The Sims is celebrating its 25th anniversary next month, but EA kicked off the festivities early via a new episode of Behind The Sims, giving players a peek at what the future holds for The Sims 4, including base game updates, free in-game content, and a trio of new Kits.
The latest episode, which aired live on The Sims’ YouTube channel, provided a look at the game’s upcoming content roadmap and hinted at some other surprises, including a 25-hour livestream that will feature a “special guest [who players] might know.”
Per EA, The Sims 25th Anniversary celebration schedule is as follows:
- January 14: The Sims 4 main menu UI overhaul
- January 16: Three new Kits launch, including the Secret Sanctuary Kit, the Casanova Cave Kit, and the Comfy Gamer Kit, the latter of which was created in collaboration with popular Sims 4 YouTuber LilSimsie.
- January 27 – 31: Nostalgia Now Event (No details have been shared regarding this event, though it could be a login event that rewards players with exclusive in-game items.)
- February 4:
- A 25-hour livestream featuring the aforementioned mysterious special guest will take place.
- The Sims 4 Blast From The Past Event begins, featuring free rewards “inspired by iconic items from the 2000s, like a milk carton, telephone, alarm clock, triple-tiered birthday cake, and inflatable chair and loveseat.”
- The Sims 4 will receive new (free) base game content featuring over 70 new in-game items including hairstyle, basic clothing, new swatches, and more.
- February 6: Motherload Season begins. EA hasn’t yet shared details regarding what exactly this event will consist of, but given the fact that it’s named after the in-game cheat used to fill a Sim’s bank account with cash, it’s probably safe to say this season will be all about those sweet, sweet Simoleons.
- February 25: ???
Whatever EA has planned for February 25, The Sims 4 devs are keeping their lips zipped for now, with an emoji of two large eyeballs in place of the event’s description. But it’s possible that February 25 will see the announcement of the game’s next expansion packs, as EA has historically used large Sims-based events to promote upcoming DLC.
The livestream also revealed that The Sims 25th Anniversary event will include a free update that gives the game’s generally underwhelming townie homes a much-needed makeover, with pools and other features that weren’t available when those houses were first created. It’s unclear if the digital dollhouse redecoration will take place as part of the free update on February 4, or if it will launch later in the month.
For more information on all the new content coming to The Sims 4, The Sims FreePlay, and MySims: Cozy Bundle–plus details on The Sims 25th Anniversary merch–check out EA’s recent blog post.