The Sims - Worthwhile or Worthless?

The Sims - Worthwhile or Worthless?
Posted :: Apr 22, 2004 by Haggs

With The Sims 2 scheduled for release on June 30th, 2004, we decided to more deeply examine what The Sims series is all about and why it has gained so much popularity.

The Sims is the ultimate simulation game crafted by Electronic Arts. The series boasts one of the best software sales records of all time; how did they manage to accomplish such a feat? The game is nothing more than a simulation of real life, yet it has managed to outsell many more creative titles. In my opinion, games are supposed to give people an opportunity to experience and do things that they otherwise would not, or could not be able to do in real life. While The Sims does simulate a real life, it still allows the player to do things he or she would probably not otherwise do. The whole thing is basically one big game of "doll house." You role play your person, go to work, relax, read, eat, sleep, and even go to the bathroom (newer expansions and the Sims 2 are starting to allow for more scandalous actions). It offers the player freedom without the violence found in other freedom role play series like Grand Theft Auto.

One of the primary reasons that The Sims has been so successful is its ability to tap into a new market of potential gamers. You have your working class person who doesn't have much of a life outside of work. It gives him/her a chance to lead a life that perhaps they wish they were leading. It also allows people to design a dream home that they may never be able to own, but still want to enjoy in one way or another. Another group that may be attracted toward the game consists of those that enjoyed games of "doll house" or "school" as children, and would like to relive their experiences. Parents may also prefer to purchase such a game for their children due to its lack of violence. Violence and video games is a debate best left for another day, but there are many parents that undoubtedly seek out nonviolent games for their children. Last, it attracts the avid gamer that is exhausted from countless hours of their favorite game genre and looking for a new type of game to experience.

While The Sims may seem innovative to many, perhaps it is not as special as it seems. Everyone has a life of their own to live (duh?). Why do we need to simulate something that exists all around us? Instead of spending time building up your character by reading a book or studying in The Sims (which I will tell you is very very dull), it would be more beneficial to spend real time doing a little reading or studying for your courses. Instead of trying to find a Sim girl to date, it would be much more rewarding to go work on finding a real girl to date. Instead of going to the bathroom in The Sims, it would be more beneficial to take that minute or two of your life and wish someone a good day, or give someone a word or two of encouragement. Granted these types of arguments can be expanded to slam gaming in general, they are perhaps most relevant to The Sims.

The Sims may be a very popular series with an expansive and lasting appeal for many gamers, but maybe it's time that people think twice about what they are playing before they spend too much time playing it.

To each his/her own, and everything taken with a grain of salt.

If you're curious to see what EA has to say about The Sims, try http://thesims.ea.com.