EA has confirmed that Project Rene, the next major entry in The Sims franchise, is not a proper sequel to The Sims 4 – and is instead focused on providing a "multiplayer experience".
For the past couple of years, there has been speculation on how Project Rene fits in the series.
The team has said on multiple occasions that The Sims 4 would continue to be supported, though it was unclear exactly how Project Rene would differentiate from the current game.
In an official blog post, EA and Maxis have offered fresh details on the future of the franchise, including related to The Sims 4 and Project Rene.
Related: First look at The Sims 4 Storybook Nursery and Artist Studio Kits
"We're expanding the franchise to better serve the diverse needs of the growing number of Simmers around the world," the team said. "The Sims will move beyond linear, sequential Sims releases and offer more options for players than ever before.
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"We're focused on creating a variety of games and experiences that will touch different categories across the simulated life genre including cozy games, social and collaborative-based gameplay, mobile narrative games, and continued depth, improvements, and modernization of The Sims 4, which will continue to be a foundational Sims experience."
That means there are no plans for a proper 'The Sims 5'. The Sims 4 isn't going anywhere and will continue to be expanded.
The team also said that a "small invite-only playtest" for Project Rene is planned for this autumn. Simmers can apply for playtest access via The Sims Labs, a new platform where players can try out various products and features in progress.
"Project Rene is focused on building ways for friends to meet, connect, and share while playing together in an all-new world," the post teased.
Related: The Sims 4 Lovestruck review
Elsewhere in the post, the team reiterated their commitment to rolling out updates for The Sims 4 to address bugs and technical issues, and announced creator kits – kits that are "built by community creators".
The first creator kits are planned for this November.
A movie based on The Sims is officially happening, with Amazon MGM Studios on board and with further details hinted to come around January.
February 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of The Sims, and there will be a new episode of Behind The Sims in January announcing future plans for the entire franchise.
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