The Sims 4

The Sims 4 logo

*The Sims 4* is a free-to-play simulation game developed by Maxis Studio (part of Electronic Arts) and published by Electronic Arts in 2014. Initially offered as a paid game, The Sims 4 allows players to create and customize their own city, its houses and institutions, and people. It offers unparalleled freedom in customization, with hundreds of items of varying designs. The Sims 4 also has many DLCs that expand on its mechanics, add new items, and add additional features to the game.

## In-Game Currency

In The Sims 4, there is no premium currency offered for players to buy. Instead, there is the regular currency called Simoleons , which a player uses to help their sim for day-to-day life. Any purchases made towards this game is through direct purchase, not currency.

### Payment Methods

The Payment Methods in Sims 4 are determined based on the platform the user is playing on (Steam, EA app, Origin, etc).

The current payment methods for Sims 4 through Steam are the following:

* Mastercard
* Visa
* PaySafeCard
* PayPal
* Steam Wallet

### Refund Policy

Sims 4 does not have a refund policy on any of the platforms where it is offered.

## In-Game Items

### Character Creation

Players are able to build a variety of custom characters (or “Sims”) with unique details on how they look and what they wear. Players are also able to customize behavioral features of characters. Their options on what they are able to customize with are decided based on what items are free and what items are part of DLCs.

### Housing

Players are able to build a variety of houses and other buildings using a large range of furniture and building features. What they are able to build and their functionality is constrained by the amount of items available for free and for purchase through DLCs.

### Item Costs

In-game items are exclusively offered as part of DLC bundles and are not individually priced.

## Subscriptions

The Sims 4 does not have any form of subscriptions.

## DLC

The main mode of microtransactions offered in The Sims 4 are its abundant DLC packs. All of the current DLC content is split into the following categories: expansion packs, game packs, stuff packs and kits. Each category offers different amounts of items or features at different price points.

Immediately upon entering the game for the first time, a player is greeted with prompts to purchase various DLC:

Login prompt showcasing DLC available to purchase.Clicking out of the prompt will show the following screen, again highlighting the different DLCs available to purchase.Selecting the prompt instead of clicking out of it will lead to this menu.
### Expansion Packs

Expansion packs are large-scale packs that provide a significant change to the base gameplay. Players who purchase expansion packs can unlock new areas, skills, features and items both to customize their character, and new decoration options for their place. There are a variety of expansion packs that cover different aspects such as careers, family and the outdoors. All expansion packs retail at $54.99 CAD, but do go on sale.

The main screen where players can view and purchase expansion packs.One of the many expansion packs The Sims 4 has to offer. This expansion specifically relates to having the ability to own and manage a horse ranch.Expansion packs give players the opportunity to enter and explore other types of "residential worlds". If a player does not own a world, it will be locked for them until they purchase the corresponding expansion pack.The following is a list of all the expansion packs currently available in The Sims 4:

### Game Packs

Game packs are considered medium-sized packs which provide players with new features and storylines that are smaller in scope when compared to full on expansions. Rather than fully establish a new way to play, these packs expand on current mechanics to offer new experiences. Game Packs are available for purchase for $29.99 CAD each.

The following is a list of all the game packs currently available in The Sims 4:

### Stuff Packs

Stuff packs offer players with bundles of items that fit within a concept to provide one type of unique experience. Stuff packs are available for purchase for $14.99 CAD each.

The following is a list of all the stuff packs currently available in The Sims 4:

### Kits

As the smallest and cheapest form of DLC in The Sims 4, kits offer players a small set of items within a theme. Kits are available for purchase for $6.99 CAD each.

The following is a list of all the kits currently available in The Sims 4:

## Editions

The Sims 4 was a fully priced game in the past but eventually switched to a free-to-play model on October 18, 2022. Players are still able to purchase a Digital Deluxe update for $14.99 CAD (for what used to be the Digital Deluxe edition) that includes DLCs that are not purchasable separately such as “Up All Night” and “Life of the Party”.

## Pay-to-Win Systems

Sims 4 has no pay-to-win systems as all of its content is single player.

## Limited Time Offers

The Sims 4 does not offer any time limited items or bundles. It may sell combinations of already- available DLCs or bundles for cheaper on occasion for a limited time.

## Personal Review

**How does the video game’s culture impact microtransaction spending?**

There is a big culture around building unique creations in the Sims, which is not always possible with the base game. Players spend a ton of time customizing every detail of their character, their house, etc. The develops market to these types of players by creating DLC tied to specific themes that will make players want to buy them. While it is possible to be creative without purchasing the DLC, the base game can get repetitive.

**Is it possible to free-to-play while having a good experience?**

It is possible to be free-to-play and still have a good experience due to mods and custom content so players do not have to buy DLC unless they truly want to. However, the game has various pop-ups that show up to remind you of DLC available to purchase (even when you first log in) which can be frustrating as a free player.

**What is the value proposition offered by the microtransaction systems and are they substantial improvements over not spending?**

The main value proposition is variety as the DLC often introduces new ways to play the game in addition to cosmetics. Given the depth of content available to purchase, the microtransactions in the Sims 4 are substantial improvements over not spending.

**Do microtransactions add “value” or simply add prices to features/items that other games include by default?**

They add value through new mechanics, items, and cosmetics that expand the way players play the game.

**Do you need to spend to have fun?**

If you are interested in trying out the game and playing for a short time, it is more than possible to play without having to spend. If you are committed to the long term, then buying the DLCs will drastically improve your experience as you will have access to all gameplay additions.

**Is it worth spending on microtransactions in the long run?**

If you are committed to playing in the long term, it is worth buying the DLCs as the base game can get repetitive even with community content.

**Do I recommend that you spend on this game based on my personal experience playing it?**

It depends on what you want out of it. If you are just playing casually or for the short term then I would not recommend spending. If you plan on playing for a really long time, then the DLCs will offer you the full breadth of features that the developers have created over time.

## Resources

1. ↑ The Sims 4 Wikipedia
2. ↑ The Sims FANDOM Wiki - Simoleon
3. ↑ The Sims 4 Expansion Packs
4. ↑ The Sims 4 Game Packs
5. ↑ The Sims 4 Stuff Packs
6. ↑ The Sims 4 Kits
7. ↑ Play The Sims 4 for Free Beginning October 18