefully, Growing Together will 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 to The Sims 4 early childcare.
Hopefully, the Growing Together expansion will be released in a playable state, as the My Wedding Stories game 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 the Sims development team focuses on making this expansion a smash hit with fans, it could be confident that The Sims 4 will retain its player base. With the development of highly anticipated life simulators like Paralives that are direct competition for The Sims, it's more vital than ever for new Sims 4 content to deliver.
The Sims 4 is available now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.