This is an accepted version of this page The Sims 4 is a social simulation game developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts.

This installment introduced a newly developed custom game engine, with enhanced character creation and house-building tools, along with a more complex in-game simulation.

In 2022, the game shifted to a free-to-play model, supported by paid downloadable content (DLC) packs that have been released regularly since launch.

Free content updates have also been released, re-introducing swimming pools and toddler Sims, as well as adding more character customization options, building tools, diverse gender identities, sexual orientations, and gameplay scenarios.

[3][4] Players manage the lives of virtual people called "Sims", directing their actions, attending to their "needs", and helping them reach personal goals and desires.

[10][11] Optional paid downloadable content (DLC) packs add new gameplay features, objects, worlds, and clothing to the game.

[12] Additionally, the macOS and Windows versions of The Sims 4 support extensive modding; fan-designed cosmetic items such as hairstyles, makeup, clothing, and furniture, known as custom content, can be installed for use in the game.

[25] A 2021 update introduced "likes and dislikes", which reflect the Sim's preferred aesthetics and activities, and are assigned in Create-a-Sim or developed during gameplay.

[50] Players can customize buildings extensively, with options for multiple floors, various wall heights, adjustable foundations, and free placement of doors and windows.

[51][52] To furnish a home, players purchase furniture and appliances in Build mode, such as televisions, chairs, showers, beds, and fridges.

"[69] These plans were altered following the negative launch reception of Maxis' SimCity in March 2013, which was plagued with widespread technical and gameplay problems relating to the game's mandatory network connectivity.

[64] This included over 140 brief sound effects to accompany various "key emotional moments" for Sims, such as encountering a fight, a first kiss, a wedding, or a toilet breaking.

[64] Eshkeri cited difficulty in composing music for the game due to its sandbox nature, contrasting it to his previous works with film scores.

[94][95] The "Sims Sessions" in-game music festival was a limited-time event hosted from June 29 to July 7, 2021, accessible within a special area in the game world.

[96][97] Singers Bebe Rexha, Glass Animals frontman Dave Bayley, and Joy Oladokun recorded Simlish versions of their songs "Sabotage", "Heat Waves", and "Breathe Again", respectively, for their in-game performances during the event.

[98][99] Additionally, the open worlds and the "Create-a-Style" color customization gameplay technologies introduced in The Sims 3 would also be excluded from the game.

[101] Reviewers frequently criticized The Sims 4's missing gameplay features and content compared to previous titles, particularly The Sims 3's "Create-a-Style" color customization tool, open worlds, and gameplay elements from its expansion packs;[66][105] reviewers also noted encountering frequent loading screens and occasional glitches.

[47] Reviewers speculated that the significant lack of content was in lieu of features for potential future paid DLC packs, and is an intentional financial decision by EA.

[107][110][114] Lee Cooper of Hardcore Gamer concluded that the game is "a glorified freemium app with multiple expansions on the horizon that should have been part of the core-game.

"[106] Griffin McElroy of Polygon summarized the game's overall lack of content as: "In one in-game lifetime, I felt like I'd seen everything there was to offer, killing any desire I had to start over.

"[66] On the positive end, reviewers praised the game's improved graphical quality, intuitive Build mode and Create-a-Sim tools, the Sim emotion and multitasking systems in gameplay, and the Gallery feature.

[106] VanOrd of GameSpot praised the visual and audio design, and expressed the combination of the emotion and multitasking systems as a "sheer delight".

[105] Tan of GameRevolution lauded the "unbelievable" animation quality, intuitive game interface, and better performance and stability compared to previous The Sims titles.

[104] Chris Thursten of PC Gamer highlighted the ability to download lookalike Sims of real-life celebrities via the Gallery, and noted that the emotion system "changes the feel and flow of the game".

Other major features added in updates include an additional sandbox world,[60] gender and pronoun customization in Create-a-Sim,[34][40] gameplay scenarios,[125] terrain manipulation tools,[126] "Neighborhood Stories" gameplay storytelling system,[127] a "wants and fears" goal system,[6] newborn and infant Sim life stages,[22] and polyamory.

[128] It was noted by some reviewers that some features added in free updates required DLC packs, such as newborns and infants in Growing Together, to be fully fleshed out.

[138] For a limited time, existing players who had previously purchased the game were entitled to a free copy of the Desert Luxe Kit, a DLC pack containing a small variety of furniture and Build mode items.

The announcement was met with negative reception from players, who felt it overlooked community-requested features and content; some speculated it was a contractual obligation given EA's ownership of the Star Wars video game franchise.

The following day, Maxis announced that the pack would not be released in Russia, citing Russian video game laws prohibiting content that promotes homosexuality as a societal norm.

[170][171] Following strong backlash and feedback from Russian players, Maxis reversed their decision, stating that they "reassessed their options", and Russia was included in the pack's worldwide release on February 23, 2022, without any content alterations.