The Sims franchise proudly marks its 25th anniversary, with EA Maxis engaging fans through a series of events, updates, nostalgia-driven content, and new paid features. Kicking off on January 16, the celebratory activities are set to continue well into February 2025. This milestone reflects not only the evolution of gaming over the years but also the significant impact The Sims has had in the lives of its players, many of whom first experienced the game in a vastly different technological landscape.
This anniversary serves as a moment to reflect on the journey of The Sims and its community. Unlike the modest acknowledgment of its 20th anniversary in 2020—when players received just a reskinned hot tub—this milestone promises a robust celebration across all game offerings, including The Sims FreePlay, which is set to join the festivities with its own event and updates.
The Sims’ 25th Anniversary Events
The celebrations for this anniversary are a significant improvement over the previous milestone festivities. EA previously received criticism for the underwhelming acknowledgment during The Sims 1’s 20th anniversary, which included merely a free hot tub. In contrast, for the 25th anniversary, players were delighted by a comprehensive roadmap highlighting various exciting events, heartfelt content updates, and nostalgic trips down memory lane.
New The Sims 4 Kits Released
Commemorating the start of the anniversary celebrations, three new kits were launched the week of January 16. These kits consist of the Comfy Gamer Kit, Secret Sanctuary Kit, and Casanova Cave Kit, the latter two paying tribute to beloved characters Bella Goth and Don Lothario. On January 30, two additional kits were introduced, designed by content creators from the community: the Refined Living Room Kit and Business Chic.
Bringing Back The Sims 1 and The Sims 2
For many long-time Simmers, The Sims 1 and The Sims 2 hold cherished memories, yet running these classic games on contemporary systems can be quite a challenge. During the Nostalgia Now week as part of The Sims’ Birthday Special, EA has reintroduced both titles along with their content packs—albeit with The Sims 2: Ikea Stuff omitted due to licensing constraints. The remastered versions are optimized for Windows 10 and 11, allowing smoother operation without the technical glitches that previously plagued players.
Notably, notorious issues such as The Sims 2’s pink soup bug and crashing problems have been addressed. Although The Sims 2 has been free on Origin since 2014, the lack of user-friendly accessibility meant that many players were eager to pay for hassle-free enjoyment of the game.
This revival not only gives former players the chance to revisit their cherished childhood memories but also opens the door for new players to experience the magic of these classic games. This initiative resonates perfectly with the anniversary’s nostalgic theme, making it a worthwhile addition to The Sims legacy.
The 25th Birthday Celebration on February 4
The 25-Hour Livestream
The pinnacle of the anniversary celebrations occurs on February 4, marking the 25th anniversary of The Sims 1. EA has planned an extravagant 25-hour livestream featuring a plethora of celebrities, well-known Simmers, and players from the community.
Confirmed guests for this special livestream include:
- Doja Cat
- Milk
- Trixie & Katya
- Angelo & Lexy
- Loserfruit
- Plumbella
- Dan & Phil
- Julien
- Ebonix
- Deligracy
- Ironmouse
- Caryn & Connie
The Sims 4 In-Game Event Begins
The festivities extend into The Sims 4, which will initiate special events in 2024. These themed events resemble Scenarios but require consistent daily log-ins from players to unlock rewards, typically linked to unique in-game objects. Players who fail to log in may miss valuable rewards, leading to mixed feelings within the community regarding the fairness of these events.
The Blast From the Past Event will evoke nostalgia from the 2000s, featuring rewards inspired by iconic objects from earlier versions of The Sims series. Notable items include the buffet table, dance floor, and classic inflatable couches. Collectibles such as milk cartons, reminiscent of Bella Goth’s legendary missing person’s storyline, will also be available. Players must engage in Live Mode daily throughout the event to earn all rewards.
The Sims Future Updates and Other Events
The Sims 4 Free Content
On February 4, a major update for The Sims 4 will roll out, including over 70 new items across Create-a-Sim and Build Mode. This update promises not only diverse hairstyles and new swatches for kitchen cabinets but also fresh windows and doors for players to explore.
The Sims FreePlay Events
Coinciding with the anniversary, The Sims FreePlay will kick off special in-game events starting February 4, featuring nostalgic items from the 2000s. Players can earn exclusive items reminiscent of the iconic era. Moreover, a significant lighting update will be introduced in March, enhancing the ability to adjust natural light within players’ homes.
Motherlode Season
Scheduled for February 6, details surrounding the much-anticipated Motherlode Season remain limited, but it is expected to connect to the theme of The Sims 4’s upcoming expansion pack. Notably, “motherlode”has remained a popular cheat code for boosting household funds since The Sims 2, adding to the excitement among players awaiting news of the new expansion pack’s content.
Leave a Reply