The Sims 4 has several years left? «123...Next Go

jackjack_k

So it would seem that with the recent addition to the console FAQ, that The Sims 4 on console will be getting all DLC that the PC game has, which is a big deal for console players, but could also be a big deal for PC players.

A lot of people were skeptical that while The Sims 4 is coming to console, in a year or so time, they'll announce The Sims 5 and The Sims 4 console will end up with the same fate as The Sims 3 console (planned DLC was cancelled).

So now that we KNOW that everything is coming to console from PC and Mac, does this confirm that EA is basically saying The Sims 4 is "just getting started" for other platforms and that we have several years for The Sims 4 yet?

Even with the announcement of The Sims 4 console, people were still skeptical on how long it would be supported for.

Thoughts?

TS1299

I think the timeline will last longer. We haven't got Seasons and University yet. There may even be many things that they are plannning for Sims 4 that we don't know yet. Time will tell if the lifespan of the game will last longer, because if we compare the timeline of The Sims 3, next year, if there is a new sims game, it will be announced and revealed on gaming conventions, and will be released a year later. However I doubt it will happen.

MidnightAura

Have they confirmed that the console will get all dlc? I read it as the dlc will not differ in any way from the pc version, not that the game is guaranteed all dlc. I've not read anywhere they have committed to bringing all 13 stuff packs, game packs and expansions over.

I think it will depend on console sales as to how much dlc it will get, I don't see many people who have bought everything for pc happy to re buy everything again. I know I'm not although a console version did raise my interest.

As for the pc version and how long it has left? I couldn't say, I know they have said it won't have the usual time line but I also feel that game is three years old now. Three years old. It's not a new release anymore and as much as I would like to see the issues fixed with the game and the game fully fleshed out I think at the current dlc schedule that will either take too long or perhaps it's just not possible.

jackjack_k

@MidnightAura wrote: »

Have they confirmed that the console will get all dlc? I read it as the dlc will not differ in any way from the pc version, not that the game is guaranteed all dlc. I've not read anywhere they have committed to bringing all 13 stuff packs, game packs and expansions over.

I think it will depend on console sales as to how much dlc it will get, I don't see many people who have bought everything for pc happy to re buy everything again. I know I'm not although a console version did raise my interest.

As for the pc version and how long it has left? I couldn't say, I know they have said it won't have the usual time line but I also feel that game is three years old now. Three years old. It's not a new release anymore and as much as I would like to see the issues fixed with the game and the game fully fleshed out I think at the current dlc schedule that will either take too long or perhaps it's just not possible.

Hm, maybe I misread it. I believe in Wulfsimmers thread about Get To Work footage being in the console trailer (which was actually base game) SimGuruDrake implied that they would be rolling out all the DLC.


Could be wrong!

MidnightAura

jackjack_k wrote: »

@MidnightAura wrote: »

Have they confirmed that the console will get all dlc? I read it as the dlc will not differ in any way from the pc version, not that the game is guaranteed all dlc. I've not read anywhere they have committed to bringing all 13 stuff packs, game packs and expansions over.

I think it will depend on console sales as to how much dlc it will get, I don't see many people who have bought everything for pc happy to re buy everything again. I know I'm not although a console version did raise my interest.

As for the pc version and how long it has left? I couldn't say, I know they have said it won't have the usual time line but I also feel that game is three years old now. Three years old. It's not a new release anymore and as much as I would like to see the issues fixed with the game and the game fully fleshed out I think at the current dlc schedule that will either take too long or perhaps it's just not possible.

Hm, maybe I misread it. I believe in Wulfsimmers thread about Get To Work footage being in the console trailer (which was actually base game) SimGuruDrake implied that they would be rolling out all the DLC.


Could be wrong!

Perhaps it's me that's wrong? I'm not sure. That's just my interpretation of the FAQ and I remember Sim Guru Duke saying on Twitter to watch this space about DLC as he wasn't sure if it was all coming.

But that was not long after the announcement. Things may have changed. I didn't think the first expansion they would roll out would be City Living so who knows what the plan is lol

I'm sure if they can get all the DLC on console they will. I notice though the console will not get boost weeks or special events.

Triplis

I'd say it's just one "hint" of many that they're planning to stretch this out for quite some time. With as well as TS4 is doing financially and how well it works on the level of handling additional content, there's just not much motivation for them to rush it to a finish. The main concerns that'd typically apply, like money, declining engagement or burnout from the audience, and impossible-to-handle software messes from content glut and incompatibility... none of them seem to actually apply at this point. So I think the question we should be asking isn't, "What's the proof that they're going to stretch it out?" I think we should instead be asking, "What significant motivator could they have to bring it to an end soon?"

If there's no indication of such a motivator, I think it's a safe bet that it's going to go significantly longer than normal. Stranger odds have won, but I'd bet on it breaking whatever pattern people are expecting.

Shadowmarked

Why does it matter anyways? The company will end ts4 when it does, there isn't anything we can do about it.
If one isn't enjoying the game right now I think it would be wise to think on if it is worth waiting and spending more money in hopes that maybe it will get better.
If one is waiting for the sims 5 I wouldn't hold your breath. It isn't confirmed, it isn't garenteed to be any better than ts4, and there is nothing to tell you how long you will wait. I would suggest just finding other stuff for a while, check in every now and again for announcements to see if ts5 is coming but otherwise waiting for and end probably won't do anything for you.
If one is enjoying the game continue experiencing stuff as it comes and don't fret for the end of the game, it will end someday so enjoy it while it's going and don't sweat about it.
Just my advice and thought take them and leave them as you please

Maybe I'm just weird for not anticipating the end of the game but I don't know it feels so out of my range as a consumer to influence that I don't get the excitement over it.
TS4 is my last sims game (I'm done buying the same content every iteration, makes my wallet too light) if it doesn't impress me by it's end, then I will go snatch up ts3 and play that (I really wish that game was less buggy but I'm hoping computers will run it better as tech advances) I'm not excited for the sims 4 end and the sims 5 but I'm also not really caring about this game continuing.

Anyways as per usual in these sorts of threads, I will not take anything as confirmation about this games end until they give a date on it. Until then I don't hold any weight in anything, marketing says stuff to get sales, people on the internet (on both sides) have strong biases on this games value and longevity, and so unless there is an official announcement I will not hold faith in this company doing anything.

BrokenChaos69

I think their plan to move to a "live service" with the Sims 4 meant increasing the lifespan for this version. The creation process for content seems to be very different this time, with more content in the works at once and being released more frequently. I imagine this will keep more people around longer to buy more stuff, and thus keep the game going longer.

I personally really enjoy this version of The Sims and don't mind it going on for years to come. Yes it has it's flaws, but I am able to cope and still have fun. I am always looking forward to what they got coming around the corner!

DominicLaurence

The console version is just coming out, we keep shouting for Seasons and other stuff to return, people are boiling with petitions and new ideas for the game, there's always new updates bringing additions and changes, the blacklash of toddlers ended, new simmers are coming, and the list could go on. To me, it seems like I'm talking about a game that was just released, not one that's about to end; geez, it seems fresher now than it did last year. Maybe now it's the time when we should start counting the usual lifespan.

Dannydanbo

I think and hope that S4 will go on longer than other versions. You can see in the forums, people have a lot of suggestions for future packs that they would like to see:

Farming
Alpine vacation
Crafting
Teen stuff
Elder Stuff
University
Apartments
Witches/magic/fairies
Werewolves
Fashion/photography/design
Apocalypse
Schooling
Sports
Small Pets
Zoo/Wild Animals
Carnival/Circus
Zombie
Cars
Beaches
Superstar

I myself have suggested several ideas:

Dude Ranch Vacation
Martial Arts/Dojo
Far East Stuff
Worlds to live in based on other cultures like:
Tokyo-An Asian world with Pagodas and zen gardens and cherry trees. etc.
Venice-An Italian Renaissance world with art, statues, outdoor restaurants, pigeon filled piazzas and water ways instead of roads.
Monte Carlo-A world of fancy hotels, restaurants and mansions for the elite who like to gamble and party.
Las Vegas-Bright lights, nightlife, gambling in casinos and entertainment (singing, magic, acrobat careers brought back)

And there are other ideas that I have missed or forgotten, so, yes, I think S4 can and will go on longer.

LenaDieters11

I do believe it will last longer. How much longer? I have no idea, but I doubt that they would release sims 5 (if ever) within the next three years. It's all just guessing though

Triplis

BeJaWa wrote: »

Why does it matter anyways? The company will end ts4 when it does, there isn't anything we can do about it.
If one isn't enjoying the game right now I think it would be wise to think on if it is worth waiting and spending more money in hopes that maybe it will get better.
If one is waiting for the sims 5 I wouldn't hold your breath. It isn't confirmed, it isn't garenteed to be any better than ts4, and there is nothing to tell you how long you will wait. I would suggest just finding other stuff for a while, check in every now and again for announcements to see if ts5 is coming but otherwise waiting for and end probably won't do anything for you.
If one is enjoying the game continue experiencing stuff as it comes and don't fret for the end of the game, it will end someday so enjoy it while it's going and don't sweat about it.
Just my advice and thought take them and leave them as you please

Maybe I'm just weird for not anticipating the end of the game but I don't know it feels so out of my range as a consumer to influence that I don't get the excitement over it.
TS4 is my last sims game (I'm done buying the same content every iteration, makes my wallet too light) if it doesn't impress me by it's end, then I will go snatch up ts3 and play that (I really wish that game was less buggy but I'm hoping computers will run it better as tech advances) I'm not excited for the sims 4 end and the sims 5 but I'm also not really caring about this game continuing.

Anyways as per usual in these sorts of threads, I will not take anything as confirmation about this games end until they give a date on it. Until then I don't hold any weight in anything, marketing says stuff to get sales, people on the internet (on both sides) have strong biases on this games value and longevity, and so unless there is an official announcement I will not hold faith in this company doing anything.

Personally, I find it interesting the mental exercise of applying reasoning to stuff like this and attempting to draw out accurate possibilities. That's the main draw for me in why it "matters." When speculating, I know I'm going to be wrong a lot, but it can be fun to try to figure out what's more likely to happen.

Cinebar

Since you did ask for 'thoughts', I think TS4 will last as long as the others and four years is about the limit before they get itchy and want to devote all their developers to the newer game (TS5) if there should be one. People would be amazed at the projects that never made it into any of these games, and were never leaked, and never got off the ground because time was up but was planned to look at again and maybe add, but time runs out for every thing eventually. I don't see TS4 lasting any longer than any of the others. You may get a good idea by Jan. of why some see the correlation of a game geared up to wind down.

Lomelindi7

I think we will get a new game in 2020. So yes I think sims 4 will last longer, but not much longer.

keylimepiesims

TS4 is really going to start showing it's age soon, I can maybe see the game lasting a year longer than the others, but yes I think we're not far away from TS5 or something new all together. I don't think the console version porting over the dlcs has anything to do with how long the game has left.
I love TS4 but I'm about ready for a new generation of sims.

bixters

Cinebar wrote: »

Since you did ask for 'thoughts', I think TS4 will last as long as the others and four years is about the limit before they get itchy and want to devote all their developers to the newer game (TS5) if there should be one. People would be amazed at the projects that never made it into any of these games, and were never leaked, and never got off the ground because time was up but was planned to look at again and maybe add, but time runs out for every thing eventually. I don't see TS4 lasting any longer than any of the others. You may get a good idea by Jan. of why some see the correlation of a game geared up to wind down.

It would be very disappointed if the game ended after 4 years with what little content we have and how slow content comes out. Such an enormous waste of energy and resources. People would be very disappointed. So much stuff will still be missing after only 4 years.

And if they do that, I will not buy the The Sims 5. I can guarantee you, it will not be good, most likely subscription based ($10 a month). Why sell more packs when we can charge everyone a monthly fee, and then give them even less? This is the way gaming is going. And all of the people who said "I'm looking forward to The Sims 5!" will either wise up and give up on EA or keep buying!

SimDestroyer

I'm pretty sure The Sims 4 has at least 3 years left. Big expansions such as seasons and university are still missing, and the team hasn't still done an expansion with a completely brand new idea that the series has never done before. The team also most likely has a lot ideas for game packs too, so I don't think we're going to see news of The Sims 5 until at least 2020.

Shadowmarked

Triplis wrote: »

BeJaWa wrote: »

Why does it matter anyways? The company will end ts4 when it does, there isn't anything we can do about it.
If one isn't enjoying the game right now I think it would be wise to think on if it is worth waiting and spending more money in hopes that maybe it will get better.
If one is waiting for the sims 5 I wouldn't hold your breath. It isn't confirmed, it isn't garenteed to be any better than ts4, and there is nothing to tell you how long you will wait. I would suggest just finding other stuff for a while, check in every now and again for announcements to see if ts5 is coming but otherwise waiting for and end probably won't do anything for you.
If one is enjoying the game continue experiencing stuff as it comes and don't fret for the end of the game, it will end someday so enjoy it while it's going and don't sweat about it.
Just my advice and thought take them and leave them as you please

Maybe I'm just weird for not anticipating the end of the game but I don't know it feels so out of my range as a consumer to influence that I don't get the excitement over it.
TS4 is my last sims game (I'm done buying the same content every iteration, makes my wallet too light) if it doesn't impress me by it's end, then I will go snatch up ts3 and play that (I really wish that game was less buggy but I'm hoping computers will run it better as tech advances) I'm not excited for the sims 4 end and the sims 5 but I'm also not really caring about this game continuing.

Anyways as per usual in these sorts of threads, I will not take anything as confirmation about this games end until they give a date on it. Until then I don't hold any weight in anything, marketing says stuff to get sales, people on the internet (on both sides) have strong biases on this games value and longevity, and so unless there is an official announcement I will not hold faith in this company doing anything.

Personally, I find it interesting the mental exercise of applying reasoning to stuff like this and attempting to draw out accurate possibilities. That's the main draw for me in why it "matters." When speculating, I know I'm going to be wrong a lot, but it can be fun to try to figure out what's more likely to happen.

Hmm ok then.
I guess I don't see enough to back up either side to make it any good as a debate.
Although maybe I'm going into this wrong, it isn't a debate it's a guessing game like a lottery, we are guessing in the lottery for when the game ends to see who will win, this who want more , those who just want the end to come, and those who want the new sims. It seems to be about as accurate as throwing stones blind folded, but hey no price to play.

Sure I'll throw a stone;
Maybe I misinterpreted previous stuff but I was under the impression that doing ports was faster than doing the initial development and that all the DLC would be coming out pretty much at the same time. Because of this I don't see how that would increase the lifespan of this game as the consul releases wouldn't eat up much time.
Also despite line service I am still seeing major bugs that need ironing out, so I'm not convinced on just how much more stable the game would/will be be. I'll throw my stone out to 2020 because it's an anniversary so at least there is something to make it different from all other years. It gives it some credibility to statements like this game not being the same release wise and the line service help theory.

AHolyToilet

If I had to guess, I'd say yes. If I recall correctly, the reason they gave for why the Sims 3 didn't recieve any more DLC is because they said the game couldn't handle any more. For the Sims 4, they said they'll continue to make content for the game until it "doesn't make sense". Whatever that means.

But for now, I'll assume they plan to release content until the game can't handle any more. And since the game is much more stable than the Sims 3, I'll guess it'll be a while before the Sims 4 calls it quits.

EDIT: Wish I could find the quote. Regardless, I'll guess content will be made for it for a longer while than the usual Sims games.

NeonHighways

I don't think the fact they released it on console will make it last longer. I think TS4 will last 2 more years or a bit more and they will release the content we already have quickly for console plus everything new that's coming. The packs we have are already developed, they don't need to make a mystery out of it and release each of them separated by several months. Maybe we'll even see monthly releases, who knows. But I don't see TS4 lasting more than 3 years from now. By then we would have every major pack players want and maybe some extras. I even thhink next year we might see 2 eps in one year, like in 2015.

samlyt22

If TS4 followed the schedule of TS3 then we would only have one more year of content, I don't think that's enough to add in the main content that people still feel is missing. Seasons, university, a celebrity system, vacation worlds, more supernaturals and lifestates. Not to mention all the things that aren't on the same level but are still deeply requested, such as transport, hobbies, romance/wedding, life events, farm/rural life. So I do think they will drag this out for at least a year or two extra.

Simfan923

I would say we have at least three years more years before we see the end of TS4. EPs are coming at a slower rate and it looks like they're making it known that one EP around the thanksgiving holiday is their go to. Like other's have mentioned above, University and Seasons are missing. Uni, Seasons and Pets have always been the Big Three (most popular EP themes) for the series with the exception of TS1. My guess is that next year we'll get one EP most likely in November, 3 or 4 SPs and hopefully 2 GPs (one of them being a supernatural lifestate). The way vampires was praised why wouldn't the add a new life state each year? Hopefully it'll be witches cause that's what I'm looking forward to.

Cinebar

bixters wrote: »

Cinebar wrote: »

Since you did ask for 'thoughts', I think TS4 will last as long as the others and four years is about the limit before they get itchy and want to devote all their developers to the newer game (TS5) if there should be one. People would be amazed at the projects that never made it into any of these games, and were never leaked, and never got off the ground because time was up but was planned to look at again and maybe add, but time runs out for every thing eventually. I don't see TS4 lasting any longer than any of the others. You may get a good idea by Jan. of why some see the correlation of a game geared up to wind down.

It would be very disappointed if the game ended after 4 years with what little content we have and how slow content comes out. Such an enormous waste of energy and resources. People would be very disappointed. So much stuff will still be missing after only 4 years.

And if they do that, I will not buy the The Sims 5. I can guarantee you, it will not be good, most likely subscription based ($10 a month). Why sell more packs when we can charge everyone a monthly fee, and then give them even less? This is the way gaming is going. And all of the people who said "I'm looking forward to The Sims 5!" will either wise up and give up on EA or keep buying!

After TS4 and this isn't an insult just an observation, I have little hope for the type of TS5 I would want.

Cinebar

samlyt22 wrote: »

If TS4 followed the schedule of TS3 then we would only have one more year of content, I don't think that's enough to add in the main content that people still feel is missing. Seasons, university, a celebrity system, vacation worlds, more supernaturals and lifestates. Not to mention all the things that aren't on the same level but are still deeply requested, such as transport, hobbies, romance/wedding, life events, farm/rural life. So I do think they will drag this out for at least a year or two extra.

Sure it is. A new beach destination for vacations equals one GP. A new seasons EP and maybe some sort of school pack (not necessarily university) and they can rap it up. That covers the basics of the others. They have already said they never meant for lifestates to be a tradition so don't hold your breath to get more.

Rebbilina

The sims 5 probably won't come until sims 4 stops making EA money. Seasons, University and Supernatural, or something like it, haven't been added yet and they've always been popular. Plus, we've only got one vacation spot, and many players would pay for more. Sims 3 became unplayable with too many EPs for a lot of people, which meant that they wouldn't buy more and that EA wouldn't make as much money. The game engine is much more stable now. Releasing sims 5 while they could still make money off sims 4 wouldn't be smart.

Plus, we've got GPs now. Previously, all the packs had to be either small or large. Now, we've got a medium, which enables even more pack. I don't see how Spa day would have worked as an EP and what to add to make it bigger, but it works really well as a GP.

aricarai

LesboKnope wrote: »

The sims 5 probably won't come until sims 4 stops making EA money. Seasons, University and Supernatural, or something like it, haven't been added yet and they've always been popular. Plus, we've only got one vacation spot, and many players would pay for more. Sims 3 became unplayable with too many EPs for a lot of people, which meant that they wouldn't buy more and that EA wouldn't make as much money. The game engine is much more stable now. Releasing sims 5 while they could still make money off sims 4 wouldn't be smart.

Plus, we've got GPs now. Previously, all the packs had to be either small or large. Now, we've got a medium, which enables even more pack. I don't see how Spa day would have worked as an EP and what to add to make it bigger, but it works really well as a GP.

@LesboKnope: That logic doesn't make sense to me as they've been doing that since The Sims 2 was released. The Sims 3 still makes money and I'm pretty positive that if The Sims 2 was available to purchase, it would too!