“The Sims has always been a game where players can play with life,” says Lyndsay Pearson, executive producer and general manager of The Sims. “While the settings and themes evolve, at the core this need is still there. The need to explore, experiment, build a life and create — those activities resonate regardless of generation.”

The Sims always had this really kind of hilarious underside of humor, a little bit off and a little bit dark sometimes

For the first time, at least in the mainline series, Strangerville introduced a linear story line. For a game that puts player freedom at the forefront, this felt limiting to some.

Lots of work and all done during a pandemic.

Positive outcome.