In the realm of live-service, more & more publishers are continuing to embrace this new business model as consistent revenue proves to be a better turnout compared to traditional retail sales. Already, Electronic Arts is in the thick of it with titles like Apex Legends leading ahead already and even the upcoming Skate game also embracing the business model too.
However, that is not the only series to move in this direction. Last year, developer Maxis after nearly a decade of support for the premium release announced that The Sims 4 will be going free-to-play. Of course, the expansions will still require purchase, but the base experience is there for everyone to indulge in across console & PC.
Additionally, a new title ‘Project Rene’ is in development at The Sims developer too, it confirmed previously. According to a new finding of a now-deleted job posting, Electronic Arts is aiming to fully enclose the next Sims title as a live-service game. For Head of Monetization and Marketplace for Project Rene, it references an in-game ‘marketplace’ to maximize profits as the next game will also be free-to-play also.
“Own Project Rene’s in-game marketplace of content and UGC (free and paid), and manage a data-informed player-centric player purchase journey. Maximizing value to players, optimizing player spend patterns, and minimizing player churn,” one responsibility is marked on the job listing. Even more, the listing notes appropriate pricing is being considered to keep users consistently engaged and returning.
“Own pricing of all content in this free-to-enter game, ensuring we have an optimal pricing and content architecture. Provide guidance to content teams on in-game content needs to meet player demand. […] Advocate a nimble live service culture of test-learn-iterate across platforms (PC, Mobile, Consoles. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop hypotheses and execute on monetization initiatives in a fast-paced environment.”
What is your take on the new development for the next Sims title?
Source: Sims Community
