Summary
Project Renehas some challenges ahead of it to convince players, especially as it’s planned to be released alongsideThe Sims 4rather than being a complete sequel. One of those challenges is establishing an identity that stands apart fromThe Sims 4, but one that is closely aligned withThe Simsand its ideals. To do that,Project Renecan take a look at the originalThe Simsgames, and the intention the developer had for the series when it originally created it.
The Simswas created by game developer Will Wright, who thought ofThe Simsas a parody of consumerism.The Simsreflected this in the gameplay and its design, but subsequent sequels lost this part of the game’s intention.
The History of The Sims
The Sims as Satire
Will Wright initially struggled to get people to believe in the project.Micromanaging the lives of Simswas against everything that had proven to be popular in gaming up until that time, where there were no parameters for success or winning. In terms of being a parody of consumerism, Will Wright refers to the impulse players have to build a massive mansion and fill it with expensive objects that promise to save time. Ironically, doing so wastes all of a player’s time instead of saving it, particularly when the objects break and the player invests more time in fixing them.
Project Rene Needs to Embrace a Unique Identity
Consumerism in 2024
The face of consumerism has changed somewhat since the early 2000s whenThe Simswas released over 20 years ago, and the series' direction regarding microtransactions would make any commentary or satire about the topic in poor taste. However,Project Renecould return to its rootsand define itself apart fromThe Sims 4by returning to a similar sense of humor and style that madeThe Simsso popular.Project Renecould do this either by satirizing consumer culture in general, or by poking fun at theSimsseries itself and the more controversial decisions the series has made over the years.
Satire in Project Rene
With a clear purpose comes a clear art style and overall game design, which also needs to be something that stands apart fromThe Sims 4ifProject Reneis going to be released concurrently. A return to basics is sometimes exactly what a series needs to re-establish its identity and get back on track, and returning to the original spirit ofThe Simscould be the brave move that definesProject Rene’s tone. With the lessonsThe Simshas learned over the years with eachThe Simsgame, such as more diversity, better Build and Create-a-Sim tools, and other storytelling options,Project Renehas more opportunity than its predecessors to create something with a clear identity.
The Sims 4
WHERE TO PLAY
Unleash your imagination and create a unique world of Sims that’s an expression of you. Download for free, and customize every detail from Sims to homes and much more. Choose how Sims look, act, and dress, then decide how they’ll live out each day. Design and build incredible homes for every family, then decorate with your favorite furnishings and décor. Travel to different neighborhoods where you’re able to meet other Sims and learn about their lives. Discover beautiful locations with distinctive environments and go on spontaneous adventures. Manage the ups and downs of Sims’ everyday lives, and see what happens when you play out scenarios from your own real life. Tell your stories your way while developing relationships, pursuing careers and life aspirations, and immersing yourself in this extraordinary game, where the possibilities are endless
