Good grief! You people are ridiculous sometimes. The developers don't owe us a thing. You guys get out your pitchforks every month when you don't see something that pleases you. I applaud Kate and her measured words with a community who acts like little children all the time.
[Talking toilets and other technology is a big thing in Japan and other parts of the world.
The talking toilet was a small feature to reflect the multicultural aspects of San Myshuno, along with the food stalls, the decor pieces and the CAS. I don't get why people make such a big deal about it.
Silliest thing in the game, imo....but I use the heck out of the talking toilet so I'm certainly not ungrateful. Well said, @stilljustme2...people should be more respectful of the fact that their culture is not the ONLY culture in the world and that the Sims franchise is, in fact, a global one. The complaints about names from San Myshuno is also in this bucket, imo.
People should also be respectful of the fact that people, even the devs, SHOULD be allowed to spend their free time however the heck they want! I'm honestly a little ashamed of the community for how many people are implying that this is not the case...
I can understand the frustration of some of the people here. The last expansion pack had a world so tiny an ant could barely move around in it. Even if this Alexa project was done on their own time, I rather they spent their own time fixing bugs or making bigger worlds. How many times have we heard, we didn't have time to add something in when they could have taken their passion time and added it in. I am not trying to be negative but special projects are a hard pill to swallow when we have so many bugs in the game and they are releasing expansion with a world with eleven lots.
I can't. I also can't really understand how people think they should have a say in what someone does outside their paid work hours. That's called slavery. Besides, one guy wasn't gonna fix game-breaking bugs or expand DSV in his off-time.
Because I am not convinced it was done in their free time because there was LITERALLY nothing coming out for the game in January. If it was done in their free time, where is the monthly patch?
Personally, I think the Devs live in the bubble of elitists from silicon valley. At least that is the impression they keep projecting. These "side projects" are not seen as productive, cool, or even positive. I know I have asked for more gameplay that does not rely on my sims using any electronic devices. I also do not know anyone personally who has an alexa device, so it must be one of those devices I view as for the lazy.
[Talking toilets and other technology is a big thing in Japan and other parts of the world.
The talking toilet was a small feature to reflect the multicultural aspects of San Myshuno, along with the food stalls, the decor pieces and the CAS. I don't get why people make such a big deal about it.
Silliest thing in the game, imo....but I use the heck out of the talking toilet so I'm certainly not ungrateful. Well said, @stilljustme2...people should be more respectful of the fact that their culture is not the ONLY culture in the world and that the Sims franchise is, in fact, a global one. The complaints about names from San Myshuno is also in this bucket, imo.
People should also be respectful of the fact that people, even the devs, SHOULD be allowed to spend their free time however the heck they want! I'm honestly a little ashamed of the community for how many people are implying that this is not the case...
I am not assuming it wasn't done in his free time for no reason. I just don't get how it COMPLETELY didn't take time away from his job yet this stream focused on nothing but that side-project. If he didn't work on it, yesterday's stream was supposed to not include a Sims 4 segment?
People should also be respectful of the fact that people, even the devs, SHOULD be allowed to spend their free time however the heck they want! I'm honestly a little ashamed of the community for how many people are implying that this is not the case...
Im still looking for a comment saying the devs should not do these things in their free time.
When they said Alexa skill I got worried they mean't an actual ingame skill.
Alexa support is def something I wasn't expecting, I have an Alexa on my tablet I got for Christmas but most likely won't use it, since I can just pause. its likes voice controls right? Make your sim actually take care of themselves while you make a sandwich (cause god knows they can't).
Compared to how angry I would have been if they announced they are done with occults and won't do Witches, I am perfectly happy.
Oh I would've had a stroke if they said "Oh Sims 4 is going into a more realistic route, no more fun just boring realism"
But yeah pretty much my point of view, its like the echos from Super Smash Bros. Not taking a "slot" just something extra thrown in.
the only thing I don't believe is it isn't sponsored, its not like EA pays them much
Sort of afraid to ask here because I don't want to get caught in the middle of something but...can someone fill me in? I'm not on Twitter and I don't watch Maxis Monthly. From what I've gathered, something is happening with Amazon's Alexa and Maxis. Is this irl or in-game?
Some Devs in their free time have been working on getting something done with Alexa. It's outside of the game and you can interact with Alexa on some fun things to do with The Sims like, trivia, playing music from all the sims games and some fun facts about The Sims.
I won't have a device of that nature in my house. So, EA, fine. I'll not be using it — at all.
Personally, I think the Devs live in the bubble of elitists from silicon valley. At least that is the impression they keep projecting. These "side projects" are not seen as productive, cool, or even positive. I know I have asked for more gameplay that does not rely on my sims using any electronic devices. I also do not know anyone personally who has an alexa device, so it must be one of those devices I view as for the lazy.
To you maybe, but to many people they get enjoyment out of it. I didn’t care for third person view but lots of people did/do. And if it’s true that the gardener is the result of a side project then plenty of people liked that. I agree I want my sims to have less dependence on electronics but arguably they are mimicking real life which I don’t like but what can I do? That’s the sims 4, it jumps on anything “trendy”
And Alexa devices for the lazy? Perhaps for some. But I see my disabled Aunt using Alexa to help her with every day tasks around the home that she struggles with due to being in a wheelchair and having limited movement due to an accident. She now can turn off and on appliances and check on her baby and it’s helping her to feel independent. It also means we can video chat with her and we can keep in touch with her and vice versa so for her it’s life changing.
@MidnightAura thank you! I was just about to say this. Alexa is helpful to a lot of people in this way.
Different people enjoy different features, and giving people a variety gives everyone a turn at an enjoyable feature. This particular thing was done literally with someone's free time...and we don't have a say in what they do with that. The fact that someone works all the time for stuff for people here and then still wants to make more in their free time and is berated and hated for it just because it's not what they would have wanted is absurd.
Sort of afraid to ask here because I don't want to get caught in the middle of something but...can someone fill me in? I'm not on Twitter and I don't watch Maxis Monthly. From what I've gathered, something is happening with Amazon's Alexa and Maxis. Is this irl or in-game?
Some Devs in their free time have been working on getting something done with Alexa. It's outside of the game and you can interact with Alexa on some fun things to do with The Sims like, trivia, playing music from all the sims games and some fun facts about The Sims.
I won't have a device of that nature in my house. So, EA, fine. I'll not be using it — at all.
I don't have or won't ever have them either but I won't moan about them giving the option to those that do. I actually really like that they just randomly give us something that isn't planned. I get use out of the first person view and terrain tools, so there'll probably be something else I will use in the future. If they decide to keep giving us extra stuff that is.
Good grief! You people are ridiculous sometimes. The developers don't owe us a thing. You guys get out your pitchforks every month when you don't see something that pleases you. I applaud Kate and her measured words with a community who acts like little children all the time.
Keep in mind this isnt the community at large. A lot of us was pleased with the news yesterday.
What pray tell does the Alexa skill have to do with The Sims 4 pc version? Download on Android? I thought most have iPhones. And wouldn't that mean this is for The Sims Mobile, or Freeplay? And if so, who gives a flying fig when we play the pc version.
ETA: And if you want Sims to continue while you run to a bathroom why not enable the ability to set eight (8) commands in the queue (like in the older games) again? Wouldn't that be news since these Sims can't carry out two things in a queue.
"Games Are Not The Place To Tell Stories, Games Are Meant To Let People Tell Their Own Stories"...Will Wright.
TS4 without Terrian Tools is like Windows 8 or 10 without the Start Menu.
Not going to search through replies to see if anyone has mentioned this, but like, you do realize that they aren't just a freestanding indie gaming company... right? Amazon probably paid them a hefty chunk of cash to do this specific thing. They have goals and deadlines and milestones to reach that are part of working for a large company. Sometimes those are things we don't see. They're DEFINITELY already working on new content for us - just be patient. And I think it's safe to say that the ENTIRE team wasn't working on this one Alexa thing, which is so small. I'm sure there was a small group of devs dedicated to this, while the rest were working on the other components to be released.
Ez debunk for the "It didn't take away any resources" statement being thrown around.
If it truly was a sidejob and was just done for fun, why is there no proper patch this month? I'll wait.
Because:
1. We got a patch last month
2. Everyone just got back from the holidays
3. It's only the 8th. We might still get a patch.
The thing bolded there would not fly at my old career. I would have been fired for saying everyone just got back from the holidays. Also, I would have been fired if I had the excuse it's only the 8th. That is forty hours passed 5 work days x 8 hours a day...It's funny the excuses around here, they wouldn't fly in the real world in my neck of the woods.
"Games Are Not The Place To Tell Stories, Games Are Meant To Let People Tell Their Own Stories"...Will Wright.
TS4 without Terrian Tools is like Windows 8 or 10 without the Start Menu.
Am I just an old fogey who is suspect of Alexa products in the real world, let alone the sim world..?? It's hard for me to understand why this feature would be necessary and without casting any shade, I cannot reasonably believe that something like this would be a "passion project" for anyone.... Regardless of that, I also doubt that the majority of simmers will be ecstatic to use this feature... Of course just speaking from my own perspective but it seems like a reach to remain relevant in the greater tech world that will probably be a fail. Then again, I would never have an Alexa in my own home so maybe people who are really accustomed to using theirs would think this is a great feature! Nonetheless an interesting way to spend development time and money.
Nonetheless an interesting way to spend development time and money.
sigh lol
I'm sighing right here with you. It could cost $0 (it probably did, reading these comments and just looking at the feature....) and I would still be scratching my head about this haha. Just one of those things I guess if you can't understand the point of something you're not even interested in then you oughta stick your nose somewhere else. Which I will now do
These maxis monthly’s lack enthusiasm and overall fun. They’re just plain boring. Also, “better communication” would be between us AND them. It’s not like they’re sitting there live streaming our thoughts and questions, they’re just talking to each other and announcing various things.
Also, can we be done with tying TS4 into the latest technology/trend? Baby Ariel.. the girl from stranger things.. now Alexa. Let’s focus on incorporating things that should’ve been here 4 years ago.
Ok there are a few things I want to comment on, address, clarify from this thread.
First, the comment that the Alexa Skill was developed in partnership with Amazon and that it was paid/sponsored. This is 110% not true. If something is paid or sponsored we legally must disclose that. Amazon did not reach out to us to develop this, nor did we reach out to Amazon to see if they wanted to partner with us. Instead, a single Dev thought of this idea and worked with a few other Devs who were interested to bring it to life and create it outside of their TS4 development responsibilities.
Second, the idea that if they had not worked on this new Alexa Skill we would have released a patch in January for TS4 PC/Mac or Console. There was never a patch in January scheduled. Had the Alexa Skill not been in development or on the docket for release this month we still would not have released a patch in January. There are many reasons for this, much of it to do with how our development schedule is laid out, other content we are currently working on (paid and free), and the fact that we (EA) actually shut down the entire office (globally) between Christmas and New Years. Patches are scheduled VERY far in advance (we are talking months) and are done so in a manner that align with the overall development schedule for the year.
Third, this sentiment that the Dev Team should remain chained to their desks and only work on in game content, and that passion projects are a waste of time. The Maxis Dev Team is one of the hardest working teams out there, and they are incredibly passionate about TS4, TSM, TSFP, and all past and future projects. One of the coolest things about Maxis is that they actively encourage Devs to work on side projects outside of their time required for primary project development (such as a patch or pack). By providing this opportunity it allows them to remain engaged and excited for what they are working on, thus preventing burnout (which as many know is a very real thing). All of this means that they can continue to create high quality content for the games you are so passionate about. Sometimes a Dev's passion project is something like First Person Camera. Sometimes it's something like a new career or NPC in the game. And yes, sometimes it's creating a fun little Alexa skill for those who have an Alexa and love The Sims. For passion projects Devs are encouraged to work on things they find interesting because when you work on things you enjoy it means you will produce high quality results.
Now, Maxis Monthly. When we first announced Maxis Monthly I stated that not every Maxis Monthly would include revealing new content for TS4 (or TSM or TSFP). I also made it very clear from the first Maxis Monthly that new PAID content (that means EPs/GPs/SPs) would not be announced during these streams. There are multiple reasons for this, but basically it comes down to the way we announce new paid content. Now that being said, the goal of Maxis Monthly was to talk ALL things Maxis. This means that sometimes we would have something new to show for every single current game in our portfolio, and sometimes (like this month) we would have nothing. This is simply the nature of how game development works. It's pure luck (or coincidence) that prior to yesterday every Maxis Monthly had included new content reveals for TS4. Yes, I know this meant the community had come to expect certain things in the streams. Yes, I knew that the first MM in which we didn't reveal new content for TS4 would result in dissatisfaction. Though some many not think so, I know this community VERY well. That's why, compared to previous MM, we did not hype this live stream. That's why I called what we were showing "nifty" instead of mind blowing. That's why I sent out gentle reminders to the community that not all streams would show off new in-game content. Short of saying "this is what you will be seeing" I could not have been more clear and forthcoming that the January MM would not be showing off new TS4 content. However all that being said, the level of vitriol seen during yesterday's announcement was beyond what even I expected, and to be honest, was beyond what was appropriate. Do I think it would have been better to not show off Alexa during the stream? Absolutely not. That stream was the perfect place to show off this cool new product. Yes, we could have immediately said up front at the top of the stream that it was not sponsored/paid, and that was a huge learning lesson.
So knowing some of the community wouldn't be happy with no new content coming for TS4, why didn't I wait to share Alexa? Because it's coming out next week and the Devs who worked on it wanted to show it off and this was the right time and way to do so. But why didn't I talk about things coming later this year? Because I can't. My hands are literally tied. Due to some interesting legal reasons (it's pretty in depth and complicated) revealing content too early would result in us being in some legal and financial hot water. Additionally doing so would not only result in me likely losing my job, but could put our Development and Marketing Teams in very difficult positions. And remember, though at this point I sound like a broken record, just because we don't explicitly share what the team is working on at the moment (because we can't), doesn't mean we aren't working on multiple packs, free content, and more. We will continue to evaluate how we approach content announcements and whether or not the Maxis Monthly adds value for enough individuals and make changes where/if necessary.
Now the final thing I want to address is that passion and frustration never excuses basic human decency in how you interact with others. While everyone, especially a consumer of a product, has a right to express frustration, or be critical of the product, this does not give them the right to hurl insults at the Developers (or creator of the product). And if a person does choose to engage this way (which free will and freedom of speech allows) the individual which they are directing it at is under no obligation to listen or engage with that individual (because free will and all). It does not matter if that person is a Developer, a Customer Service person, or yes, a Community Manager. Yes, we choose these careers, and yes some of us even put ourselves in the public eye, but that does not mean we have to tolerate individuals spewing hate or vitriol. There are many appropriate ways to provide criticism or share your opinion in a way that does not include excessive ongoing negativity or insults.
Appropriate: I have zero interest in this new Alexa Skill they announced and I wish it had been something different. I feel they could have used their time differently or developed something different.
Unnecessary: This Alexa Skill is so stupid, why are they wasting their time on this? They are so stupid and this is pointless and they never listen to us and the game is doomed.
I have seen a number who have stated their thoughts in the first way, but have seen far more communicating in the second manner. And even with the first way of sharing your thoughts, we often wont reply. And not because we don't see it or only want positive feedback, but because not every message needs a response. Oftentimes there is almost nothing one could say to either of the above that would add value or make the individual happy or satisfied. So many times in these situations it is better to say nothing at all. We gather the feedback and we pass it onto those who can impact change.
I hope this has helped provide more clarity or insight. Remember, I dont expect every individual to like every single thing that we do, or even like me or the Devs. That's absolutely ok and to be expected. One of the best things (but sometimes the hardest thing to handle) about The Sims community is how varied it is. This is an incredibly diverse community and there are so many different ways to enjoy The Sims. But what I do expect is for people to be respectful.
Wow @SimGuruKate - that was a very thorough and eloquent response. Thank you so much for diving in deep on this one. I apologize for my own expression of a partnership with Amazon - that was just my assumption.
You guys are the best, keep doing what you're doing!
Wow @SimGuruKate - that was a very thorough and eloquent response. Thank you so much for diving in deep on this one. I apologize for my own expression of a partnership with Amazon - that was just my assumption.
You guys are the best, keep doing what you're doing!
To be honest it was a huge miss for us to not state at the very beginning it wasn't a paid partnership. It was also a miss that we didn't state that the Alexa Skill was free. We had a lot we wanted to show off about it and missed in that area. So it was absolutely within the rights of the viewer/consumer to think that it could have been sponsored.
Comments
Silliest thing in the game, imo....but I use the heck out of the talking toilet so I'm certainly not ungrateful. Well said, @stilljustme2...people should be more respectful of the fact that their culture is not the ONLY culture in the world and that the Sims franchise is, in fact, a global one. The complaints about names from San Myshuno is also in this bucket, imo.
People should also be respectful of the fact that people, even the devs, SHOULD be allowed to spend their free time however the heck they want! I'm honestly a little ashamed of the community for how many people are implying that this is not the case...
The Winters family Chronicle
Because I am not convinced it was done in their free time because there was LITERALLY nothing coming out for the game in January. If it was done in their free time, where is the monthly patch?
WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?
I am not assuming it wasn't done in his free time for no reason. I just don't get how it COMPLETELY didn't take time away from his job yet this stream focused on nothing but that side-project. If he didn't work on it, yesterday's stream was supposed to not include a Sims 4 segment?
WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?
Imagine judging people over using technology
Im still looking for a comment saying the devs should not do these things in their free time.
EA ID: Zasz_Zerg
Are you going to dispute the impression ads for those devices give? The impression the ads give is that those are for the lazy.
Alexa support is def something I wasn't expecting, I have an Alexa on my tablet I got for Christmas but most likely won't use it, since I can just pause. its likes voice controls right? Make your sim actually take care of themselves while you make a sandwich (cause god knows they can't).
Oh I would've had a stroke if they said "Oh Sims 4 is going into a more realistic route, no more fun just boring realism"
But yeah pretty much my point of view, its like the echos from Super Smash Bros. Not taking a "slot" just something extra thrown in.
I won't have a device of that nature in my house. So, EA, fine. I'll not be using it — at all.
http://www.getfreeebooks.com/star-trek-original-series-fan-fiction-trilogy/
To you maybe, but to many people they get enjoyment out of it. I didn’t care for third person view but lots of people did/do. And if it’s true that the gardener is the result of a side project then plenty of people liked that. I agree I want my sims to have less dependence on electronics but arguably they are mimicking real life which I don’t like but what can I do? That’s the sims 4, it jumps on anything “trendy”
And Alexa devices for the lazy? Perhaps for some. But I see my disabled Aunt using Alexa to help her with every day tasks around the home that she struggles with due to being in a wheelchair and having limited movement due to an accident. She now can turn off and on appliances and check on her baby and it’s helping her to feel independent. It also means we can video chat with her and we can keep in touch with her and vice versa so for her it’s life changing.
Different people enjoy different features, and giving people a variety gives everyone a turn at an enjoyable feature. This particular thing was done literally with someone's free time...and we don't have a say in what they do with that. The fact that someone works all the time for stuff for people here and then still wants to make more in their free time and is berated and hated for it just because it's not what they would have wanted is absurd.
I don't have or won't ever have them either but I won't moan about them giving the option to those that do. I actually really like that they just randomly give us something that isn't planned. I get use out of the first person view and terrain tools, so there'll probably be something else I will use in the future. If they decide to keep giving us extra stuff that is.
Keep in mind this isnt the community at large. A lot of us was pleased with the news yesterday.
ETA: And if you want Sims to continue while you run to a bathroom why not enable the ability to set eight (8) commands in the queue (like in the older games) again? Wouldn't that be news since these Sims can't carry out two things in a queue.
TS4 without Terrian Tools is like Windows 8 or 10 without the Start Menu.
The thing bolded there would not fly at my old career. I would have been fired for saying everyone just got back from the holidays. Also, I would have been fired if I had the excuse it's only the 8th. That is forty hours passed 5 work days x 8 hours a day...It's funny the excuses around here, they wouldn't fly in the real world in my neck of the woods.
TS4 without Terrian Tools is like Windows 8 or 10 without the Start Menu.
sigh lol
I'm sighing right here with you. It could cost $0 (it probably did, reading these comments and just looking at the feature....) and I would still be scratching my head about this haha. Just one of those things I guess if you can't understand the point of something you're not even interested in then you oughta stick your nose somewhere else. Which I will now do
Also, can we be done with tying TS4 into the latest technology/trend? Baby Ariel.. the girl from stranger things.. now Alexa. Let’s focus on incorporating things that should’ve been here 4 years ago.
First, the comment that the Alexa Skill was developed in partnership with Amazon and that it was paid/sponsored. This is 110% not true. If something is paid or sponsored we legally must disclose that. Amazon did not reach out to us to develop this, nor did we reach out to Amazon to see if they wanted to partner with us. Instead, a single Dev thought of this idea and worked with a few other Devs who were interested to bring it to life and create it outside of their TS4 development responsibilities.
Second, the idea that if they had not worked on this new Alexa Skill we would have released a patch in January for TS4 PC/Mac or Console. There was never a patch in January scheduled. Had the Alexa Skill not been in development or on the docket for release this month we still would not have released a patch in January. There are many reasons for this, much of it to do with how our development schedule is laid out, other content we are currently working on (paid and free), and the fact that we (EA) actually shut down the entire office (globally) between Christmas and New Years. Patches are scheduled VERY far in advance (we are talking months) and are done so in a manner that align with the overall development schedule for the year.
Third, this sentiment that the Dev Team should remain chained to their desks and only work on in game content, and that passion projects are a waste of time. The Maxis Dev Team is one of the hardest working teams out there, and they are incredibly passionate about TS4, TSM, TSFP, and all past and future projects. One of the coolest things about Maxis is that they actively encourage Devs to work on side projects outside of their time required for primary project development (such as a patch or pack). By providing this opportunity it allows them to remain engaged and excited for what they are working on, thus preventing burnout (which as many know is a very real thing). All of this means that they can continue to create high quality content for the games you are so passionate about. Sometimes a Dev's passion project is something like First Person Camera. Sometimes it's something like a new career or NPC in the game. And yes, sometimes it's creating a fun little Alexa skill for those who have an Alexa and love The Sims. For passion projects Devs are encouraged to work on things they find interesting because when you work on things you enjoy it means you will produce high quality results.
Now, Maxis Monthly. When we first announced Maxis Monthly I stated that not every Maxis Monthly would include revealing new content for TS4 (or TSM or TSFP). I also made it very clear from the first Maxis Monthly that new PAID content (that means EPs/GPs/SPs) would not be announced during these streams. There are multiple reasons for this, but basically it comes down to the way we announce new paid content. Now that being said, the goal of Maxis Monthly was to talk ALL things Maxis. This means that sometimes we would have something new to show for every single current game in our portfolio, and sometimes (like this month) we would have nothing. This is simply the nature of how game development works. It's pure luck (or coincidence) that prior to yesterday every Maxis Monthly had included new content reveals for TS4. Yes, I know this meant the community had come to expect certain things in the streams. Yes, I knew that the first MM in which we didn't reveal new content for TS4 would result in dissatisfaction. Though some many not think so, I know this community VERY well. That's why, compared to previous MM, we did not hype this live stream. That's why I called what we were showing "nifty" instead of mind blowing. That's why I sent out gentle reminders to the community that not all streams would show off new in-game content. Short of saying "this is what you will be seeing" I could not have been more clear and forthcoming that the January MM would not be showing off new TS4 content. However all that being said, the level of vitriol seen during yesterday's announcement was beyond what even I expected, and to be honest, was beyond what was appropriate. Do I think it would have been better to not show off Alexa during the stream? Absolutely not. That stream was the perfect place to show off this cool new product. Yes, we could have immediately said up front at the top of the stream that it was not sponsored/paid, and that was a huge learning lesson.
So knowing some of the community wouldn't be happy with no new content coming for TS4, why didn't I wait to share Alexa? Because it's coming out next week and the Devs who worked on it wanted to show it off and this was the right time and way to do so. But why didn't I talk about things coming later this year? Because I can't. My hands are literally tied. Due to some interesting legal reasons (it's pretty in depth and complicated) revealing content too early would result in us being in some legal and financial hot water. Additionally doing so would not only result in me likely losing my job, but could put our Development and Marketing Teams in very difficult positions. And remember, though at this point I sound like a broken record, just because we don't explicitly share what the team is working on at the moment (because we can't), doesn't mean we aren't working on multiple packs, free content, and more. We will continue to evaluate how we approach content announcements and whether or not the Maxis Monthly adds value for enough individuals and make changes where/if necessary.
Now the final thing I want to address is that passion and frustration never excuses basic human decency in how you interact with others. While everyone, especially a consumer of a product, has a right to express frustration, or be critical of the product, this does not give them the right to hurl insults at the Developers (or creator of the product). And if a person does choose to engage this way (which free will and freedom of speech allows) the individual which they are directing it at is under no obligation to listen or engage with that individual (because free will and all). It does not matter if that person is a Developer, a Customer Service person, or yes, a Community Manager. Yes, we choose these careers, and yes some of us even put ourselves in the public eye, but that does not mean we have to tolerate individuals spewing hate or vitriol. There are many appropriate ways to provide criticism or share your opinion in a way that does not include excessive ongoing negativity or insults.
Appropriate: I have zero interest in this new Alexa Skill they announced and I wish it had been something different. I feel they could have used their time differently or developed something different.
Unnecessary: This Alexa Skill is so stupid, why are they wasting their time on this? They are so stupid and this is pointless and they never listen to us and the game is doomed.
I have seen a number who have stated their thoughts in the first way, but have seen far more communicating in the second manner. And even with the first way of sharing your thoughts, we often wont reply. And not because we don't see it or only want positive feedback, but because not every message needs a response. Oftentimes there is almost nothing one could say to either of the above that would add value or make the individual happy or satisfied. So many times in these situations it is better to say nothing at all. We gather the feedback and we pass it onto those who can impact change.
I hope this has helped provide more clarity or insight. Remember, I dont expect every individual to like every single thing that we do, or even like me or the Devs. That's absolutely ok and to be expected. One of the best things (but sometimes the hardest thing to handle) about The Sims community is how varied it is. This is an incredibly diverse community and there are so many different ways to enjoy The Sims. But what I do expect is for people to be respectful.
You guys are the best, keep doing what you're doing!
To be honest it was a huge miss for us to not state at the very beginning it wasn't a paid partnership. It was also a miss that we didn't state that the Alexa Skill was free. We had a lot we wanted to show off about it and missed in that area. So it was absolutely within the rights of the viewer/consumer to think that it could have been sponsored.