Coming off of the news that a newThe Simsgame isn’t currently a priority for EA,The Sims 4community have only found further disappointment in recent leaks fromProject Rene. Previously believed to be the next game in the franchise, recent reveals have shared that instead, Project Rene looks to be a standalone spin-off similar to that ofThe Sims Online, and a recent leak has seemingly damaged fan anticipation even more.
With over a decade sinceThe Sims 4’s original launch, fans have been eager for something new to dig into. With hopes for something larger and more expansive, players have patiently waited for the next big release from EA. But through these high expectations, recent leaks aboutProject Renehave only continued to sour opinions, especially after a prospectiveSims 5isn’t a priorityfor the studio.
Recent Project Rene Playtest Leaks Explained
A Number Of Images Show Project Rene’s Early Build
In the midst of all the recent news surroundingThe Sims 5andProject Rene,a number of screenshots from what appears to be arecent playtest have been leakedto the public.As the most in-depth look atProject Reneso far, players have gotten their first real taste of what to expect from this next offering in the franchise. It’s clear from the first images alone that a character creator is yet to be established in the game, currently giving players only pre-built character choices, although this will reportedly be added in a future update.
With other images that showcaseProject Reneset within a “Parisian” neighborhood, it’s unclear how many locations may be avaliable throughout the game. The game does showcase some depth in gameplay, placing a focus on working jobs such as café staff brewing coffee and delivering these completed orders to customers. Other to-do list tasks include buying a new outfit and finding the elusive gnome statue, giving players something to work towards.
Through every task that is completed, players will net Simoleons that can be spent on pre-designed outfits and potentially new things down the line too. While players can seemingly also get Simoleons through levelling up, it appears to be a premium currency.
Fans Are Dissatisfied With First Look At Project Rene
The Community Compare Project Rene To The Sims Mobile
Despite this leak being minimal and likely far fromProject Rene’s completion, these details have fans worried about the game’s potential in a number of ways. With screenshots shared across both X (formerly Twitter), Reddit and Instagram, a number of fans have flocked to share their opinions on the game’s dated appearance and nature. With criticisms piling for its mobile-like appearance, even whenProject Renehas not been confirmed for any platforms in particular, it seems that the community is far from happy.
Other disappointments have been found in the game’s reduced gameplay, lackluster visuals, potential microtransactions and generally limited scope, overall letting down fans' higher expectations. Far from what the franchise has established inThe Simsofferings, it feels likeProject Reneis far from accepted intoThe Simsfamily just yet. With no comments from EA or confirmations on what platformsProject Renewill be released on, it’s also impossible to confirm or deny any of these growing fears.
Project Rene & “Other Exciting New Projects” Are The Future Focus For The Sims, Not Sims 5
Electronic Arts VP has confirmed that The Sims 5 is not in the works, and the company will focus instead on expanding the world of The Sims 4.
As this first look into the game has fans concerned about what the final release will look like, many reminisce on how great the series once was: “Wow, man. Absolutely incredible, the downfall of this series. From a series with such creativity, spark and crafted with so much love and detail, to this drivel.”
Some fans have even gone as far as to encourage a boycott ofProject Reneupon release, urging others to consider the impact that this game will have on the future ofThe Simsfranchise.
With many others concerned about how similar it appears to the already-releasedSims Mobileand the other mobile-aspects of the gameplay, they critique: “It looks like a mobile game from the 2010s and those coins on the bottom of the sims screen make me think of microtransactions.”
Some fans have even gone as far as to encourage a boycott ofProject Reneupon release, urging others to consider the impact that this game will have on the future ofThe Simsfranchise: “If the community wants to make it clear to EA that this is not something we stand behind, it’s time to act and ignore this game like the plague when it comes out. By playing this, by enabling them to make stuff like this and letting them get away with it, the community is to blame for the demise of this franchise.”
While the visuals aren’t final and could be in many ways enhanced before the launch ofProject Rene,it seems that much more than just the appearance ofProject Reneis to blame for its mass uproar. As fans are only further convinced of its mobile-nature, it would seem thatProject Renemight be a letdown even before its true reveal: “This looks like sims mobile and there’s a reason I don’t play sims mobile.”
Is Project Rene Deserving Of Its “Trash” Description?
Perhaps It’s Too Late For Project Rene To Redeem Itself
While the leaks forProject Renehave set an incredibly negative precedent for the game to come, it’s still worth considering the many years that may still be in the way between the game’s true reveal and launch. With such an early access build, the gameplay likely appears to be a ways off from completion, with only a few to-do tasks and actions that can be completed. The lack of a character creation that’s confirmed to be implemented is another big tell that the game is far from done.
The visuals are equally confirmed not to be final, with a likelihood of becoming more refined and hopefully in-line with what fans have adored ofThe Sims 4.That’s not all either, with only small chunks of potentially larger game concepts seen by playtesters, making it hard to judge the true potential of the game on such minimal details. Feedback may even spur EA towardschanging direction forProject Reneentirely, testing these features with playtesters to gather reception and thoughts on their implementation.
Is Project Rene The Sims 5? We Finally Have The Answer
Fans are confused about what Project Rene actually is and whether it is a codename for The Sims 5. Fortunately, a clear answer has finally been given.
Despite that though, it’s very clear that the overwhelming opinion from fans is thatProject Reneis in many ways “trash”. Failing to meet many expectations, especially with the news thatThe Sims 5is far from a priority, the fanbase are seriously disappointed with what EA have to show. It’s no surprise either, as the content withinProject Renedoes mirror that of a mobile-game release with very lackluster content and gameplay to deliver.
In its current state,The Simscommunity wouldn’t be wrong in insinuating thatProject Renelooks like a weak new entry into the franchise. Delivering visuals that are far from polished, gameplay that mirrors the simplicity of mobile, and wrapping it up with the subtle indication that microtransactions aren’t far off,Project Renealready seems doomed if it continues along the same direction in production. As players will have to await the full launch to judge, they can only hope that the final product will be one that’s revised and has feedback taken onboard fully.
