Reality, postmodernism and The Sims
1) What does the article suggest about the representation of real life in The Sims 4?
The article suggests that the representation of real life in The Sims 4 is less enjoyable for the writer compared to previous instalments, particularly The Sims 3. The Sims 4 is described as more focused on the mundane aspects of domestic life, such as eating salads, working for promotions, and maintaining routines. The writer expresses dissatisfaction with the lack of magic, fantasy, and escapism in The Sims 4, stating that it feels too much like real adult life, which they find tedious and unappealing.
2) What audience pleasures did the writer previously find in The Sims franchise?
The writer previously found pleasure in The Sims franchise by enjoying the imaginative and mischievous elements of the game. They appreciated the magic, fantasy, and transformative excesses offered by expansions like Supernatural, Island Paradise, and Into the Future in The Sims 3. The writer highlights the fun of living a life they don't lead in reality, removing barriers and limitations for a more exciting and fulfilling virtual experience.
3) Why does the writer mention an example of a washer and dryer as additional DLC?
The writer mentions the example of a washer and dryer as additional DLC to emphasise their resistance to adding more maintenance rituals to their Sim's daily routine. They see it as an act of defiance against the obligation to perform mundane tasks like laundry, both in the game and in real life. The reference serves to illustrate the writer's desire for more options for escapism rather than replicating real-life chores.
4) In your opinion, has The Sims made an error in trying to make the franchise too realistic?
In my opinion, The Sims has made an error in trying to make the franchise too realistic. The charm of The Sims lies in its capacity to offer an escape from the mundane realities of everyday life. The Sims 4, in its attempt to emulate real-world struggles and routines, has lost the magic and fantasy that made its predecessors so beloved.
The user's experience with The Sims 4 highlights the shortcomings of the game in comparison to The Sims 3. The shift towards a more realistic simulation of adult life, with its focus on mundane activities like eating salads and yoghurt, working for meagre raises, and dealing with the drudgeries of daily life, has left players feeling disconnected and frustrated.
The Sims franchise thrived when it provided a platform for imaginative and mischievous escapades, allowing players to live out fantasies and explore creative possibilities. The move towards a more realistic portrayal of life, complete with obligations like laundry and daily routines, has limited the game's appeal and diminished the sense of escapism that players crave.
5) How does this representation of reality link to Baudrillard’s theory of hyperreality - the increasingly blurred line between real and constructed?
The representation of reality in The Sims 4, as described by the writer, aligns with Baudrillard's theory of hyperreality. In hyperreality, there is an increasingly blurred line between the real and the constructed, where simulations become more significant or enjoyable than the reality they represent. The writer's dissatisfaction with the overly realistic and mundane aspects of The Sims 4 suggests a desire for a more exaggerated, fantastical, and escapist virtual experience, emphasising the disconnect between the simulated life in the game and the real-life experiences they seek to escape.
To promote the game by:
Sharing sneak peeks
Announcing new updates
Announcing events
Reporting on bug fixes
Sharing trailers
Showing gameplay footage
2) Choose three posts (from either Twitter or Facebook) and make a note of what they are and how they encourage audience interaction or response.
This is a bug-fix report that offers players compensation. It encourages audience response as it is an apology that offers rewards to players, so the dominant reading would be to reply to the post with praise.
This is an update announcement that encourages audiences to read the blog so they are aware of the new content that has been added to the game
This is a teaser trailer that gets audiences excited about what is to come
3) Scroll down the Facebook feed briefly. How many requests for new content can you find from players? Why is this such an important part of the appeal for The Sims FreePlay?
There are many requests for new content. It means that consumers are actively engaging with the developers on social media.
4) What tweets can you find in the Twitter feed that refer to additional content or other revenue streams for EA?
This refers to a new collaboration between The Sims Freeplay and Covet Fashion
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