Sims primarily make money by getting a job, or selling crafted items such as paintings and garden produce. Players can play with pre-existing Sims and families, or create their own in Create-a-Sim. 'Simoleon' (§) is the unit of currency used in the game. Players control their life and explore different personalities which change the way the game plays out. The focus of the game is on the simulated lives of virtual people called 'Sims', and the player is responsible for directing their actions, attending to their needs, and helping them attain their desires. There is no primary objective or goal to achieve, and instead of fulfilling objectives, the player is encouraged to make choices and engage fully in an interactive environment. The Sims 4 is a strategic social simulation video game, similar to preceding titles in the series. The game received mixed reviews upon its release, with the majority of criticism directed towards its lack of content and missing features compared to previous entries in the series.

Additionally, many free updates have been released throughout the game's lifespan that include major features and additions to the game, such as the addition of swimming pools, character customization options, and terrain tools. The most recent expansion pack is Cottage Living, released on July 22, 2021. Eleven expansion packs, eleven 'game packs', eighteen 'stuff packs', and ten 'kits' have been released. The Sims 4 has received many paid downloadable content packs since its release. The Sims 4 focuses on its improved character creation and housebuilding tools, as well as deeper in-game simulation with the new emotion and personality systems for Sims. The Sims 4 was announced on May 6, 2013, and released in September 2014 for Microsoft Windows versions for macOS, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One were subsequently released in 20. It is the fourth major title in The Sims series, and is the sequel to The Sims 3 (2009). The Sims 4 is a 2014 social simulation game developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts.

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