EA's New Sims Concept Leaks: Fans Unimpressed

A video allegedly sourced from the upcoming iteration of The Sims has surfaced online, sparking concerns among fans regarding its potential impact on the beloved series. Referred to as Project Rene—a term often used synonymously with The Sims 5, though Electronic Arts (EA) insists it’s a separate spin-off project—has been generating buzz for several years. However, early-access footage from a game titled "City Life Game With Friends" has many players speculating that this could indeed be the next installment in the franchise.

The video, spanning a full 20 minutes, showcases a player navigating through text prompts to customize their avatar’s outfit, hairstyle, accessories, and more. Upon spawning into a sunlit plaza named "Plaza de Poupon," the player purchases food and interacts with NPCs. Later, they head to work at an outdoor café. Characters are explicitly referred to as Sims, speak in Simlish, and bear the iconic Plumbob emblem.

One disgruntled player expressed their disappointment on The Sims' subreddit under a post titled "I think Project Rene is a red flag (I hope not)," which garnered hundreds of upvotes. They remarked, "Yes, I know, according to EA, 'this is not the final game.' Is this a joke or what?" Another commenter added, "EA clearly wants to steer people away from traditional Sims games and towards a mobile-like experience. In their eyes, a reboot means exactly that—at least that’s what I THINK."

Several users echoed similar sentiments, voicing dissatisfaction with the perceived simplification and mobile-centric design. One fan suggested, "Making a PC/mobile cross-compatible Sims game isn’t inherently bad, but EA seems fixated on outdated aesthetics. By following current design trends, this game already feels dated before launch." Another commenter humorously noted, "The original Sims satirized capitalist suburban consumption. Now, it seems the series has embraced endless consumption-as-happiness."

Project Rene, initially hinted at during a 2022 Behind the Sims Summit, is described as a free-to-play Sims game incorporating multiplayer elements inspired by Animal Crossing and Among Us. Although not officially announced or dated, EA has been hosting invite-only playtests since its announcement, with recent leaks reportedly originating from these sessions. The name Rene was selected to symbolize renewal, renaissance, and rebirth, reflecting the development team’s vision for the franchise’s future.

In October last year, leaked images from a closed beta test sparked backlash over the art style, limited features, and microtransactions. The introduction of a café drew particular criticism due to similarities with The Sims Mobile (2018). Following this, EA clarified that Project Rene would not replace The Sims 5 but instead serve as a distinct, cozy, and social game under the Sims umbrella.

Notably, The Burglar, a recurring figure from earlier Sims titles, made a comeback in the latest update for The Sims 4.