What is The Sims?

Created by Electronic Arts and developed by Maxis, The Sims was released in 2000. Since then, there have been four instalments in the series and various spin-offs and mobile versions of the game.

The Sims is a single-player interactive life-simulation game that gives you the power to create and control your own Sims character. You can create families, build homes, and complete various day-to-day activities such as sleep, eating, working, etc.

Minimum age requirements

The Sims 4 base game and expansion packs have a PEGI rating of 12. It depicts cartoon violence in some cases as well as sexual innuendos. Player-made content (mods) can include adult content which isn’t endorsed by Electronic Arts.

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In 2014, The Sims 4 was released for purchase and in 2022, the base game was released for free download. There are over 100 gameplay add-ons for purchase, ranging from £2 to £35 each. These are split into:

• Expansion packs: Generally priced around £35 unless on sale. They feature new gameplay options and often include new worlds.
• Game packs: Generally priced around £18 unless on sale. Similar to expansion packs but on a smaller scale. Some new gameplay features or worlds might be included, but they don’t tend to alter existing game mechanics.
• Stuff packs: Generally priced around £9 unless on sale. These packs focus on build and CAS (create-a-sim) items rather than adding new game mechanics, experiences or worlds.
• Kits: Prices range from about £5-7. These are smaller scale than stuff packs and usually include build items or CAS items. They won’t usually include as many items as Stuff packs.
• Maker packs: These are newer packs which can only be purchased via the Sims Marketplace with platform currency ‘Moola’. 200 Moola is equal to about £2. These packs contain player-made items, similar to mods, but they are vetted to be added to the Marketplace.

If a player were to buy all expansions, game packs, stuff packs and kits, it would cost them over £1000. This does not include Maker packs.

Gameplay depends on the user’s play style. Some prefer to build in build mode while others like creating a storyline to follow in live mode. Career and lifestyle goals can be followed or ignored, which means the game can be tailored to suit anyone.

The Sims 4 game can be played on a PC (Windows/macOS), PS4 and Xbox One.

Sims Marketplace

In Spring 2026, Electronic Arts launched the Sims Marketplace. Players can access it through their Sims 4 game on both PC and console to purchase a range of Maker packs. ‘Makers’ are a part of The Sims Maker Programme and are commissioned to create these packs.

To purchase items from the Marketplace, users must purchase ‘Moola’, which is the platform’s currency (like V-bucks on Fortnite or Robux on Roblox). Items range in price from 0 Moola to 500 Moola.

Some players have criticised the Marketplace and Maker packs as an unnecessary addition to the Sims community. Part of the concern is around additional cost for custom content which has widely been free outside of the Sims platform. There are also concerns around custom content outside of the Marketplace eventually being phased out completely.

The Sims 4 is the best-selling and longest-running base game of the franchise, drawing in millions of players worldwide. Here are some reasons why it is so popular:

Content is generally suitable for ages 12 and up. However, there are certain things to watch out for.

Violence

Violence is limited to a ‘slapstick’ or cartoon humour. However, characters can be electrocuted by a plug, die in a kitchen fire or get crushed in a fold-down bed among other deaths. Therefore, it may be unsuitable for very young children.

Nudity and sexual content

Players can make Sims have sex (‘woohoo’ in Simlish), which happens under the sheets or in other hidden places, so no nudity is shown. Characters are censored when they use the bathroom or can be seen in their underwear.

In-app purchases

If your credit card information is saved on your EA app or other account you use to play The Sims 4, it is very easy to purchase expansion packs, game packs, stuff packs and kits without always needing to confirm purchase details.

The introduction of Kits, Maker packs and the Marketplace also add an element similar to micro-transactions where players need to spend money for small amounts of added content.

Make sure to set spending limits and controls where possible. Avoid saving your credit card to your child’s account to limit accidental spending.

Custom content and mods

Independent creators develop additional Create-A-Sim (CAS) or build mode items and gameplay functions that are not regulated by The Sims 4. Outside of the Sims Marketplace, this content is free and very easy to add into the game.

While some of this content includes different hair or furniture styles, other modifications include ‘realistic’ gameplay. This realism may include nudity, drugs, violence and other actions inappropriate for younger players.

Custom content and mods are not available on the console version of the game.

Other Sims games

Since its creation, The Sims has had four instalments of the game, five spin-offs and two mobile versions. Some are still available and played by fans of The Sims and have similar content warnings to The Sims 4.

The Sims 3

Although some diehard fans still play The Sims and The Sims 2, it’s the third instalment that competes more with The Sims 4. When The Sims 4 came out, many didn’t like the limitations, so stayed with The Sims 3. It is available for purchase on Steam, and SimPoints are available for additional purchase. These points buy additional items for the game.

The Sims Freeplay

Released in 2011, this mobile lifestyle game is still popular and updated regularly. It’s available on Android and iOS for free. In the game, players earn Simoleons (the currency in The Sims) and Lifestyle points, which can be used to move the game forward. There are also Social points available for purchase with real-life currency.

5 tips to help children play safely & responsibly

1. Create a teen/child account. Child accounts limit access to features like online multiplayer modes, purchases and social media connections in the game. Find out how you can create a child or teen account via the EA app.
2. Use device-level parental controls. Set limits on how long your child can play The Sims on the device they use. Click on a device to learn more: Windows, macOS, XBox One, PlayStation 4.
3. Encourage regular breaks. Set an alarm or use visual timers to help your child better manage how much time they spend playing The Sims.
4. Play alongside your child. Have a go at playing The Sims together to learn what they like about it and demonstrate interest in their online lives. This can help ease any concerns you might have while reinforcing rules you’ve agreed on.
5. Ask your child about their experience. During or after a session, ask them to update you on their family, storyline or latest build. You can also ask them for updates from the Sims community, such as pack announcements or ongoing events to help you stay informed.