The Sims 5 has yet to receive a release date or a broad release window. This is largely because it was only announced a short time ago, and is still being referred to as Project Rene while it’s in the prototyping phase.
The Sims 5 has some very big shoes to fill, given just how beloved the series has become since the first game became one of the biggest PC games ever. From what we’ve seen so far, it could be shooting for the stars, with extensive and much deeper customization options, and potentially a move towards some kind of multiplayer functionality.
It could be a while before we see The Sims 5, but for now, here’s everything we know so far about Project Rene. This includes an early look at gameplay, a prediction of when the game might launch, and all of the latest news.
The Sims 5: cut to the chase
What is it? The next generation of The SimsWhen does it come out? TBCWhich can I play it on? PC and mobile confirmed so farWho’s making it? Maxis Studios (EA)
The Sims 5 release date rumors
(Image credit: EA)
Cutting straight to the bad news: The Sims 5 currently doesn’t have a release date or release window.
During the Behind The Sims Summit Stream Event in October 2022, Maxis confirmed the next generation of The Sims (AKA Project Rene) is in the early stages of development. “Over the next couple of years, we’ll continue sharing updates with all of you on Project Rene”, Sydnay Pearson, VP of franchise creative for The Sims, said in the video. These updates will also go alongside early access software being opened up to select groups over time.
This was followed up by another Behind The Sims event on June 27, 2023, which showed off some basic prototypes for lighting, hair customization, and more. No details were given as to when the team aims to release Project Rene.
The Sims 5 platforms
The Sims 5 will be available on PC and mobile, according to EA Maxis. While not confirmed, it’s likely The Sims 5 will come to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S eventually, given this will be a “next-generation The Sims game”. Historically, main entries in The Sims series have been released on PC first and then are reworked slightly for consoles and other systems.
The Sims 5 trailers
The latest teaser for The Sims 5 was released on June 27, 2023 and provides a behind-the-scenes look at Project Rene.
The video shows early concepts for Project Rene, including customization of hairstyles, a look at lighting, as well as prototypes for Sims’ behavior out in the world. We also got a look at how the team is fine-tuning animation and expressions, watch it below.
The Sims 5 gameplay
(Image credit: EA)
Thanks to the most recent Behind The Scenes video, we can better understand what The Sims 5‘s gameplay could look like. So far, we know that platform compatibility, multiplayer, and greater customization will be critical to Project Rene.
With platform compatibility, “you can now play The Sims, wherever you are without barriers and restrictions”, Rodiek said. Gameplay across platforms will also be fluid as you can instantly switch between PC and mobile. However, the experience on a PC will be “the true rich experience you’re used to”, Rodiek said.
What we’ve seen of the gameplay so far amounts to a short gameplay demo showing furniture and other objects being edited. There appears to be much more freedom this time around, with furniture able to be placed close to other objects, and sometimes at diagonals to other large pieces of furniture.
Patterns and color palettes have much more options too, with individual pieces of furniture having separate selections for different components, like the headboard on a bed, for example. This all points to a much more robust editor when compared to what we saw in The Sims 4, so hopefully it all ends up coming to fruition when The Sims 5 does eventually launch.
Prototypes have been shown off for character interactions and animation, as well as scripting for the schedules of individual Sims. These are super early in terms of development footage, and don’t yet reveal much about the gameplay that will be showcased in The Sims 5.
The Sims 5 multiplayer
(Image credit: EA / Maxis)
The Sims 5 will have a greater emphasis on multiplayer rather than just single-player. “We think we can be both”, Rodiek said. However, “one thing to keep in mind is that Project Rene is not an MMO (massively multiplayer online game)”.
At present, it’s unclear just how many ,multiplayer options will be available to players when The Sims 5 does launch. At the very least, the development team is clearly considering multiplayer, and the game will have some functionality to interact with your friends.
The Sims 5 latest news
(Image credit: EA)
Will it make use of AI technology?
A patent filed by EA back in April 2020 and approved in October 2021 reveals AI technology could be used in The Sims to turn pictures of people into in-game characters.
Reported by Sims Community, the patent discusses the AI technology, explaining that it will allow players to upload photographs of themselves or characters, which can then be converted into an accurate Sim.
EA owns the patent outright, so we’ll have to wait and see how and if they’ll implement the tech. It also isn’t clear if this will be implemented in The Sims 4, which is expected to have fresh content churned out for a few years yet, or if development is far enough away for The Sims 5 to be where it makes its debut.
That’s everything you need to know about The Sims 5. For more on PC gaming, be sure to check out our list of the best simulation games you can play right now or the best multiplayer games on PC.