I know we aren't entitled to new free things, but I do think people have a right to be disappointed. It's the 20th anniversary and they would have never made it this far if people didn't keep purchasing their games. Personally I've spent thousands on this game since TS1 and I'm sure I'm not the only one. I especially think releasing a product that was exclusive to a pack was a bit shameful and it really isn't fair to the people who paid $10 for it.
Since they chose to go with hot tub, why couldn't it then have been a nostalgia one like the heart shaped tub? It's an anniversary of the franchise after all, not limited to the 4th edition. It was also so ridiculous that people who didn't yet have PP could still want to buy it because that hot tub is really not aesthetically pleasing for most builds. The music could have been older tracks we know and love rather than brand new ones.
I feel like more could/should have been done to celebrate the franchise as a whole, because let's face it, TS4 wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for TS1-3.
We are entitled to bug fixes though, and that was a mighty small sad list. I think I'm more disappointed that my potions of immortality still don't work.
I think the reason they didn’t pay homage to the Sims franchise as a whole is because they would like to pretend they don’t exist.
The fact the previous games exist is The Sims 4's biggest problem.
But yeah, what annoys me about this anniversary is that the previous iterations basically got no acknowledgement. It's been treated as The Sims 4's anniversary, not the anniversary of the franchise as a whole.
Putting aside for now that they gave away content some people had paid for, it seems that the issue many players are expressing is that they are disappointed that EA/Maxis doesn't appear to value the sims franchise anniversary as much as the players themselves do.
Feeling that it just isn't important to them at a time when many simmers are voicing dissatisfaction has led to this outcry. I wonder if they will take note.
I doubt it, they never acknowledge mistakes. They will just get a couple of game changers to do more sponsored by EA videos on what the game means to them.
On the bright side, we got a metric tonne of bug fixes, some of which have been around forever, like the celebrity couples reacting in disgust to each other.
It's going to take more than a couple of positive videos to undo the damage done to EA's reputation. Their epic fail yesterday will go down in history, and this community doesn't forget anything. We give credit where credit is deserved. So I'd like to know who deserves the credit for making this special anniversary such a downer for the fans, then thought it was a good idea to post tweets that showed the party going on at the studio. I predicted this would happen. But that doesn't mean I'm happy it did.
It's going to take more than a couple of positive videos to undo the damage done to EA's reputation. Their epic fail yesterday will go down in history, and this community doesn't forget anything.
Unfortunately, I don't think we have a lot of power here. EA almost always ignores us, and compared to most fandoms, ours is too small to make waves or reach the news. Only 2 or so Game Changers have complained, and they aren't major players like James Turner. (Who seemed to get EA acting quick when it came to the Island Living counters.) Plus they already make tons of money.
Even if we remember, I think they'll just get away with it. The "damage" to their already reputation is nothing to them.
The Sims 4 hasn't introduced a new musical instrument since 2017
first off, this thread is fire and I'm sad I haven't been here to curmudgeon with ya'll. I literally expected nothing and I'm STILL disappointed. They've done better patches in recent months, with better fixes and features.
I'd be curious... and this isn't to accuse or belittle anyone, but I wonder if the people who are most disappointed have been playing longer than those that are happy with the gift.
Because no offense, but I've paid for pretty much every EP at full price for the past twenty years. I only upgraded to the Sims 4 last year and I already own most packs AND I pay monthly for various Patreons and The Sims Resource (we can talk about how CC creators seem to care more about the sims player base than the actual devs). So right there, in 2019 I probably paid triple what the average Sims 4 user paid.
So yeah, while they aren't obligated to do anything, don't pee on me and tell me it's raining. Not when I help pay your kids college.
EDIT: I should also say that it isn't so much about the money that I've spent. While I was definitely in poverty while I bought and played some of these games I am grateful I have always had the income to at least buy the games myself. That being said, I've clocked thousands of hours in the Sims 4 in one year alone. I've spent countless nights and days devoted to not only playing but making custom content, LEARNING how to make custom content. It feels like I care more about the game than anyone at EA does.
As a side note, I saw someone replicate the hot tub today using objects already available in game and I could barely tell the difference. So yeah, I can see why some people who have spent thousands on the series over the last 20 years might be a tad disappointed. I don't think most people were expecting anything huge, but maybe the heart shaped bed, pool table or the return of a favorite NPC might have been met with more enthusiasm.
Interesting... I don’t suppose it’s occurred to anyone that maybe EA didn’t give two toots about funding a gift for the big 20th so the Maxis devs had nothing to work with. Maybe the ufo hot tub (that’s it’s official name now) was all they had to work with and they did what they could.
Obviously they’re doing more than just the hot tub and (superior) console patch (yeah, I’m still gloating over the patch, sue me, console deserves a day in the sun!) They’re giving away stuff on Origin to random people with packs in their Wishlist, and who knows what else might pop up.
Anyway, back to the regularly scheduled and ever downward spiraling “debate.”
At least until the thread gets locked...
Oh, believe me, ALL of my ire is directed at EA, not at the gurus or the developers. Believe me, I know very intimately what it's like to be at the bottom of the totem for a very large corporation. I do sincerely think they're doing what they can, but many, myself included, are no longer willing to spend money on mediocrity. I am one of the 20 year players, since Sims 1. I own all EPs/GPs/SPs, made a great deal of purchases from TS3 Store, and purchased new computer components (sometimes costing several hundred dollars) to support new hardware requirements. While giveaways are sweet for those who don't own all of the games, it certainly feels like a slap in the face to all of us who purchased the content at the time of release.
It's going to take more than a couple of positive videos to undo the damage done to EA's reputation. Their epic fail yesterday will go down in history, and this community doesn't forget anything.
Unfortunately, I don't think we have a lot of power here. EA almost always ignores us, and compared to most fandoms, ours is too small to make waves or reach the news. Only 2 or so Game Changers have complained, and they aren't major players like James Turner. (Who seemed to get EA acting quick when it came to the Island Living counters.) Plus they already make tons of money.
Even if we remember, I think they'll just get away with it. The "damage" to their already reputation is nothing to them.
One thing we can do is vote with our wallets. I'm not going to buy any pack at release anymore and I don't think I will buy the knitting pack either.
On the bright side, we got a metric tonne of bug fixes, some of which have been around forever, like the celebrity couples reacting in disgust to each other.
That was for console. If you are a console player that’s different. Pc have those fixes.
@Gordy The missing island counter from Island Living was caught by the game changers BEFORE the pack was released. James Turner was not the only game changer that noticed the item was missing. A CC creator had that island counter up for download less than two days after Island Living went live. And the one that was released by EA later in a patch is missing the waterfall edge.
@CaptainElsa I agree with you when it comes to the modding community. If not for their contributions in the form of CC and mods, Sims4 would be difficult to play at all. I also financially support the modding community because they do seem to know what the players want and need more than the teams do.
One thing we can do is vote with our wallets. I'm not going to buy any pack at release anymore and I don't think I will buy the knitting pack either.
We can do that, but I doubt it would matter. Sims 4 has had issues for years, and this isn't even their biggest one. Yet they still make gangbusters. Us compaliners are too small to have any real power. We can only just save or money and stop playing.
The Sims 4 hasn't introduced a new musical instrument since 2017
One thing we can do is vote with our wallets. I'm not going to buy any pack at release anymore and I don't think I will buy the knitting pack either.
We can do that, but I doubt it would matter. Sims 4 has had issues for years, and this isn't even their biggest one. Yet they still make gangbusters. Us compaliners are too small to have any real power. We can only just save or money and stop playing.
Or get excited for Paralives instead. It seems like they are intentionally trying to incorporate everything that longtime Simmers have been clamoring about! 😂
One thing we can do is vote with our wallets. I'm not going to buy any pack at release anymore and I don't think I will buy the knitting pack either.
We can do that, but I doubt it would matter. Sims 4 has had issues for years, and this isn't even their biggest one. Yet they still make gangbusters. Us compaliners are too small to have any real power. We can only just save or money and stop playing.
Not buying packs at release could encourage them to release the packs in a better state (they do track how many that play the packs at release) and even if it doesn't it will encourage me to buy less packs... and play other games.
Am I bothered with the free hot tub? No. Not at all. I have PP SP and I am very happy that they gave away a free hot tub. It was originally a terrible gameplay choice made by whoever’s idea it was to restrict it in a SP.
Am I extremely disappointed that this is all we got? Of course I am!
They did a massive giveaway on twitter for The Sims 4 base game. I’m not too impressed by this because of the fact that:
1. The game goes on sale so often.
2. There have been instances where the base game went free.
3. It’s free along with many other games if you are subscribed to Origin.
Then comes a patch note which is expected every so often. JUST a free hot tub? Why not bring in more legacy/classic items? Or NPCs? Like the burglar and the firefighter. I could think of a lot of things but I don’t want to go on about ideas in this single comment.
It’s a big deal. The 20th anniversary of The Sims. I expected a livestream, YouTube video, possibly a change to the forum theme, lots of SimGurus interacting with us on the forums - heck even names we have never seen before!
But no. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Just silence. What in the world is going on EA/Sims Studio? Why do you treat people who are so passionate about your game like this?
Meh. I don’t expect any more or less from EA. You must be out of your mind if you think they want to keep a sustainable player base.
1. Do you remember how insanely active the forums were back then during The Sims 3?
2. Do you recall how active SimGurus were on the forums back then?
3. Take a look back at all the blog posts on The Sims website. How much they interacted with us by featuring players and consistently posting some updates. Where has that gone now?
4. As a player of The Sims 4, I urge you to look at how EA treats their other games. Anthem, Star Wars: Battlefront, Battlefield V, EA Sports titles. It’s not impressive at all.
Sure, one could say, “I get most of my enjoyment from the game.”, that in my opinion is very selfish of you. Why? It’s inconsiderate towards the fact that it’s an anniversary day for The Sims and a mindset like this allows EA to get away with it.
Action does speak louder than words. Going back to who/how many people have left this franchise (The Gurus and players) and the negative feedback you’ll get on The Sims 4 in other platforms other than this forum. They’re not toxic at all. In fact, quite constructive and to the point.
What is with all this silence, EA? The secrecy? The lack of engagement with the audience? You acknowledge that we are a very passionate community and at its core love The Sims. Why do you do this to us?
It's going to take more than a couple of positive videos to undo the damage done to EA's reputation. Their epic fail yesterday will go down in history, and this community doesn't forget anything.
Unfortunately, I don't think we have a lot of power here. EA almost always ignores us, and compared to most fandoms, ours is too small to make waves or reach the news. Only 2 or so Game Changers have complained, and they aren't major players like James Turner. (Who seemed to get EA acting quick when it came to the Island Living counters.) Plus they already make tons of money.
Even if we remember, I think they'll just get away with it. The "damage" to their already reputation is nothing to them.
One thing we can do is vote with our wallets. I'm not going to buy any pack at release anymore and I don't think I will buy the knitting pack either.
I am a knitter. So I knit during my Sims 3 loading screens. Fortunately, there's only one, but I can usually get a couple of rows in I honestly cannot see the attraction of a knitting pack. But I bet the devs love it since it's a one-person activity. Sims 4 doesn't do too well when it comes to more than one sim at a time doing the same thing.
I'm not upset that they gave away the prime object of Perfect Patio stuff for free, although I understand how others might feel that way -- especially those who recently bought the pack. I bought Perfect Patio a while ago so theoretically I've had years of play with hot tubs (though, to be honest, I rarely use them).
I'm just disappointed (yes, I realized I am disappointed) about the hot tub because it doesn't change gameplay at all.
I'm just tired of new CAS/build-buy items. I want something that changes gameplay. To make things more interesting. University is pretty good, but once a sim graduates, it just makes things easier.
I want more traits, more aspirations, meaningful whims, fears, more lasting consequences other than 4-hour moodlets, and a chemistry system.
Maybe it's because I've played Sims 4 for over 3k hours... time to put a fork in it?
nah, just time to put a mod in it. It changes gameplay, just as you were mentioning, including chemistry systems, lasting consequences, etc.
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Let's make Liberty and Justice For All a reality.
What was actually in the update? Aside from the two hot tubs that I won't be using anyway, because I never use the existing ones? I felt the list of bugfixes was extremely short - much shorter than ordinarily. Maybe it is a joke?
It's fine by me to celebrate an anniversary of a product with colleagues at a workplace. We as costumers shouldn't be peeved about that. I think that's just petty.
Origin ID: Nindigo79
A smile is the prettiest thing you can wear
Time enjoyed is never time wasted
What was actually in the update? Aside from the two hot tubs that I won't be using anyway, because I never use the existing ones? I felt the list of bugfixes was extremely short - much shorter than ordinarily. Maybe it is a joke?
It's fine by me to celebrate an anniversary of a product with colleagues at a workplace. We as costumers shouldn't be peeved about that. I think that's just petty.
What was actually in the update? Aside from the two hot tubs that I won't be using anyway, because I never use the existing ones? I felt the list of bugfixes was extremely short - much shorter than ordinarily. Maybe it is a joke?
It's fine by me to celebrate an anniversary of a product with colleagues at a workplace. We as costumers shouldn't be peeved about that. I think that's just petty.
There are a few songs added. XD
Disclaimer: Songs from 2011 that we already received in The Sims 3 when they were actually relevant.
What was actually in the update? Aside from the two hot tubs that I won't be using anyway, because I never use the existing ones? I felt the list of bugfixes was extremely short - much shorter than ordinarily. Maybe it is a joke?
It's fine by me to celebrate an anniversary of a product with colleagues at a workplace. We as costumers shouldn't be peeved about that. I think that's just petty.
There are a few songs added. XD
Disclaimer: Songs from 2011 that we already received in The Sims 3 when they were actually relevant.
I think it's very typical of EA to shove recycled objects down our throats, It's not that i expected anything great, just that i expected something "New" or something we at least "Wanted", they had 5 years to plan for the 20th anniversary (from 15th) and they still gave us a recycled object which imo is not a great image for themselves, instead they just showed us them all having a blast in the studio while the real fans waited to get something nice for keeping the game around for as long as it has been.
They did not make Sims, Will did. I am glad they are celebrating 20 years of Sims... They should be celebrating Will and the Sims fans... without either there would be no Sims. Not only did they give a lame recycled object, they did not give credit or respect for the true people that made Sims great.. Will and Simmers.
Since I've become so sick, I sometimes play Sims 4 because it is sooooooooo simple and slow to play. That small children (maybe toddlers) could play it. Yes, sometimes when I am bad sick, my mind can not play regular games I like to play.
I was hoping for something unique for 20 years... Yes, I started playing Sims 1 and have played ever since. I won't speak my mind fully here, because my disappointment might get me in trouble.
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I doubt it, they never acknowledge mistakes. They will just get a couple of game changers to do more sponsored by EA videos on what the game means to them.
Even if we remember, I think they'll just get away with it. The "damage" to their already reputation is nothing to them.
The Sims 4 hasn't introduced a new musical instrument since 2017
I'd be curious... and this isn't to accuse or belittle anyone, but I wonder if the people who are most disappointed have been playing longer than those that are happy with the gift.
Because no offense, but I've paid for pretty much every EP at full price for the past twenty years. I only upgraded to the Sims 4 last year and I already own most packs AND I pay monthly for various Patreons and The Sims Resource (we can talk about how CC creators seem to care more about the sims player base than the actual devs). So right there, in 2019 I probably paid triple what the average Sims 4 user paid.
So yeah, while they aren't obligated to do anything, don't pee on me and tell me it's raining. Not when I help pay your kids college.
EDIT: I should also say that it isn't so much about the money that I've spent. While I was definitely in poverty while I bought and played some of these games I am grateful I have always had the income to at least buy the games myself. That being said, I've clocked thousands of hours in the Sims 4 in one year alone. I've spent countless nights and days devoted to not only playing but making custom content, LEARNING how to make custom content. It feels like I care more about the game than anyone at EA does.
Oh, believe me, ALL of my ire is directed at EA, not at the gurus or the developers. Believe me, I know very intimately what it's like to be at the bottom of the totem for a very large corporation. I do sincerely think they're doing what they can, but many, myself included, are no longer willing to spend money on mediocrity. I am one of the 20 year players, since Sims 1. I own all EPs/GPs/SPs, made a great deal of purchases from TS3 Store, and purchased new computer components (sometimes costing several hundred dollars) to support new hardware requirements. While giveaways are sweet for those who don't own all of the games, it certainly feels like a slap in the face to all of us who purchased the content at the time of release.
One thing we can do is vote with our wallets. I'm not going to buy any pack at release anymore and I don't think I will buy the knitting pack either.
That was for console. If you are a console player that’s different. Pc have those fixes.
@CaptainElsa I agree with you when it comes to the modding community. If not for their contributions in the form of CC and mods, Sims4 would be difficult to play at all. I also financially support the modding community because they do seem to know what the players want and need more than the teams do.
The Sims 4 hasn't introduced a new musical instrument since 2017
Or get excited for Paralives instead. It seems like they are intentionally trying to incorporate everything that longtime Simmers have been clamoring about! 😂
Not buying packs at release could encourage them to release the packs in a better state (they do track how many that play the packs at release) and even if it doesn't it will encourage me to buy less packs... and play other games.
Am I extremely disappointed that this is all we got? Of course I am!
They did a massive giveaway on twitter for The Sims 4 base game. I’m not too impressed by this because of the fact that:
1. The game goes on sale so often.
2. There have been instances where the base game went free.
3. It’s free along with many other games if you are subscribed to Origin.
Then comes a patch note which is expected every so often. JUST a free hot tub? Why not bring in more legacy/classic items? Or NPCs? Like the burglar and the firefighter. I could think of a lot of things but I don’t want to go on about ideas in this single comment.
It’s a big deal. The 20th anniversary of The Sims. I expected a livestream, YouTube video, possibly a change to the forum theme, lots of SimGurus interacting with us on the forums - heck even names we have never seen before!
But no. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Just silence. What in the world is going on EA/Sims Studio? Why do you treat people who are so passionate about your game like this?
Meh. I don’t expect any more or less from EA. You must be out of your mind if you think they want to keep a sustainable player base.
1. Do you remember how insanely active the forums were back then during The Sims 3?
2. Do you recall how active SimGurus were on the forums back then?
3. Take a look back at all the blog posts on The Sims website. How much they interacted with us by featuring players and consistently posting some updates. Where has that gone now?
4. As a player of The Sims 4, I urge you to look at how EA treats their other games. Anthem, Star Wars: Battlefront, Battlefield V, EA Sports titles. It’s not impressive at all.
Sure, one could say, “I get most of my enjoyment from the game.”, that in my opinion is very selfish of you. Why? It’s inconsiderate towards the fact that it’s an anniversary day for The Sims and a mindset like this allows EA to get away with it.
Action does speak louder than words. Going back to who/how many people have left this franchise (The Gurus and players) and the negative feedback you’ll get on The Sims 4 in other platforms other than this forum. They’re not toxic at all. In fact, quite constructive and to the point.
What is with all this silence, EA? The secrecy? The lack of engagement with the audience? You acknowledge that we are a very passionate community and at its core love The Sims. Why do you do this to us?
I am a knitter. So I knit during my Sims 3 loading screens. Fortunately, there's only one, but I can usually get a couple of rows in
nah, just time to put a mod in it.
Let's make Liberty and Justice For All a reality.
It's fine by me to celebrate an anniversary of a product with colleagues at a workplace. We as costumers shouldn't be peeved about that. I think that's just petty.
A smile is the prettiest thing you can wear
Time enjoyed is never time wasted
There are a few songs added. XD
Disclaimer: Songs from 2011 that we already received in The Sims 3 when they were actually relevant.
Oh, we already had those? I didn't know. 😂
A smile is the prettiest thing you can wear
Time enjoyed is never time wasted
I know! How silly of me!!
Legacy Challenge
Since I've become so sick, I sometimes play Sims 4 because it is sooooooooo simple and slow to play. That small children (maybe toddlers) could play it. Yes, sometimes when I am bad sick, my mind can not play regular games I like to play.
I was hoping for something unique for 20 years... Yes, I started playing Sims 1 and have played ever since. I won't speak my mind fully here, because my disappointment might get me in trouble.