The Sims Mobile Explained
The Sims Mobile is a life simulation game based on The Sims 4 for Android and iOS, published by Electronic Arts and initially developed by Maxis.[1] It was announced on May 9, 2017, and was released on March 6, 2018.[2] [3] It features a multiplayer component and includes story elements.[4] [5]
On January 29, 2024, EA announced that The Sims Mobile would no longer receive new events or content updates, but instead receive re-runs of past updates and events, and the online servers will remain active.[6]
Gameplay
In The Sims Mobile, players are able to create unique Sims with the in-game character creator (Create-a-Sim), build houses, start families and control the lives of their Sims.[7] The game introduces multiplayer elements, as players can 'interact with other players' Sims by attending their parties, tapping on an NPC (non-playable character), or rating their Sims as through a sticker system.
Similarly to previous mobile games in The Sims franchise, energy is used when players take actions with their Sims. Energy can be restored through SimCash, which is earned through in-game quests and micro-transactions. SimCash can also be used to purchase certain premium clothing and furniture options in the game.[8]
Unlike its predecessor The Sims FreePlay, The Sims Mobile offers a closer experience to the PC series of games. There is a focus on telling stories through Sim's actions, chosen by the player as their Sims go through their career or make relationships. As Sims play through these stories, they are able to level up and unlock new cutscenes. Advancing stories may also unlock new furniture or clothing items.[9]
Release
On May 9, 2017, the game was available for testing on the App Store and Google Play in Brazil.[10] [11] On March 6, 2018, The Sims Mobile was launched worldwide, but Hong Kong, Mainland China and other parts of Asia were not open for download.[12]
In 2019, development was transferred from Maxis to Firemonkeys Studios,[13] which also develops The Sims FreePlay.[14]
Reception
The Sims Mobile received "Mixed or average reviews" from critics, holding an aggregated Metacritic score of 73/100.[15]
Common Sense Media gave the game 3/5 stars, describing it as an "Energy-based life sim" that is "progress purchase-dependent".[16] The Verge praised the game, declaring: "Maxis has successfully pared down a very full series into an accessible, easy-to-play game for your commute or bedtime routine".[17] Kotaku complimented the timer and energy meters and praised the relationship mechanic.[18] Shacknews criticized the timers and the micro-transactions, saying : "As it stands, unless you're really jonesing for a Sims fix while on the go, there isn't much of a reason to let The Sims Mobile insult you by peppering you with its seemingly endless barrage of microtransactions".[19]
Upon its release, The Sims Mobile topped the App Store.[20] During its four months release, The Sims Mobile generated a total of US$15 million.[21] [22] As of July 2018, the game generated between US$20 million and US$25 million.[23] [24]
Awards
The game was nominated for "Outstanding Video Game" at the 30th GLAAD Media Awards.[25]
Notes and References
- Web site: The Sims Mobile offers a more focused, accessible version than any before it . Farokhmanesh . Megan . March 10, 2018 . . March 14, 2018 . March 14, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180314174521/https://www.theverge.com/2018/3/10/17097196/the-sims-mobile-focused-version-gaming-maxis-android-ios . live .
- Web site: The Sims™ Mobile Launch Trailer . May 9, 2017 . . May 10, 2017 . May 10, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170510072654/http://www.ign.com/videos/2017/05/09/the-sims-mobile-launch-trailer . live .
- Web site: The Sims Mobile Officially Launches Today Alongside New Trailer . Ruppert . Liana "Lili" . ComicBook.com . March 14, 2018 . March 14, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180314104718/http://comicbook.com/gaming/2018/03/07/the-sims-mobile-ios-android/ . live .
- Web site: A Proper The Sims Game Is Finally Coming To Mobile . Grixti . Shannon . May 10, 2017 . Press Start Australia . May 10, 2017 . February 13, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210213035822/https://press-start.com.au/news/2017/05/10/proper-sims-game-finally-coming-mobile/ . live .
- Web site: The Sims Mobile is a brand new entry in the franchise, in soft launch on Android right now . Mayhew . Ash . May 9, 2017 . Droid Gamers . May 10, 2017 . June 9, 2018 . https://archive.today/20180609192152/http://www.droidgamers.com/2017/05/09/sims-mobile-soft-launch-android/ . live .
- Web site: Arts . Electronic . 2024-01-09 . In-Game Updates Beginning January 29, 2024 . 2024-04-29 . Electronic Arts Inc. . en.
- Web site: 10 Things to Get You Excited About The Sims Mobile . . February 15, 2018 . March 14, 2018 . March 14, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180314174540/https://www.ea.com/games/the-sims/the-sims-mobile/news/sims-mobile-10-things . live .
- Web site: How does The Sims Mobile monetise? . Suckley . Matt . March 13, 2018 . . March 14, 2018 . March 14, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180314174255/http://www.pocketgamer.biz/the-iap-inspector/67730/how-does-the-sims-mobile-monetise/ . live .
- Web site: The Sims Mobile Review . Ford . Eric . March 6, 2018 . . March 30, 2018 . March 31, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180331035615/http://toucharcade.com/2018/03/06/the-sims-mobile-review/ . live .
- Web site: 2017-05-11. The Sims is coming to your mobile. Soon. https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220618/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/gaming/sims-mobile-release-date-android-ios-ea-games-app-a7729711.html . June 18, 2022 . subscription . live. 2020-12-09. The Independent. en.
- Web site: 3 Reasons Why Sims Mobile Misses the Mark: In-depth Analysis. 2020-12-09. Deconstructor of Fun. July 3, 2018. en-US. June 19, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200619041321/https://www.deconstructoroffun.com/blog/2018/7/2/simz. live.
- Web site: Willie. 2018-03-07. 在手機上模擬市民 EA 遊戲《The Sims Mobile》免費推出. 2020-12-09. New MobileLife 流動日報. en-US. May 20, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190520053544/https://www.newmobilelife.com/2018/03/07/iphone-ipad-android-free-app-the-sims-mobile/. live.
- Web site: May 5, 2019. The Sims Mobile Moves to the Land Down Under. May 26, 2019. EA. May 26, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190526170425/https://www.ea.com/games/the-sims/the-sims-4/news/tsm-moves-to-the-land-down-under. live.
- Web site: Aserit. Mark. 2017-05-16. The Sims Mobile Release Date for U.S., U.K., Japan and India. 2020-12-09. Breaking Christian News: World, Business, and More The Gospel Herald. en. October 31, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201031050254/https://www.gospelherald.com/articles/70467/20170516/sims-mobile-release-date-u-s-k-japan-india.htm. live.
- Web site: The Sims Mobile. 2020-12-09. Metacritic. en. November 21, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201121205905/https://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/the-sims-mobile. live.
- Web site: 2018-03-16. The Sims Mobile - App Review. 2020-12-09. www.commonsensemedia.org. en. June 13, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210613062130/https://www.commonsensemedia.org/app-reviews/the-sims-mobile. live.
- Web site: Farokhmanesh. Megan. 2018-03-10. The Sims Mobile offers a more focused, accessible version than any before it. 2020-12-09. The Verge. en. March 14, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180314174521/https://www.theverge.com/2018/3/10/17097196/the-sims-mobile-focused-version-gaming-maxis-android-ios. live.
- Web site: The Sims Mobile Is A Great Place To Raise A Family. 2020-12-09. Kotaku. March 20, 2018. en-us. October 27, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201027155457/https://kotaku.com/the-sims-mobile-is-a-great-place-to-raise-a-family-1823921809. live.
- Web site: The Sims Mobile Review: Waiting On This World to Change. 2020-12-09. Shacknews. March 6, 2018. en. December 4, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191204155904/https://www.shacknews.com/article/103662/the-sims-mobile-review-waiting-on-this-world-to-change. live.
- Web site: Harris. Iain. Writer. Staff. The Sims Mobile tops the App Store download charts as it breaks out of soft launch. 2020-12-09. pocketgamer.biz. March 8, 2018. February 1, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210201194504/https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/67705/the-sims-mobile-tops-the-app-store-download-charts-as-it-breaks-out-of-soft-launch/. live.
- Web site: Harris. Iain. Writer. Staff. The Sims Mobile builds up $15 million in revenues after four months. 2020-12-09. pocketgamer.biz. July 6, 2018. November 26, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201126034303/https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/68518/the-sims-mobile-builds-up-15-million-in-revenues-after-four-months/. live.
- Web site: Nelson. Randy. The Sims Mobile Revenue Exceeds $15 Million in Its First Four Months. 2020-12-09. Sensor Tower Blog. July 9, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190112/https://sensortower.com/blog/sims-mobile-15-million-revenue. live.
- Web site: Chapple. Craig. The Sims Mobile takes home $20 million. 2020-12-09. pocketgamer.biz. October 2018. October 13, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181013133037/https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/69148/the-sims-mobile-takes-home-20-million/. live.
- Web site: Nelson. Randy. EA's Seen $25 Million in The Sims Mobile Revenue So Far. 2020-12-09. Sensor Tower Blog. September 2, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200902071250/https://sensortower.com/blog/the-sims-mobile-revenue-25-million. live.
- Web site: GLAAD Media Awards: 'Adventure Time,' 'She-Ra,' 'Steven Universe' Nominated . Milligan . Mercedes . January 25, 2019 . . February 13, 2019 . January 26, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190126113922/http://www.animationmagazine.net/top-stories/glaad-media-awards-adventure-time-she-ra-steven-universe-nominated/ . live .