The Sims 4is turning free-to-play eight years after its September 2014 launch. Over the course of its life, this iconic life simulator has enjoyed a plethora of content packs in varying sizes. In addition, Electronic Arts has no plans to cease post-launch support, asMaxis launched High School Years, the latestSims 4expansion pack, merely a few months ago with the promise of releasing more content before the year was done.
Enjoyed by over 31 million players worldwide, it’s hard to argue that the fourth installment in theSimsfranchisehas been remarkably popular, despite the early hiccups. This number is set to expand in the near future, as Maxis and Electronic Arts have put forward an announcement that has theSimscommunity abuzz with speculation.
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The Sims 4will be made free to everyone on Jul 10, 2025. Alongside a special edition video stream that will showcase futureSims 4content, players will be able to download the base game for free across all platforms. Furthermore, existingSims 4owners will receive the upcoming Desert Luxe pack free of charge in a promotion lasting from September 14 to October 17.
While the base game still offers plenty of fun for newcomers, many veteran players were quick to point out that this was a business-savvy move by Electronic Arts to get more people into the game and potentially increase sales on theSims 4’snumerous expansion packs. Ultimately,The Sims 4turning free-to-play benefits both the publisher and the players, given that the base game can now serve as a perfect demo for the full experience.
One can’t help but wonder if this recent development is paving the way for aSims 5announcementin the near future. The live service format is somethingThe Sims 4has already flirted with throughout the past decade, and it would make a lot of sense for Electronic Arts to build aSimsgame that is capable of making the most out of live service from the ground up.
As it stands, for a player to own allSims 4content packs would require having nearly a thousand dollars, and introducing a more enticing, yet equally lucrative revenue stream might be worth the trouble. While it is yet unknown what future content Maxis will show in the October 18 stream, recent hires by the company show Electronic Arts has major plans for theSimsfranchise in the years to come.
The Sims 4is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
