EA's New Sims Concept Leaks Online, Fans Unhappy

A video that allegedly showcases gameplay from the next installment of The Sims has surfaced online, sparking concern and debate among the franchise's dedicated fanbase. Known internally as Project Rene, this project has been rumored to be The Sims 5, though EA has clarified that Project Rene is actually a spin-off. Recent leaks from a game titled "City Life Game With Friends" have led many to believe it could be the next evolution of the beloved series.

The leaked video, which runs for 20 minutes, features a player navigating through various text prompts to customize their character's appearance and activities. The gameplay then transitions to a bustling Plaza de Poupon where the player's Sim purchases food and interacts with other Sims. The video also shows the player's Sim working at an outdoor café, all while using the iconic Plumbob and speaking in Simlish, hallmarks of The Sims series.

"EA clearly wants to kill off normal Sims games and push people toward the mobile-style experience. So in their mind, a reboot literally means this — at least that’s what I THINK," the player continued. Another fan echoed this sentiment, stating, "This is not going to be for me, I can tell already. It just seems so basic and I don't want to play The Sims on my phone."

However, not all feedback was negative. One fan suggested, "The funny thing is, making a PC/mobile cross-compatible Sims game isn't a bad idea. EA just believes that mobile games HAVE to be ugly for some reason. They're chasing all of the design trends of the past decade, but it means that this thing already looks dated and it's not even out yet."

Another fan reflected on the series' thematic evolution, saying, "The way The Sims was literally a satire about capitalist suburban consumption-as-happiness... And this is where the Sims ended up. Endless consumption-as-happiness."

First teased in 2022 during a Behind the Sims Summit, Project Rene is a free-to-play game that incorporates multiplayer elements inspired by Animal Crossing and Among Us. Although it has not been officially revealed or given a release date, EA has conducted small, invite-only playtests since its announcement. These tests are likely the source of the recent leaks.

The name "Rene" was chosen to signify "renewal, renaissance, and rebirth," reflecting the developers' commitment to a vibrant future for The Sims franchise. However, last October, images from Project Rene's closed online test leaked, leading to criticism regarding the game's art style, limited features, and the inclusion of microtransactions. The addition of a café, reminiscent of 2018's The Sims Mobile, further fueled skepticism.

In response to the leaks, EA clarified that Project Rene is not The Sims 5 but a distinct "cosy, social game" within the Sims universe. Meanwhile, fans of the series were reminded of the franchise's roots with the return of The Burglar in the latest update for The Sims 4, adding a nostalgic touch to the ongoing developments.