That’s a lot of babies
Electronic Artsis celebrating the arrivalof the 70 millionth player toThe Sims 4. They’re attributing this to the recentGrowing Togetherexpansion, but I’m guessing it has more to do with the fact thatThe Sims 4becamefree to play last October.
I wouldn’t assume it’s specifically because ofThe Sims 4 Growing Together, because that expansion sounds like hell to me. It adds the infant stage of development, taking place between newborn and toddler. That’s all I want:more baby. Whenever my husband plays, he always makes these massive families, and for large swathes of time, all I hear is a cacophony of childhood tantrums next to me.
On the plus side, it does sound like a significant addition to the formula; it’s just one that makes me instinctively clench my jaw.
I keep thinking thatThe Sims 4is the only good thing that EA really does anymore. Then I remember that it has a bazillion expansions and DLC packs, with new ones dropping every month or so. Whoops, I nearly gave them some credit. I guess I’ll go back to pointing out that they have their own digital storefront, yet the originalSimstitle isn’t available, along with, like, 90% of Maxis’ simulation franchise.
If I’m being honest, making the baseSims 4free was a good move, especially if they want to sell more expansions. It’s like what my local drug dealers and gambling lords all agree on: the first hit is free. Once you’ve got them hooked, then you start sucking them dry.
On the other hand, I do think thatThe Sims 4is an excellent title after you’ve dumped all your life’s savings into it. I’m not being facetious there; itisa good game. I think it’s reasonable to like the game and hate the business model.
