One of the most popular games of all time is going free-to-play – and it’s a childhood classic
AN UPCOMING release of one of the most popular gaming series of all time will be free to play.
This suggests that in the future all games in the series will also be free to download.
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The Sims 4 was the first game in The Sims series to be free to play, but it wasn’t until many years after its initial release.
The Sims doesn’t have many microtransactions like other free-to-play games, but it does have expansions.
These are DLC packs that contain new items and features to expand the way you play.
The Sims expansion packs will still cost money, but the base game will be free.
It seems that this free-to-play model will become the norm for the Sims series in the future.
A job listing for The Sims 5, currently known as Project Rene, suggests it will be a live service.
The description for the Head of Marketplace and Monetization reads: “Own project Rene’s in-game marketplace for content and [user-generated content (free and paid).
“Manage a data-informed player-centric player purchase journey – maximizing value to players, optimizing player spend patterns, and minimizing player churn.
“Own pricing of all content in this free-to-enter game, ensuring we have an optimal pricing and content architecture.
“Provide guidance to content teams on in-game content needs to meet player demand.”
Later in the ad, it says Maxis hopes to provide: “a nimble live service culture of test-learn-iterate across platforms (PC, Mobile, Consoles).”
However, while it seems The Sims 5 will be free-to-play, recruiting a head of monetisation means the series is likely taking a new direction.
The job post could mean that there will be more microtransactions in the upcoming game, encouraging players to spend more money.
Written by Georgina Young on behalf of GLHF.
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