The Sims Video Game Series
The Sims is a series created by Maxis studio and published by Electronics Arts since 2000. The games in the series can be described as life simulators, in which, directing the avatars we create, we act out scenes from everyday life, but also build them houses, which we can then furnish according to our vision. The series has sold more than 200 million copies, making it one of the world's best-selling games, and has twice made it into the Guinness Book of World Records.
The first installment of the series, titled simply The Sims, was released on PC on February 4, 2000. Will Wright, who at the time had experience developing a city simulator (SimCity 1989), or an ant life simulator (SimAnt 1992) is responsible for its creation. The inspiration for creating The Sims was an unpleasant incident for the creator in 1991, in which his house burned down. While planning the construction of a new house and its detailed furnishings, he came up with the idea of transferring the experience to the virtual world. Maxis was skeptical of Wright's idea and not very generous with its budget, which changed in 1997 with the studio's buyout by Electronics Arts, which, knowing the success of SimCity, saw great potential in the project. The game turned out to be a huge success and later got 7 expansions (such as Unleashed, MAkin' Magic or Hot Date), two special editions, and was released on various platforms - PC, PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube and Xbox. In five years, the game sold more than 16 million copies worldwide.
In 2004, we got the second installment - The Sims 2, set 25 years after The Sims. It was not without significant changes - both in graphics, which, unlike its predecessor, offered a completely 3D environment, but also in mechanics. Increased control over characters, a detailed sim creator, life aspirations, 7 life cycles (from infancy to old age), and additional cities are just some of them. The game received 8 major expansions and 9 accessory packs. The Sims 2 proved to be an even bigger success with a 90-point rating on Metacritic and more than one million sales within 10 days of release. Eventually, the game was released on virtually every platform available at the time - PC, PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo DS, PlayStation Portable, Game Boy Advance and GameCube.
The third part of The Sims premiered in 2009, although the announcement of work on was reveealed in 2006. This time the developers focused on interactive and vibrant environments, seasons, sim creation and house building modes enriched with new possibilities, and other elements. The Sims 3 was released on PC, consoles and even smartphones, selling more than 10 million copies. Like the previous games, the third title got 11 major expansions and nine accessory packs.
The latest continuously developed installment of the series - The Sims 4 - was released in May 2013. Despite good sales, the game received mixed reviews for its poor content. This changed over the years with free patches released by the studio, as well as paid expansions released periodically. Thanks to them, players could create a vampire, a mermaid or an alien, populating one of the many available cities, where controlled sims could undertake a variety of activities - from training animals and fishing, to gaining fame in the world of social media and taking part in street festivals.
In addition to the four main game installments and the additional content released for them, The Sims series also got numerous spin-offs, including those focused on multiplayer, such as The Sims Online from 2002 and The Sims Social (available through the Facebook platform) from 2011, or the role-play oriented The Sims Medieval using the third installment's engine. The consoles, not counting the main parts of the serie, received such titles as My Sims from 2010, The Sims FreePlay or The Sims Mobile.
The Sims Series Evolution
2018
The Sims Mobile
2014
The Sims 4
2011
The Sims FreePlay
2011
The Sims Social
2011
The Sims: Medieval
2009
The Sims 3
2004
The Sims 2
2003
The Sims: Bustin' Out
2002
The Sims Online
2000
The Sims
The Sims: Project Rene
TBA
Simulation, Economic, Internet, Multiplayer, Sandbox, Singleplayer, Life Sim, Free-to-play.
The Sims: Project Rene is a new installment in a popular life simulator series by EA Maxis and Electronic Arts. The game heavily expands its build mode, re-introducing color palettes. It also places emphasis on online elements.
The Sims Mobile
March 7, 2018
Simulation, Economic, Sandbox, Singleplayer, Life Sim, Free-to-play.
Another mobile installment in the life simulation game series by Electronic Arts. As per tradition, The Sims Mobile focuses on simulating and shaping the lives of your virtual characters. You can choose their appearance, personality, and life goals, from career paths to hobbies. During the game, the Sims' living quarters can be modified by choosing from a wide range of furniture, decorations and accessories, as the game progresses, you unlock additional activities and locations. A certain novelty is the ability to shape the history of whole families. When your character achieves their goals and retires, you can unlock new interests and career paths for next generations. Thus e.g. the grandfather's achievements can inspire his children or grandchildren to choose a similar career path.
Users
The Sims 4
September 2, 2014
Simulation, EA Play, Sandbox, Singleplayer, Life Sim, Isometric View, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Free-to-play, PC Game Pass.
The fourth installment in the best-selling life simulation series – The Sims. The Sims 4 was developed by Maxis Studios, also known for SimCity and Spore. The player, once again, controls the lifes of a virtual family. Character editor lets you set not only alter the physical appearance of each Sim, but also define their personality, character, and goals. Your main task is to provide for the needs of your Sims – starting with a place to sleep and regular meals and including their intellectual development as well as professional career. As compared to previous games in the franchise, The Sims 4 offers much more developed social options, letting you interact with other players (e.g. share houses and throw parties together).
OpenCritic
Steam
Users
Expansion Packs:
- The Sims 4: Outdoor Retreat January 13, 2015
- The Sims 4: Get to Work March 31, 2015
- The Sims 4: Spa Day July 14, 2015
- The Sims 4: Get Together December 8, 2015
- The Sims 4: Dine Out June 7, 2016
- The Sims 4: City Living November 3, 2016
- The Sims 4: Vampires January 24, 2017
- The Sims 4: Parenthood May 30, 2017
- The Sims 4: Cats & Dogs November 10, 2017
- The Sims 4: Jungle Adventure February 27, 2018
- The Sims 4: Seasons June 22, 2018
- The Sims 4: Get Famous November 16, 2018
- The Sims 4: StrangerVille February 26, 2019
- The Sims 4: Island Living June 21, 2019
- The Sims 4: Realm of Magic September 10, 2019
- The Sims 4: Discover University November 15, 2019
- The Sims 4: Eco Lifestyle June 5, 2020
- The Sims 4: Star Wars - Journey to Batuu September 8, 2020
- The Sims 4: Snowy Escape November 13, 2020
- The Sims 4: Cottage Living July 22, 2021
- The Sims 4: My Wedding Stories February 23, 2022
- The Sims 4: Werewolves June 16, 2022
- The Sims 4: High School Years July 28, 2022
- The Sims 4: Growing Together March 16, 2023
- The Sims 4: Horse Ranch July 20, 2023
- The Sims 4: For Rent December 7, 2023
- The Sims 4: Lovestruck July 25, 2024
- The Sims 4: Life & Death October 31, 2024
- The Sims 4: Businesses & Hobbies March 6, 2025
- The Sims 4: Enchanted by Nature July 10, 2025
- The Sims 4: Adventure Awaits October 2, 2025
The Sims FreePlay
December 15, 2011
Simulation, Economic, Sandbox, Singleplayer, Life Sim, Free-to-play.
A spin-off of the bestselling series The Sims. It is available as a free-to-play title. The Sims FreePlay was developed by Firemonkeys, a studio that specializes in mobile games. Similarly as in the main installments of the series, the main objective is to control the life of virtual characters and decide what they will do, where they will live and who will they befriend. The gameplay is based on sandbox rules, allowing the player to freely control the fate of his Sims – he can send them to work, take them to interesting places in the city, help them make friends and even make them marry someone and give birth to children. In addition to controlling the life of the Sims, the player can design their house or take care of their garden. The game is played in real-time and the only limitation of freedom is time needed to complete various actions – however, it can be shortened by using the microtransactions. Real currency can be also used for buying exclusive items and decorations.
Users
The Sims Social
June 14, 2013, End of Life
Simulation, Economic, Facebook, Internet, Multiplayer, Browser, Sandbox, Online, Life Sim.
The Sims Social is a browser version of the popular life simulator. The game was produced by Playfish studio, commissioned by Electronic Arts, which owns the rights to The Sims brand. Using the app available on Facebook, players have the opportunity to create their own hero and direct his or her daily life.
Users
The Sims: Medieval
June 14, 2013, End of Life
Simulation, Economic, Singleplayer, Life Sim, The Middle Ages.
The Sims: Medieval is a spin-off installment of the popular life simulator The Sims. The title was developed by Maxis. As the title suggests, the game takes place during the Middle Ages, albeit with a humorous spin. Similarly as in the other Sims games, the player must take care of the needs of the virtual characters. Depending on selected profession (for example king, knight, wizard, bard, blacksmith), the events are shown from different perspective and the available missions vary. The creators of The Sims: Medieval focused on immersion and allowed the players to have strong impact on the shape of the game world, including the looks of the characters.
Steam
Users
Expansion Packs:
- The Sims: Medieval - Pirates and Nobles August 30, 2011
The Sims 3
June 14, 2013, End of Life
Simulation, EA Play, Economic, Sandbox, Singleplayer, Life Sim, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass.
The third major installment in a life simulation game series, The Sims. The title was developed by The Sims Studio in cooperation with Maxis and Electronic Arts. As per usual, The Sims 3 lets you take control of a life of a virtual character from the cradle to the grave. Your job is to provide for the needs of your family of Sims when it comes to their social interactions, family matters, and career. The Sims 3 introduces two significant novelties to the game: lifetime wishes and a personality system that attributes 5 dominant character features to each Sim. As compared with previous installments in the franchise, the game’s 3D visuals were significantly improved.
Steam
Users
Expansion Packs:
- The Sims 3: World Adventures November 17, 2009
- The Sims 3: Design & High-Tech Stuff February 2, 2010
- The Sims 3: Ambitions June 1, 2010
- The Sims 3: Fast Lane Stuff September 7, 2010
- The Sims 3: Late Night October 26, 2010
- The Sims 3: Outdoor Living Stuff February 1, 2011
- The Sims 3: Barnacle Bay March 8, 2011
- The Sims 3: Generations May 31, 2011
- The Sims 3: Town Life Stuff July 26, 2011
- The Sims 3: Hidden Springs August 25, 2011
- The Sims 3: Pets October 21, 2011
- The Sims 3: Master Suite Stuff January 27, 2012
- The Sims 3: Lunar Lakes February 17, 2012
- The Sims 3: Showtime March 6, 2012
- The Sims 3: Katy Perry's Sweet Treats June 5, 2012
- The Sims 3 Diesel Stuff June 10, 2012
- The Sims 3: Supernatural September 4, 2012
- The Sims 3: Seasons November 13, 2012
- The Sims 3: 70s, 80s, & 90s Stuff January 22, 2013
- The Sims 3: University Life March 5, 2013
- The Sims 3: Island Paradise June 25, 2013
- The Sims 3: Movie Stuff September 13, 2013
- The Sims 3: Into The Future October 23, 2013
The Sims 2
June 14, 2013, End of Life
Simulation, Sandbox, Singleplayer, Life Sim, Isometric View.
A sequel to the bestselling human life simulation game – The Sims (2000). The Sims 2 was developed by Maxis Studio (SimCity, EA Land, and others) in cooperation with the Electronic Arts company. Players again take care of virtual characters leading them through their entire lives – from early childhood till elderly age. The main goal is to achieve as high Life Score as possible, which stands for how well a sim leads his/her life. When compared with its predecessor, The Sims 2 offers much more complex character creator and a wider array of available objects. A new, more efficient game engine allowed for presenting the life of the sims in fully 3D graphics.
Steam
Users
Expansion Packs:
- The Sims 2: University March 1, 2005
- The Sims 2: Nightlife September 15, 2005
- The Sims 2: Christmas Party Pack November 18, 2005
- The Sims 2: Open for Business February 28, 2006
- The Sims 2: Family Fun Stuff April 11, 2006
- The Sims 2: Glamour Life Stuff August 29, 2006
- The Sims 2: Pets October 17, 2006
- The Sims 2: Happy Holiday Stuff November 7, 2006
- The Sims 2: Seasons February 27, 2007
- The Sims 2: Celebration! Stuff April 3, 2007
- The Sims 2: H&M Fashion Stuff June 8, 2007
- The Sims 2: Bon Voyage September 4, 2007
- The Sims 2: Teen Style Stuff November 6, 2007
- The Sims 2: FreeTime February 29, 2008
- The Sims 2: Kitchen & Bath Interior Design Stuff April 15, 2008
- The Sims 2: IKEA Stuff June 24, 2008
- The Sims 2: Apartment Life August 26, 2008
- The Sims 2: Mansion & Garden Stuff November 17, 2008
The Sims: Bustin' Out
June 14, 2013, End of Life
Simulation, Internet, Multiplayer, Singleplayer.
The Sims: Bustin' Out is a game combining elements of adventure and life simulator. The production is the responsibility of the Maxis development studio team. Players direct the actions of a teenager (boy or girl) who found himself on his uncle's farm to learn many useful skills in life.
Users
The Sims Online
August 1, 2008, End of Life
Simulation, Economic, Internet, MMO, Multiplayer, Sandbox, Life Sim, Free-to-play.
Another production in The Sims franchise, the best-selling series of life simulation games by EA Maxis, previously known as Maxis Software. Unlike the previous games, which focused on the single player mode, the Sims Online is an MMO game. You start out with a small piece of land, which you have to manage — you can build your house there, or you can open a museum, a gym or a coffeehouse. Afterwards, you're free to meet your neighbors and start friendly or unfriendly relationships with them, and even join forces with them, building multi-family houses, conducting business, or even starting a religion. The production focuses on raising the Sims' standard of living and amassing a fortune. The game's servers were officially shut down on 1 August 2008.
Users
The Sims
August 1, 2008, End of Life
Simulation, Economic, Sandbox, Singleplayer, Life Sim.
A bestselling life simulator developed by Maxis, a studio that specializes in the genre (they've created SimCity, SimTown and other titles). The Sims enables the player to take care of a virtual family of Sims. During the game the player must take care of various needs of his characters – starting with typically physiological ones (eating, toilet, hygiene etc.), through social relations, to career. The player has great freedom in expanding his family’s house, which can be furnished with various items that will be useful for the Sims. The gameplay mechanics are based on very simple principles and lack any violence, making the game a good title for casual players. A specific humor and large number of funny animations of character’s reactions are worth mentioning.
Steam
Users
Expansion Packs:
- The Sims: Livin' Large August 30, 2000
- The Sims: House Party March 28, 2001
- The Sims: Hot Date November 14, 2001
- The Sims: Vacation March 26, 2002
- Face Factory August 10, 2002
- The Sims: Unleashed September 23, 2002
- The Sims: Superstar May 12, 2003
- The Sims Makin' Magic October 29, 2003
The Sims Series News
EA's sale is going to kill The Sims? Community doesn't trust new owners, studio responds
Developers are cutting ties with EA's Maxis amid concerns about the future of The Sims. This could be a good sign for Paralives.
video games
October 27, 2025
A game from The Sims series is fading away before our eyes. Electronic Arts sweetens the final months of its life
The end of The Sims Mobile game is fast approaching. Electronic Arts will remove it from digital stores tomorrow and finally shut down its servers in a few months.
video games
October 21, 2025
The Sims 5 won't be made because the previous game has too many DLCs
A representative of Electronic Arts explained why the publisher has no plans for The Sims 5. This is supposed to be due to the number of DLCs released for the fourth installment of the series.
video games
August 1, 2025
The Sims 4 fan „created” 2,000 children in one game. She had to stop, her PC couldn't handle more
A crazy experiment in The Sims 4 required many ways to get around the game system, but the result is impressive. A fan of the series got it right.
video games
July 18, 2025
The Sims 4 will get a highly anticipated feature from previous installments. Enchanted by Nature officially announced
Players have correctly interpreted a series of hints from Maxis. The Sims 4 will become much more magical in July.
video games
June 13, 2025
EA quietly launched tests of new life sim. Gameplay materials hit the internet
Test footage of a new life simulator from Electronic Arts leaked online. The title is strongly disliked by fans.
video games
April 2, 2025
The Sims 4 is likely to get one of the most anticipated features known from previous installments
The schedule for The Sims' 25th birthday celebration suggests that players of the life simulator can expect a big surprise.
video games
February 25, 2025
New The Sims 4 DLC allows you to turn old hobby into small business. Businesses & Hobbies with release date
With the Businesses & Hobbies DLC for The Sims 4, you will set up a tattoo studio, even in your own home.
video games
February 7, 2025
Don't go on vacation in Sims 2, you may get stuck on loading screen
Going on vacation in The Sims 2 Legacy Collection can be dangerous. If you got stuck on an endless loading screen, here you can find a workaround and a possible way of getting your family back.
How to
February 4, 2025
Cheat Codes Are Working For The Sims: Legacy Collection
If you remember playing the original The Sims, you might be excited to hear that some of the same cheat codes that worked back then, will also work now.
video games
January 31, 2025