The Sims 5 release date speculation & multiplayer news on Project Rene

The Sims has typically been a single player affair throughout its history, so giving multiplayer a big part would be quite a change. During a recent stream, Project Rene game director Grant Rodiek stated that while a major multiplayer game will be included, it will be completely optional.

He said: "The reality is that, yes, we know that our players want to have that intimate personal experience where they're exploring stories and ideas in single-player, but there are also really cool things you could do with others, where you could share and create with your friends...

"One thing to keep in mind is that Project Rene is not an MMO [massively multiplayer online game]. It is not this public, shared space where everything you do is always with other people... You can play on your own, on your terms, and then again, when you want on your terms, you can invite others to come and play with you."

We think this is perfect, and fits the Sims ethos. If you want to know even more about the upcoming Sims 5, keep reading - we've got more info!

When is The Sims 5 release date?

There is currently no release date for The Sims 5. Fortunately, we do know that EA is now working on the game under the working title Project Rene. Unfortunately, we also know that its development is still in its early stages - so don't expect it to release anytime soon. In the same stream mentioned above, Rodiek said that the game is still "years out".

But thanks to a press release from last year, we know that Project Rene has just begun its development. Vice president of franchise creative for The Sims, Lyndsay Pearson, explained: "Today marks the start of our journey over the next few years as we work on this next game and creative platform." It's safe to say The Sims 5 is some way off still. Our prediction, if we had to add to the speculation, would be 2025 at the earliest.

Between now and when the game does eventually release, though, various other expansions to the pre-existing Sims game are on the way. It's nice knowing, too, that The Sims 5 is in active development. We'll keep you posted as we learn more.

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What consoles and platforms will The Sims 5 be available on?

No platform has officially been confirmed yet for The Sims 5, but it will more than likely release on PS5 and Xbox Series X. As is usually the case, too, an initial PC release could be the first thing that happens, with players on Windows computers often being the first people to try out each new version of The Sims.

Whatever platforms it does release on, it appears as though The Sims 5 will feature crossplay. In its statement, EA and Maxis explained that players "will have the ability to play their game across supported devices".

Players who prefer Apple devices will hopefully be able to play The Sims 5 on Mac, which seems probable, considering that The Sims 4 did get a Mac release. The only people who might miss out are gamers on Nintendo Switch. To this date, The Sims 4 has not launched on Switch, which makes it seem likely that The Sims 5 won't come out on Switch, either.

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Rumoured gameplay changes: What is The Sims 5 about?

You probably know how this one works by now - The Sims is essentially a life simulator, in which you create digital avatars and control every aspect of their life, from their house and job to the smallest details.

EA and Maxis claim that The Sims 5 will "reimagine The Sims with even more ways to play, tools to encourage creativity, and the ability to tell meaningful stories". We know that it has co-op, too, with the same statement adding "players will have the choice to play solo or collaborate with others".

As a brand new numbered entry, The Sims 5 should not only have improved graphics but a bucketload of new features. Not much is known yet about how it will actually differ from The Sims 4, but the game has been confirmed to have online features - meaning you'll be able to visit your friend's creations for the very first time. There is also hope that content cut from The Sims 4 will return in this sequel, including an open world, vehicles and full neighbourhood customisation.

Other rumours suggest that we could see a story mode coming to The Sims 5, which would allow players to follow a tailor-made narrative path through the game. For newcomers and people that are never sure what to do with their Sims, that would be a handy addition for sure, and making this franchise a single-player and multiplayer experience is an enticing one.

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