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Everything We Know About The Sims 5: Project Rene, Release Date, Features, and Gameplay

  • Jessica Estrada
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  • August 13, 2024
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  • 6 minute read
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Everything We Know About The Sims 5: Project Rene, Release Date, Features, and Gameplay

Are you excited about The Sims 5? So are we! Maxis and EA have officially announced the next chapter in the Sims series, Project Rene.

Even though it’s still a few years away, there’s a lot of information, rumors, and excitement about what’s coming.

Today, we’ll break down everything we know—from when The Sims 5 might be released to what cool new features you can expect.

Key Takeaways
  • The Sims 5, known as Project Rene, is officially being made, but it won't be out for a few more years, possibly around 2025-2027.
  • Project Rene will be free-to-play, with extra content and expansions available for purchase, making sure the base game is free for everyone.
  • The Sims 5 will have both single-player and multiplayer options, letting players create and share across devices, including PCs and possibly mobile.

What is The Sims Project Rene?

Project Rene is the temporary name for the upcoming Sims 5 game, which is set to be a fresh chapter in the game series.

The game’s name, Project Rene, was chosen because it symbolizes renewal and a new beginning for The Sims.

At the October 2022 Behind the Sims Summit, Lyndsay Pearson, the Franchise Creative Vice President, shared that Project Rene is about keeping what makes The Sims special while pushing the game to grow and change.

In recent Sims 5 news, the developers said they are working to make the game more exciting by making Sims more innovative and interactive. They aim to create a game that feels more lifelike and engaging for players.

They are also working on giving players more powerful tools for creating and customizing, as well as finding new ways to tell stories and work together with friends, even across different devices.

When Will The Sims 5 Be Released?

One of the big questions everyone has is, “When will The Sims 5 come out?” Unfortunately, there isn’t an official release date yet.

However, Maxis has clearly stated that the game is still in the early stages of development and will not be ready for a few years.

Pearson mentioned that they share updates earlier than usual because they want the players to be part of the journey.

Given the information we have, it’s safe to guess that The Sims 5 might not be released until 2025 at the earliest, and it could even be as late as 2026 or 2027.

The good news is that the extended timeline gives developers more room to breathe. With the extra time, they can focus on polishing the game to meet players’ high expectations.

Bonus: If you’re keeping an eye on the latest game releases, be sure to check out the latest on the Forza Horizon 6 release date and updates.

Plus, you can explore more upcoming titles on our website for all the hottest new releases!

What Can We Expect in The New Sims Game?

While details are still under wraps, the Behind the Sims Summit gave us an exciting sneak peek.

From what we’ve seen, the new game will offer even more customization options. You’ll be able to get super creative with how you design your furniture and items.

So, there’s a lot to look forward to!

Let’s look closely at what we can expect from the new Sims game.

Enhanced Customization

One of the exciting new features is the ability to customize individual furniture parts, like the headboard and footboard of a bed or the placement of cushions on a sofa.

This shows that Project Rene will give players more control over their creations.

There’s also a color picker, which means you won’t be limited to just a few color options—you can make your designs unique.

Multiplayer Options

Another big change is the introduction of multiplayer features. The Sims has always been a single-player game, but Project Rene will mix solo and multiplayer gameplay.

That way, you can share and create things with your friends, although the details of how this will work are still unclear.

Importantly, the game will not be a massive online multiplayer game (MMO), and you can still play entirely on your own if you prefer.

Where Will You Be Able to Play?

No platforms have been officially confirmed yet, but it’s almost certain that The Sims 5 will be available on PC.

It could also be played on mobile devices, as shown in a preview that showed the game running on both a computer and a mobile device simultaneously. This could allow players to take their Sims experience wherever they go.

Console players, like those on PlayStation and Xbox, will likely get to play The Sims 5, too, especially since recent versions of The Sims have been released on these platforms at the same time as the PC version.

The New Sims Rumors and Leaks

As always, there are plenty of rumors and leaks about The Sims 5.

One rumor suggests that the game might have an open-world map based on Paris, which would be a big change from The Sims 4’s neighborhood style.

Another rumor is about the possibility of the game using Denuvo anti-cheat software, which has been controversial in the gaming community.

However, these are just rumors for now, and we’ll have to wait for official confirmation from EA.

Will The Sims 5 Be Free-to-Play?

In September 2023, EA confirmed that The Sims 5 would be free to play, meaning that everyone could download and play the basic game for free.

However, if players want more features or items in the game, they can buy expansions and extra content.

Lyndsay Pearson explained how this would work.

For example, in The Sims 4, players had to buy an expansion to experience the weather.

But in Project Rene, essential weather might be included in the base game for free, while more specific content, like winter sports, could be available for purchase.

And that’s how it should be, as everyone can enjoy the game, and those who want more can buy additional content.

What’s Next for The Sims 5?

As The Sims 5 continues to be developed, we can expect more updates and playtests to be shared with the community.

Thankfully, Maxis’s developers are excellent at keeping players informed. So, keep an eye out for new information as it becomes available!

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or new to the game, Project Rene promises to bring exciting new features and changes that will shape the future of The Sims.

In the meantime, The Sims 4 will continue to be supported with new updates and content, so there will be plenty to keep you entertained while you wait for The Sims 5.

Jessica Estrada

Jessica Estrada

Jessica is Culture’s managing editor. She has over a decade of experience covering art, dining, news, and travel. She has worked with numerous digital and print publications, including Well + Good, The Cut, Byrdie, The Zoe Report, Bustle. Refinery29, HelloGiggles, Dujour, Los Angeles Confidential magazine, and more. When she's not working, she likes to hang out at the beach with a good book, or cook some delicious traditional meals.

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