The Simsfranchise celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary with a nostalgia-filled lineup of events and new content for games likeSims FreePlay,MySims, and, of course,The Sims 4. These celebrations not only included a new Expansion Pack forThe Sims 4, but DLC and events that focused specifically on the game’s predecessors. These references inThe Sims 4, combined with the rerelease of bothThe SimsandThe Sims 2, show thatThe Simsteam would be willing to make more nostalgia-based content.
Investigating the DLC and events theSimsteam have released this year forThe Sims 4, along with other additions to the game over the years, can highlight which directions EA and Maxis would be willing to venture when making nostalgia-themed DLC. The “Blast from the Plast” event rewarded players who completed quests over the course of four weeks with items themed to the early 2000s, whenThe Simsdebuted, and items from past titles in the franchise. Three Kits, announced early in the festivities, also heavily hinge on player nostalgia. The Secret Sanctuary and Casanova Cave Kitsare themed to iconic Townies Bella Goth and Don Lothariorespectively. In comparison, Cozy Gamer Kit uses its items to referenceThe Simsfranchise rather than taking direct inspiration.The Sims 4’s next venture into nostalgia could take inspiration from all of these approaches.
It’s Time for a Sims 4 Townie Expansion Pack
First,The Simscould clearly take this concept and bring it to a bigger stage. These references have been left to events and Kits so far. Instead,The Sims 4could slowly work these references up in Packs.The Sims 4has been neglecting Stuff and Game Packsover the last few years, instead focusing on Expansion Packs. Additionally, instead of simply referencing Townies, this hypothetical pack could focus on adding Townies from previous games.
There are plenty of iconic Townies that should see resurrection inThe Sims 4. Plenty of famous Townie families have already made their way into the hit simulation game, but Townies like Goopy GilsCarbo, the ever-clashing Capps and the Montys, and the Brokes, have yet to have their time in the sun. An Expansion Pack dedicated to adding new Townies could also expand the concepts of the Secret Sanctuary and Casanova Cave Kits by adding items inspired by the Towniesintroduced toThe Sims 4in the hypothetical Pack.
A Townie Expansion Pack Could Face Backlash
Simmers could have issues with this hypothetical Pack for several reasons. These Townies weren’t paywalled in their original games, so they arguably shouldn’t be paywalled now. Additionally, EA and Maxis have added older Townies toThe Sims 4through previous DLC before. For example, Agnes Crumplebottom made her way intoThe Sims 4through the Cottage Living Expansion Packand Bonehilda, though technically not a Townie, returned to the franchise in the Paranormal Stuff Pack. Players did not purchase these packs simply because these Townies made their way into the game; they were accompanied by new gameplay features and items.
While an entire Townie Expansion Pack sounds like a fun addition,The Simsteam’s current approach could have been the right one all along. The Capps and the Montys could have been perfect families to reintroduce to the franchise during the High School Yearsor the Lovestruck Expansion Packs, as the families are based on the Capulets and Montagues ofRomeo & Juliet. The Brokes could have had a perfect introduction through the For Rent Expansion. Goopy GilsCarbo has more flexibility, but he should certainly be in consideration asThe Simsteam develops more expansions. Ultimately, it’s more likely thatThe Simsteam will continue with its current approach when adding fan-favorite Townies. But it’s fun to dream how a Townie Expansion Pack could debut inThe Sims 4.
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
