The Sims 4is truly massive, not only in terms of life simulations, but in regard toThe Simsfranchise itself. After all,The Sims 4is the longest-running title in the franchise thus far, withProject Renestill being kept in the dark. Nevertheless,InZOImay be givingThe Sims 4a run for its money with one new feature clearly inspired by the latter. Released in early access on March 28,InZOImay be very new, but it has established gameplay features that are clear improvements on gameplay elements that players know and love. In particular,inZOi’s canvas is somethingThe Sims' gallery should be learning from.
The Gallery Could Learn a Thing Or Two from InZOI’s Canvas
Simmers can easily see thatInZOI’s “Canvas” holds a lot of similarities toThe Sims 4’s Gallery. Like the Gallery, Canvas has been framed as an in-game social media hub for sharing creations. In the case ofThe Sims 4, players can share their builds, Sims, pet designs, tattoos, and much more in the Gallery. Based on the Canvas website, it appears thatInZOI’s version of the feature will similarly hostplayer-created Zois (InZOI’s term for Sims)and build designs.
However, Canvas hassome differences from the GallerythatThe Simsdeveloper Maxis should make note of. After all, Simmers have long complained about rampant Gallery issues since the feature launched. One key complaint is loading times, as uploading designs to the Gallery and in-game can take ages. Another is the game’s filter system, as players can struggle for long amounts of time to find what they are looking for within the Gallery.
It would seem thatInZOIpublisher Krafton has heard these complaints andmade sure that Canvas avoids these issues. WithInZOI’s debut so recent, it’s a bit unfair to compare load times between the Gallery and Canvas. However, part of Canvas’ marketing focuses specifically on the social media aspect of the in-game platform. Canvas’ interface feels like a social media platform, with designs fitting specifically into grids. The Gallery’s interface may seem similar, but it feels more like online shopping rather than a place forThe Simscommunity to connect. Additionally, Canvas highlightsInZOIcreators and has a ranking system that updates frequently. The Gallery occasionally highlights creators and designs, but it appears that Canvas is cultivating a specific feed and competitive environment forInZOIcreators.
How the Gallery Could Be Improved by Canvas
Maxis will hopefully take notice of Canvas if it ever gets around to improving the Gallery. Currently, the Gallery feels like it lacks a distinct feeling of community. The introduction of tattoo designs inthe new Businesses & Hobbies Expansion Packcertainly gave Simmers more of an excuse to visit the Gallery, but the system still feels dull and hard to navigate. Perhaps implementing a “Highlights” category or a ranking system similar toInZOI’s, in addition to a social media aesthetic, could help build this sense of community.
At the end of the day, the Gallery was a great idea that has clearly inspired a modern, cleaner version of the concept.InZOIis still in its infancy, so the success of Canvas has not yet been set in stone, though early reactions are positive. There’s still plenty of time forThe Sims' developer to improve the Gallery, as a truecompetition betweenInZOIandThe Sims 4seems to have arrived.
