Sims are celebrating their 25th birthday: between fiction and reality

Launched in 2000, the SIMS has established itself as a benchmark for pop culture. The principle is simple: create and personalize characters, manage their needs and guide their aspirations. An immersive concept that has attracted millions of players, fascinated as much by the reproduction of their ideal life as by more wacky experiences, such as testing the limits of the game with improbable scenarios.
As early as 2002, the Sims became the best -selling game on PC. Electronic Arts maintains this craze by multiplying extension packs and new versions. In April 2023, the Sims 4 exceeded 70 million players.
Realism and need for control
Unlike other games, Sims do not offer quests or epic missions. However, his success is based on his hyper-realism. In this universe without winners or loser, life follows its course according to the player’s choices, offering a feeling of control often inaccessible in the real world. This mastery becomes even more attractive in periods of crisis: during the pandemic, the Sims, like animal crossing, experienced a renewed popularity.
This game also serves as an expression space. Some players used it to overcome personal events by recreating difficult scenarios in a secure setting. A form of catharsis which strengthens its impact far beyond the simple entertainment.
Inclusion and representation
From its beginnings, the Sims was a precursor in terms of inclusiveness. In 2000, he joined romantic relationships without gender distinction, a choice which, ironically, results from a programming error. This aspect becomes a major argument for its success, especially after the buzz caused by a kiss between two female avatars during the E3.
Over the years, the franchise has strengthened its commitment to diversity. In 2014, the abolition of gender restrictions on clothing and accessories marked an important step. In January 2023, an update made it possible to add sexual reassignment surgery scars or chest compression bandages, making the game more representative of transgender realities.
Despite these advances, some communities still point to gaps, especially on racial representation. The Black Simmer community denounces the lack of aesthetic choice for Afro-descendant characters, forcing players to create their own “mods” to overcome these absences.
Towards the future with Project Rene
Still looking for new products, Maxis is currently working on Project Rene, presented as a major overhaul of the franchise. With an emphasis on personalization and creativity, this project aims to reinvent the Sims experience while remaining faithful to the essence of the game.
After 25 years of existence, the Sims continues to captivate by its freedom of expression and its ability to reflect our societies. Between nostalgia and innovation, the franchise seems far from having said its last word.