The Simshas been one of the most popular life simulation franchises in the gaming industry since the first game debuted in 2000. The series has seen four main entries and a plethora of additional content with each new game adding new furniture options, gameplay elements, and plenty more. The most recent entry in the franchise, 2014’sThe Sims 4, has already seeneleven expansion packsand droves of new furniture and cosmetics. Now, a new update coming to the game will see the return of a popular gameplay element from the previous game.
In an announcement released Tuesday by Maxis,The Sims 4officially announced the “Neighborhood Stories” update coming to the game at the end of the month. The update treads a similar path toThe Sims 3’s Story Progression by introducing autonomy to other non-player-controlled Sims within the game, allowing them to actively make changes in their life without the input of the player. The official announcement details some of the ways Neighbor Sims can independently take these life-changing actions.
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The Neighborhood Stories update will introduce the ability for Neighbor Sims inThe Sims 4to take many aspects of life into their own hands. Neighbor Sims will be able to actively pursue romantic relationships, career changes or advancements, and even new friendships with other Sims without any player input. While these options will allow NPC Sims to make their own decisions, the player will still be able to influence Neighbor Sims in their decision making if players want morecontrol over theirSimsneighborhood.
Players eager to dive into thenewest update toThe Sims 4won’t have to wait long as Neighborhood Stories is planned to release next week on November 30th. The first update will be limited to Sims connected to the player’s household including co-workers, family friends, and other Sims who have interacted with the player’s family. The announcement confirmed Maxis' intent to release the free update in more than one wave with future installments adding NPC Sim autonomy for more Neighbor Sims across a player’s neighborhood.
The Sims 4’s most recent major expansion,Cottage Living, released in July and introduced content related to country life and farming into the popular simulation game. Players were given access to new animals like cows and chickens as well as the addition of a farming mechanic allowing players to grow their own food.The Sims 4has released multiple major expansions every year since 2018 and, while Neighborhood Stories isn’t billed as a new expansion, the upcoming update should feature plenty of new reasons for players to take a trip back to theirSimsneighborhood.
The Sims 4is available now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
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