The implementation of daily login rewards and churn of microtransactions in The Sims 4 has frustrated players and left many concerned about The Sims 5.
The Sims’ development team announced plans for numerous patches, two new kits, and one aspect. Overshadowing all that was the introduction of daily login rewards. Many Sims players have bemoaned the game’s expensive and buggy DLC, calling for cheaper access or fewer glitches at launch.
Instead, more buggy microtransactions keep getting piled on.
While the addition of daily login rewards may seem like a good thing, fans are suspicious of EA’s intentions. With The Sims 5 in development, many wonder if EA Games is taking a mobile game-style approach, offering nickel-and-dime microtransactions and rewards for regular play. EA has done this in the past, with quality suffering as a result.
How much does The Sims 4 cost with all DLC?
Buying The Sims 4 with every expansion pack, game pack, stuff pack, bundle, and kit costs over $1,300.
After calls from players for greater affordability, EA made the base version of The Sims 4 free. That’s just a drop in the bucket, though. The large expansion packs and smaller microtransactions still make the game a major investment for players.
Making things worse is that major expansion packs, even older ones, can be close to unplayable due to bugs. While fans and content creators ought to be excited over the series due to the looming release of The Sims 5, there’s instead an apparent malaise.
The Sims 4 controversy frustrates YouTubers, even as The Sims 5 looms
YouTubers including Kayla “lilsimsie” Sims, Kelsey Impicciche, and James Turner have voiced frustration over the state of The Sims.
In a recent video about the daily logins, lilsimsie stated that she didn’t like the idea of limited-edition items. She added that the DLC is already alienating enough, and further stratifying the fandom doesn’t help. Even James Turner, who tends to stay positive in Let’s Plays, often comments on lag and bugs.
Things may be set to improve with the announcement of a team to “invest in the core game experience.” Part of their duties will include “tackling technical issues within The Sims 4.” Fans have already seen this in practice, with a laundry list of bug fixes in May 2024.
With The Sims 5 looming, the established fandom is guarded as it watches EA’s next move.
Will the publisher finally listen? Will The Sims 5 be more affordable? Will previous packs with major glitches be fixed? Will DLC be more playable from the time it first releases? Will daily rewards actually be rewarding and a fun new twist on daily dabbling, or will they be more of a stressor? Time will tell.
