In a blog post on Tuesday, EA confirmed that The Sims 5 will be “free to download”.
“This means that when Project Rene is ready and fully open to players, you will be able to join, play and explore it without a subscription, core game purchase or energy mechanics,” EA said. “We want playing to be super easy for you to invite or join friends and experience new features, stories and challenges.”
As far as the development of what’s being referred to as Project Rene goes, EA says the new game will offer players a new way to play The Sims.
“[I]t will feel “Simsy” as players will still manage what their Sims do throughout their day, while also presenting gameplay choices differently,” the company said.
“We want Project Rene to be strong and cohesive from the start. While it won’t begin with everything you have in The Sims 4, we plan to add new experiences and content to Project Rene over time.”
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In addition to The Sims 5 being free to download “when it’s ready”, EA says that the last installment of the series, The Sims 4, isn’t being replaced. Instead, both games will “exist side by side”.
“We will continue to support both at the same time and will plan to bring more exciting content to The Sims 4 community for the foreseeable future,” EA Says.
With the game being a free download, players should expect various payment options for expansions and other extra content as the game grows. The company says that it will sell content and packs in different ways than normal.
Weather was used as an example of what might be added to the “core game” for all players for free while a purchasable pack focusing on winter sports could be offered.
“It’s important that with Project Rene we lower barriers to play and give all players the broadest shared systems because that feels like the strongest foundation for us to grow from,” EA said.
What do you think of EA confirming that not only will The Sims 5 be free to download, but that it will be available alongside The Sims 4? For more Insider Gaming, check out how Apple is hoping the iPhone 15 Pro will change mobile gaming.
