The Sims Mobile

The Sims Mobile
The Sims Mobile
Developer(s)	Maxis (2017–2019); Firemonkeys Studios (2019–2020); Slingshot (2020-present)
Publisher(s)	Electronic Arts
Series	The Sims
Platform(s)	iOS, Android
Release	WW: March 6, 2018;
Genre(s)	Social simulation game
Mode(s)	Single-player, multiplayer

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.^[3]

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,^[3] 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]

References

^ Farokhmanesh, Megan (March 10, 2018). "The Sims Mobile offers a more focused, accessible version than any before it". The Verge. Archived from the original on March 14, 2018. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
^ "The Sims™ Mobile Launch Trailer". IGN. May 9, 2017. Archived from the original on May 10, 2017. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
^ ^a ^b ^c Ruppert, Liana "Lili". "The Sims Mobile Officially Launches Today Alongside New Trailer". ComicBook.com. Archived from the original on March 14, 2018. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
^ Grixti, Shannon (May 10, 2017). "A Proper The Sims Game Is Finally Coming To Mobile". Press Start Australia. Archived from the original on February 13, 2021. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
^ Mayhew, Ash (May 9, 2017). "The Sims Mobile is a brand new entry in the franchise, in soft launch on Android right now". Droid Gamers. Archived from the original on June 9, 2018. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
^ Arts, Electronic (January 9, 2024). "In-Game Updates Beginning January 29, 2024". Electronic Arts Inc. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
^ "10 Things to Get You Excited About The Sims Mobile". Electronic Arts. February 15, 2018. Archived from the original on March 14, 2018. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
^ Suckley, Matt (March 13, 2018). "How does The Sims Mobile monetise?". Pocket Gamer. Archived from the original on March 14, 2018. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
^ Ford, Eric (March 6, 2018). "The Sims Mobile Review". TouchArcade. Archived from the original on March 31, 2018. Retrieved March 30, 2018.
^ "The Sims is coming to your mobile. Soon". The Independent. May 11, 2017. Archived from the original on June 18, 2022. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
^ "3 Reasons Why Sims Mobile Misses the Mark: In-depth Analysis". Deconstructor of Fun. July 3, 2018. Archived from the original on June 19, 2020. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
^ Willie (March 7, 2018). "在手機上模擬市民 EA 遊戲《The Sims Mobile》免費推出". New MobileLife 流動日報. Archived from the original on May 20, 2019. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
^ "The Sims Mobile Moves to the Land Down Under". EA. May 5, 2019. Archived from the original on May 26, 2019. Retrieved May 26, 2019.
^ Aserit, Mark (May 16, 2017). "The Sims Mobile Release Date for U.S., U.K., Japan and India". Breaking Christian News: World, Business, and More | The Gospel Herald. Archived from the original on October 31, 2020. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
^ "The Sims Mobile". Metacritic. Archived from the original on November 21, 2020. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
^ "The Sims Mobile - App Review". www.commonsensemedia.org. March 16, 2018. Archived from the original on June 13, 2021. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
^ Farokhmanesh, Megan (March 10, 2018). "The Sims Mobile offers a more focused, accessible version than any before it". The Verge. Archived from the original on March 14, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
^ "The Sims Mobile Is A Great Place To Raise A Family". Kotaku. March 20, 2018. Archived from the original on October 27, 2020. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
^ "The Sims Mobile Review: Waiting On This World to Change". Shacknews. March 6, 2018. Archived from the original on December 4, 2019. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
^ Harris, Iain; Writer, Staff (March 8, 2018). "The Sims Mobile tops the App Store download charts as it breaks out of soft launch". pocketgamer.biz. Archived from the original on February 1, 2021. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
^ Harris, Iain; Writer, Staff (July 6, 2018). "The Sims Mobile builds up $15 million in revenues after four months". pocketgamer.biz. Archived from the original on November 26, 2020. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
^ Nelson, Randy. "The Sims Mobile Revenue Exceeds $15 Million in Its First Four Months". Sensor Tower Blog. Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
^ Chapple, Craig (October 2018). "The Sims Mobile takes home $20 million". pocketgamer.biz. Archived from the original on October 13, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
^ Nelson, Randy. "EA's Seen $25 Million in The Sims Mobile Revenue So Far". Sensor Tower Blog. Archived from the original on September 2, 2020. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
^ Milligan, Mercedes (January 25, 2019). "GLAAD Media Awards: 'Adventure Time,' 'She-Ra,' 'Steven Universe' Nominated". Animation Magazine. Archived from the original on January 26, 2019. Retrieved February 13, 2019.