The Sims 4 Received First Console Exclusive DLC; EA Hides Its Release
A free pajama set for The Sims 4 has made fans fear for the future of the series. This is the first such situation in the history of the game.
The Sims 4 is distinguished from other installments in the series by, among other things, the largest number of DLC types. Expansions, game packs, sets and kits have been joined by another form of additional content in the form of EA Play and Xbox Game Pass subscriptions.
From now until March 29, EA Play and Xbox Game Pass subscribers who own The Sims 4 can pick up for free the Sleepover Sleepwear Set
Despite the official presence of the set in Xbox and PlayStation libraries, some players (including members of our editorial team) are still having trouble picking it up.
A mysterious set
The unannounced set of sleepwear has caused a stir in the fan community of The Sims. Those following the game on a regular basis recognized it as a collection found not much earlier in the game's files of clothes that many were expecting as part of the upcoming free update.
This theory, although based on previous actions of the developers, turned out to be wrong. According to the information presented so far the pajama set is the first DLC in the series' history that is impossible to purchase. It is also exclusive to consoles.
Fan concerns and developer reaction
A special offer for subscribers of specific platforms is not new in the world of video games, but for the community of fans of The Sims this move on EA's part has a deeper meaning:
"So the new leaked nightwear is part of the EA Play subscription, which I think is disgusting.
I paid about 1,000 pounds for this game and having "free" content locked behind a paywall is not right at all. This is the only EA Play product I like and what am I supposed to pay 5 pounds a month for? For some repainted clothes.
EA has made many bad decisions, but this one has to be one of the worst. As a PC gamer, with access to mods, I can easily use Sims Studio and change this decision, but our console brethren are not so lucky, aside from the fact that they've already been cheated with the Build Mode changes.
I know that the team didn't do it The Sims, but some executive working for EA. A few minutes on Twitter shows how strong public opinion is, given how much opposition there is. I hope you can turn this around, thank you," wrote user gooochyeee, starting a new thread on The Sims forum.
After the first post in the thread, a whole discussion began, which many users joined in. Some of them are concerned that add-ons in the form of subscriptions will become the new standard, and that this is a form of testing waters before making the upcoming The Sims 5 a fully subscription-based game.
We didn't have to wait long for a response from one of the developers:
"Hi everyone.
"At this point, the set is an exclusive gift for our console players who have an EA Play subscription.
I understand that this may be frustrating for some of you, and I have relayed your reactions to those at the top," replied EA_Cade, community affairs manager of The Sims.
What is most interesting about this confusing situation, EA and Maxis still have not announced the availability of the set on their official websites or social profiles.
Free news for PC only in mid-March
The developers are already announcing the upcoming free update for all platforms, which will introduce to the game new moles, birthmarks, stretch marks, C-section scars and long-awaited babies.
This additional content is expected to be available for download on March 14, preceding the release of the Growing Together DLC, scheduled for 2 days later.
