Fans ofThe Sims 4are about to get some heart-warming family content. Not only has Electronic Arts revealed an upcoming update that includes an entirely new life stage, but a new expansion pack will accompany the update.The Sims 4 Growing Togetherpromises family-oriented gameplay and expanded social connection and interactivity mechanics. From building tree houses to hosting sleepovers, much of the content is designed around large groups of Sims. Although, the success ofGrowing Togethermight hinge less on the content itself and more on the problematic mechanics around group activities inThe Sims 4.
While Simmers have been able to grow large families in the game from the release of the originalSimsgame, there have been consistent issues regarding gameplay involving large groups. While using an open map inThe Sims 3allowed for more accessible travel and group activities, the problems around large groups worsened withThe Sims 4.The announcement trailer forGrowing Togetherseemed to emphasize gameplay between entire neighborhoods. Hopefully,The Simsdevelopment team has fixed what could be a game-breaking issue for the upcoming pack.
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WhileThe Sims 4 Growing Togethermight emphasize the issues with playing with multiple Sims, it’s not an isolated event. Playing with a large family of Sims has always been an added challenge, as the “action queue” that controls Sim behavior is the same regardless of household size. This requires a gamer playing with a family of eight Sims will have to wrangle every single one. Sims will also consistently only perform necessary actions if directed by the player, making spontaneous group activities virtually unheard of. For example, taking a family vacation inThe Sims 3: World Adventuresoften means guiding each family member through a juice tour or pyramid.
TheSimsfranchise also has a history of group-related gameplay not working out as planned. FromThe Sims 2: NightlifetoThe Sims 4: Dine Out,it can take multiple hours for Sims to go out for dinner successfully. The process requires getting Sims to sit down, someone taking their order, compelling them to eat their food, and more, all requiring direct intervention from the player.Similar issues occurred withThe Sims 4: My Wedding Storieswhen Sims refuse to sit for a wedding ceremony or don’t show up at all. InThe Sims 4: High School Years,teenage Sims often won’t show up or sit down at desks during class.
The Sims 4 Growing Together Has A Chance To Redeem or Reproach Group Gameplay
The upcoming family-oriented expansion pack has the opportunity to fix many of the issues that arise when playing with large groups of Sims.Fixing the issues around Sim autonomyin groups could make trips to San Sequoia Park possible and delightful. One of the highlighted features of the pack is group walks and other family activities. These gameplay features won’t be possible if only certain Sims respond to the interaction while others do not. It’s imperative for the fundamental issues with group gameplay to be updated and fixed alongside the major life stage update.
If the gameplay issues are resolved, many Simmers may interact with existingSims 4content in new ways. For instance, parties and group gatherings created withThe Sims 4: Get Togetherwill be more dynamic, andcollege dorms inThe Sims 4: Discover Universitywill be busy. If the issues are not fixed whenThe Sims 4is retired, there’s hope that the upcomingSims 5base game will overhaul all existing gameplay. This could potentially mean that Simmers could influence crowd control, take on managing families larger than eight Sims, or even experience more nuanced gameplay through new group mechanics.
The Sims 4is available now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
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