We still don’t have a release date for The Sims 5 – or Project Rene, whichever you prefer – but EA said today it’s still in the “early stages” of development. All your characters are plain people but it is you who create them all as well as invent all major events in their lives. It is a realistic life simulator where you become a full-fledged author of all life scenarios. And while The Sims 4 wasn’t free to play at its 2014 launch, it has been since October 2022, which is also when EA first teased the next generation of Sims. The Sims simulator has become one of the most popular games in this genre. The news doesn’t come as a huge shocker, as EA previously posted a job listing that called Project Rene “free-to-enter.” Still, it is the company’s first official confirmation that it’ll be free at launch, along with the fact that it won’t replace The Sims 4. “And in the future, a pack for purchase may be focused on winter sports with activities like ice dancing or a snowman building competition.” “For example, basic weather may be added to the core game for free, for everybody,” EA continued. Collect food and resources, craft items, build shelter and battle enemies solo or team up with up to seven friends.
EA further clarified that Project Rene “won’t begin with everything you have in The Sims 4,' but they 'plan to add new experiences and content to Project Rene over time.” Unsurprisingly, EA still plans to sell DLC for Project Rene, but promises to switch it up a bit. Explore vast, open worlds where the magic of LEGO® building and Fortnite collide.
