EA's New Sims Concept Gameplay Leaks, Fans Disappointed

A video purportedly showcasing the next iteration of The Sims has surfaced online, stirring up a mix of excitement and concern among fans about the future of the beloved series. Known as Project Rene, this project has been the subject of much speculation, often referred to interchangeably as The Sims 5, though EA clarifies that Project Rene is a spin-off, not a direct sequel. Recent footage from a game called "City Life Game With Friends" has led many to believe it could be the next chapter in the Sims saga.

The leaked video, spanning a full 20 minutes, features a player navigating through text prompts to customize their avatar's outfit, hair, watch, and activities before entering a vibrant Plaza de Poupon. There, the player's character, referred to as a Sim, engages in everyday activities such as purchasing food and socializing, and later heads to work at an outdoor café. The presence of the iconic Plumbob and the use of Simlish in the video further fuel the speculation that this is indeed a new Sims game.

"I am terribly disappointed with Project Rene. Yes, I know, according to EA, 'this is not the final game.' Is this a joke or what?" said one unhappy player on The Sims' subreddit in a post titled "I think Project Rene is a redflag (I hope not)" that has garnered hundreds of upvotes. The sentiment reflects a broader concern among fans that EA might be shifting The Sims towards a more mobile-like experience, with one player commenting, "EA clearly wants to kill off normal Sims games and push people toward the mobile-style experience. So in their mind, a reboot literally means this — at least that’s what I THINK."

Another fan expressed their disappointment, saying, "This is not going to be for me, I can tell already. It just seems so basic and I don't want to play The Sims on my phone." However, not all feedback was negative; one user suggested, "The funny thing is, making a PC/mobile cross-compatible Sims game isn't a bad idea. EA just believes that mobile games HAVE to be ugly for some reason. They're chasing all of the design trends of the past decade, but it means that this thing already looks dated and it's not even out yet."

Another fan reflected on the evolution of The Sims, noting, "The way The Sims was a literally [sic] satire about capitalist suburban consumption-as-happiness... And this is where the Sims ended up. Endless consumption-as-happiness."

Project Rene, initially teased in 2022 during a Behind the Sims Summit, is designed as a free-to-play game with multiplayer elements inspired by Animal Crossing and Among Us. Despite not having a formal release date, EA has been conducting small, invite-only playtests since its announcement, which likely led to these leaks. The name "Rene" was chosen to signify "renewal, renaissance, and rebirth," reflecting the developers' commitment to a vibrant future for The Sims.

Last October, images of Project Rene leaked from a closed online test, prompting criticism over the art style, limited features, and microtransactions. The inclusion of a café drew particular skepticism due to its similarities to 2018's The Sims Mobile. In response, EA clarified that Project Rene is not The Sims 5 but a different "cosy, social game" under The Sims franchise.

Meanwhile, fans of the classic Sims experience were reminded of the series' roots when The Sims 4 received an update featuring the return of The Burglar, a nostalgic element from the older games.