Ever since EA revealed “Project Rene,” the buzz around the next chapter in The Sims franchise has been hard to ignore. For a while, it was assumed to be The Sims 5 in disguise, and fans were eager to see how the game would push boundaries for the franchise that’s known for endless creativity. But with recent leaks from playtests, the fanbase has been vocal—and not entirely in the way EA hoped.
So, what exactly is Project Rene? According to EA, this new experience is more than a typical Sims game; it’s a multiplayer-focused world designed for players to connect, create, and build together. Think of it as a hybrid between the familiar open-world mechanics of The Sims 4 and a collaborative multiplayer experience. But instead of jumping into a new open world or Create-a-Sim, testers were put in a Parisian café where gameplay involves working jobs like serving coffee and completing daily quests to earn Simoleons.
The biggest outcry? The graphics. Early screenshots show visuals that many fans find uninspiring, comparing the art style to mobile games like The Sims Mobile or even Planet Coaster. But we have to remember, this is still in early development. Things could change before release, and EA is notorious for polishing things up at the last moment. The lack of Create-a-Sim and other traditional Sims features also left many players wondering—what’s happening to the essence of The Sims?
Is It Too Early to Judge?
It’s easy to jump on the bandwagon of negativity (the leaked screenshots don’t help), but Project Rene still has a lot of potential. EA is focusing on multiplayer collaboration, and while this feels different from what hardcore Sims players are used to, it could offer a new way to experience the world of The Sims. Plus, there’s a promise of more customization coming in future tests, including the ability to create your own Sims and potentially shape your own worlds.
It’s understandable that the Sims community might feel a little let down. After all, we’ve grown used to endless possibilities in building, creating characters, and telling unique stories in single-player worlds. Project Rene seems to shift this experience toward something more social and connected, which could appeal to a different crowd.
The Big Questions: Mobile or More?
One major concern is the mobile-first focus. Many fear that Project Rene will lean heavily into microtransactions, limiting the freedom and creativity that The Sims franchise is known for. With daily quests and paid cosmetics already in the mix, it’s easy to see why fans are skeptical. But EA has assured that the project will also be available on PC, and it’s possible that the PC version could offer a more full-fledged experience for longtime fans of the franchise.
It’s worth noting that other Sims projects are also in the works, with continued support for The Sims 4, as well as re-releases of classics like MySims. So while Project Rene might not be the Sims 5 everyone was waiting for, it could still be a fun addition to the Sims universe—especially if you’re looking for a new way to connect with friends.
Final Thoughts: Should We Stay Hopeful?
In its current form, Project Rene isn’t what Sims fans expected, but that doesn’t mean it’s doomed to fail. With more playtests and potential updates coming in the future, EA has the opportunity to refine the game and address community concerns. After all, The Sims franchise has always evolved and adapted, and Project Rene might just be another step in that journey.
So while it’s easy to get caught up in the leaks and negativity, it’s also important to remember that this is only the beginning. EA has a lot of room to shape Project Rene into something special—and who knows? It might just surprise us yet.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to follow the development of Project Rene and other exciting projects!
Want to read more about EA’s plans? Check out EA’s Bold Vision for The Sims 4’s Future.
