The Sims 4, a life simulation game from EA, will be free starting next October 2022.
The Sims 4, one of the most popular social simulation games ever created, and even though it's already eight years old, it still has a huge fan base. In fact, EA raked in over $2019 billion in revenue from The Sims 1 by 4 and over 36 million players by 2021.
And suddenly, in a surprise post on The Sims 4 news page, EA announced that the game is transitioning to free-to-play status on October 18, 2022. From that date, players can download the game through the EA app, Origin, or Steam. It will also be free on PlayStation 4/5, as well as Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.
EA is following in his footsteps Call of Duty: Activision's Warzone, which launched as free-to-play in 2020 and PUBG: Battlegrounds, which switched to the free-to-play model in January 2022.
With price 19,99 δολάρια, το The Sims 4 έγινε μία τεράστια επιτυχία για την EA, συγκεντρώνοντας δισεκατομμύρια δολάρια από τα εκατομμύρια των παικτών της. Και παρόλο που το παιχνίδι κυκλοφόρησε το 2014, η Maxis συνέχισε να κυκλοφορεί δωρεάν patches, καθώς και επί payment DLC for the game. By 2022, The Sims 4 had 12 paid packs extensions, costing about $19,99 each.
In addition to expansion packs, game packs and item packs are also released from the game's lobby. These packs add hairstyles, clothing, and items your Sim can interact with, priced at $13,99 and $6,99, respectively.
So, don't be surprised that EA decided to distribute such a successful game for free, even after 8 years of release. It hopes to collect more revenue from a bank with its numerous DLCs.
And while free The Sims 4 is a boon for new players, existing players who paid full price for the base game may feel wronged. That's why EA has made the Desert Luxe Kit redeemable in-game at no cost to all players until October 17, exactly the day before The Sims 4 goes free.
For better or for worse, October 18 will bring many new players to The Sims 4 community. Now you can experience building your virtual home and person for free. And with the increased player base, you can get more inspiration to build your next Sim's mansion.
