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Play OverviewPlay Overview

The Sims puts you in charge of a world of characters living normal lives. By providing a home, a job, leisure, friendships and even a love interest, you work to make them happy. It’s an open-ended game as well, although the altruism is focused on virtual characters.

*The Sims (2000)
  • The Sims Online (2002)
  • The Sims 2 (2004)
  • The Sims Life Stories (2007)
  • The Sims Pet Stories (2007)
  • The Sims Castaway Stories (2008)
  • The Sims Carnival (2008)
  • MySims (2008) on DS
  • The Sims 3 (2009)
  • The Sims Medieval (2011)
  • The Sims Social (2011)
  • The Sims FreePlay (2012)
  • The Sims 4 (2000) (2014)
  • The Sims Mobile (2018)

Our examiner, Jo Robertson, first checked The Sims 4 4 years ago. It was re-examined by Ellen Robertson and updated 6 weeks ago.
Kids not old enough for this yet? There are lots of games similar to The Sims 4 (Series). Here are some similar younger-rated games:

Play StylePlay Style

This is a Role-Play and Simulation game with Communication and Narrative elements. This is a single-player game.

DurationDuration

We haven't documented duration data for this game yet.

Age RatingsAge Ratings

Content Rating

The Sims 4 is rated PEGI 12 with mild violence and sexual innuendo. Compared to the Sims 3, players are given greater ability to manipulate the shape of their Sims by dragging body parts; this includes the ability to enlarge breasts which the player can then zoom in on. It is also possible to dress your Sim in revealing lingerie. Sexual content during gameplay is the same as before with sex taking place out of view although the bed sheets can be seen moving with the characters making sounds underneath.
Violence during the game is mostly slapstick taking place in a cloud of smoke. It is possible to slap another Sim and defend this slap by grabbing the hand and throwing it away. In both cases there is no obvious physical harm or injury. Sims can also set themselves on fire which causes their skin and clothes to go black, but again there is no physical harm they just hop around shouting.

Skill Level

10+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game. Still, it's important for parents and guardians to consider the maturity required to process the game content. It's also important to ensure children understand in-game purchases and have spending limits set-up. Although The Sims isn't designed for children with its complex tools and extensive reading. However, as Sabrina Culbya described in her Games for Change talk, with support even young children can enjoy playing with and building, architecture and characters. There is considerable learning possible. For younger players the cheat codes can help ease difficulties and enhance play.

Our Game Pathways reveal how 19-year-olds play this game:

CostsCosts

The Sims 4 usually costs £24.99 to £54.99. 

The Sims 4

Amazon StoreSALE Xbox One £34.99 £16.49 at the moment
Amazon StoreSALE PS4 £34.99 £15.75 at the moment
PlayStation Store PS4 Free Free

PS Plus Essential

EA Play

Steam Store PC Free Free

EA Play

XBox Store Xbox One Free Free

Xbox Live Gold

EA Play

The Sims 4 Deluxe Party Edition

XBox Store Xbox One £24.99
XBox Store Xbox One £54.99
PlayStation Store PS4 £24.99

The Sims 4 Standard Edition

XBox Store Xbox One £44.99
There are the following additional costs associated with this game:
  • In-Game Purchases: Additional in-game purchases are offered for items that enhance the experience.
 
The Sims offers substantial expansion packs that add themed towns, gameplay mechanics, clothes, hairstyles, and furniture. There are also smaller packs that add buildings, or a single gameplay mechanic and some furniture or clothing. 
 
It's important to set up your accounts and devices appropriately. More information is on our Financial Resources page.
 

DetailsGame Details

Release Date: 04/02/2000

Price: 54% off

Out Now: Amazon Fire, Android, PS3, PS4, Wii, Xbox 360, Xbox One and iOS

Skill Rating: 10+ year-olds

Players: 1

Genres: Role-Play, Simulation (Communication and Narrative)

Accessibility: 21 features

Components: 3D Third-Person, Day and Night, Grid, Open World and Persistant World

Developer: EA (@EA)


Taming Gaming Book Written by parents for parents, the database complements the in-depth discussion about video game addiction, violence, spending and online safety in the Taming Gaming book. We are an editorially independent, free resource without adverts that is supported by partnerships.

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