EA and Maxis have announced several changes toThe Simsfranchise, including confirmation that they’re not working onThe Sims 5. However, the mysteriousProject Renehas essentially filled the role ofThe Sims 5, which could benefit not only players, butThe Simsas a franchise in the long run.
Even before the cancelation ofThe Sims 5, not much was known about the project. The samecan be said aboutProject Rene, which EA and Maxis have been determined to remain tight-lipped on. Nevertheless, some information about the canceledSimsgame andProject Reneis available to the public by EA and Maxis. Additionally, information aboutProject Renehas been leaked, giving players further insight.
What is Known About Project Rene
Project Renewas first announcedat the 2022 Behind the Sims Summit. This first announcement established importantProject Renefeatures that continue to be marketed today, including the game’s multiplayer and cross-platform capabilities. EA and Maxis confirmed thatProject Renewill still feature solo play like previous installments inThe Simsfranchise, but have continued to emphasize the game’s multiplayer aspect.
Additionally, the announcementdiscussedProject Rene’s design features, primarily for the game’s Build and Buy Mode. Players will be able to interact with different components of a piece of furniture when picking swatches and textures, rather than changing the appearance of the entire piece. It’s clear thatProject Reneis meant to act as a new phase forThe Simsfranchise, not just by how EA and Maxis have marketed the game, but in the title’s name itself. The “Rene” in the game’s title is meant to be reminiscent of “renaissance” and “rebirth.” As EA and Maxis have described the name, it is a “renewed commitment toThe Sims’ bright future.”
Leaks Have Shed Even More Light on Project Rene
One leaker who claimed to be a playtester forProject Reneremains a bit skeptical that the upcoming title promises a bright future forThe Simsfranchise.The playtester leaked theirProject Reneexperience on Reddit,which commenters described as “The Sims Mobilebut worse.” However, the multiplayer gameplay that the leaker describes is important information to compare to existingSimsgames.
Allegedly, The Hub is a centralized location inProject Renethat features several marketplaces for DLC and custom content, an invitation system for other players, and a season pass. This seems to act as a sort of main menu for multiplayer gameplay as a whole. Additionally, the leaker alleges that Simmers can invite other players to their neighborhood. It has been unconfirmed if neighborhoods are worlds where game play occurs or a build system. If multiplayer play is available for either of these options,Project Rene’s possibilities are pretty vast.
Project Rene Can Stand Out From Other Simulation Games
Multiplayer in general setsProject Reneapartfrom other simulation games on the market. Though other simulation games may allow players to visit other players' houses, towns, and so forth,Project Reneseems to deliberately be focusing on player interaction. This could include working in careers, shopping, and playing mini-games with other players rather than with Townies like inThe Sims’ previous installments.
The simulation game market has become more and more competitive in the past few years, especially with the surge in popularity of the “cozy game” genre.The Simsis an icon of this genre, with other simulation games looking toThe Simsfor inspiration. Because of its notoriety,the next game inThe Simsfranchisehas to make it stand out in some way. Simply adding another “The Sims” game would not be as beneficial to the franchise in the long run as the addition of an entirely new game.
Therefore,Project Reneis the perfect wayforThe Simsto look to the future, as an innovative multiplayer experiment, rather than just aSims 4follow-up.Project Renehas a good shot at being successful if it fulfills its promises of multiplayer gameplay and cross-platform capabilities.
The Sims 4
WHERE TO PLAY
Unleash your imagination and create a unique world of Sims that’s an expression of you. Download for free, and customize every detail from Sims to homes and much more. Choose how Sims look, act, and dress, then decide how they’ll live out each day. Design and build incredible homes for every family, then decorate with your favorite furnishings and décor. Travel to different neighborhoods where you can meet other Sims and learn about their lives. Discover beautiful locations with distinctive environments and go on spontaneous adventures. Manage the ups and downs of Sims’ everyday lives, and see what happens when you play out scenarios from your own real life. Tell your stories your way while developing relationships, pursuing careers and life aspirations, and immersing yourself in this extraordinary game, where the possibilities are endless
