The Sims debuted in 2000 as a simulation of everyday life, allowing the player to avoid daily chores by completing them virtually. The Series includes The Sims, The Sims 2 (2004), The Sims 3 (2009), and The Sims 4 (2014) – with speculation and mostly anticipation of The Sims 5 (TBA).

The Sims provides the ability to create and control a desired, alternate, fantasy, or even a nightmare reality (if 2020 wasn’t bad enough). For some Simmers, The Sims is more than just a video game; the magnitude is in the ability to express individualism throughout design and gameplay. Along with an immense value on the sense of community.

Beyond the various expansion packs released by EA – Custom Content and MODS, the game can be customized to suit various gamer profiles beyond the Stylists, Builders, and Storytellers.

The main quality desired in a video game for developers is the concept of immersion. It is the idea of being vastly engaged in a game that the player loses their sense of reality. The game transports them to an entranced-like state of being while playing the game resulting in more prolonged and reoccurring gameplay sessions. In simpler terms, a deep focus where the game is the only factor of importance.

Personally, I experience immersion when I play The Sims. I form connections with my Sims, I care about their well-being, I create elaborate storylines, and I can easily play for 5 hours straight.

During quarantine, The Sims was used as a tool to experience life while we were all locked indoors. Simmers created their friends and family to celebrate special occasions altogether, and the night-life at the Blue Velvet was at a record high. Yet, we weren’t the only ones stuck inside – various Sims were put through “Quarantine Challenges.”

What if instead of the player controlling the Sims – the player personally interacted with NPCs?

I have a theory (actually more of a marketing campaign), instead of The Sims 5 – EA introduces The Sims V(R)! A pivotal milestone to take advantage of switching to Roman Numerals and launching the game in Virtual Reality.

Imagine an online platform where the player can enter a Sim World as their Simself to meet up with friends, explore Windenburg’s pub scene, fly in The Realm of Magic, or even knock over the trash can.

Some factors limit immersion by reminding the player that it is a video game and not reality. A common component throughout games is the interruption of UI. Another factor is how The Sims has a specific art style that rejects ultra-realism design (despite Custom Content embracing this stylistic approach).

Virtual Reality has the capability to establish a fully immersed experience. When the player is transported into a world, it becomes a reality. Consciously, it’s a video game. The immediacy of controlling yourself, interacting with surroundings, and general personal engagement in a game is the ultimate immersion. A life simulation game in virtual reality creates an alternate world to live the life we could only dream of. Transforming the slogan “Play with Life” to the next level.

Will The Sims 5 be in Virtual Reality? Probably not. Yet – a missed opportunity.

Posted on: December 6, 2020, by : Brittany