Remember when we first discovered we could play God with little digital people? Since 2000, The Sims has grown from a quirky life simulator into something much bigger – it’s become part of how we play, create, and even think about everyday life. Here in Australia, we’ve been hooked from day one.
From Mac and Cheese Fires to Gaming Milestone
It all started with Will Wright and Maxis creating this oddly addictive game where you could watch virtual people (Sims) live their lives, fall in love, and probably burn down their kitchen trying to make mac and cheese. What seemed like a simple concept turned into gaming gold – the original Sims sold over 11 million copies, making it the biggest-selling PC game of its time.
The magic? You didn’t need to be a hardcore gamer to get into it. There were no bad guys to shoot, no princesses to save – just the freedom to tell whatever stories you wanted. For many of us, it was the first time we could play around with life itself in a game.
How Aussies Made The Sims Their Own
Down here in Australia, we’ve made The Sims our own. While EA keeps regional sales figures under wraps, The Sims 4 continues to perform strongly in local digital charts. In fact, it featured prominently in Australia’s top ten best-selling games in 2023, proving its staying power nearly a decade after release.
Our fan communities are alive and well, especially on platforms like Facebook and TikTok, where players share Aussie-themed builds, from lovingly recreated Federation homes to bush-style outback properties. There’s something uniquely satisfying about watching your Sims fire up a backyard BBQ in a suburban Melbourne replica or flood their bathroom in a virtual Queenslander.
A Series That Grew Up With Us
What’s made The Sims endure is how well it’s evolved. The Sims 2 introduced life stages and genetics, while The Sims 3 gave us open neighbourhoods. The Sims 4 pushed further, adding tools for gender customisation, reflecting a wider commitment to inclusion and representation.
As of 2023, the game had over 75 million players worldwide, making it the most-played Sims title yet. That kind of reach doesn’t happen without a game staying in tune with its audience, and constantly giving them new ways to express themselves.
Local Creators and Global Reach
Australian creators have been central to the game’s ongoing relevance. Melbourne-based YouTuber Deligracy is one of the most recognisable faces in the Sims content world, with more than a million subscribers. Her builds, challenges and storytelling videos have made her a favourite not just locally but around the globe.
Whether it’s building absurd mansions or trapping Sims in pools without ladders, creators like Deligracy keep the game alive by pushing its boundaries and tapping into its endless storytelling potential.
Will there be a Sims 5?
What’s next? EA has not currently confirmed a The Sims 5 game, but currently has a project under the working title Project Rene. The details are vague so far, but it’s slated to be a spin-off of the series, with multiplayer functionality and cross-platform support. This will give players more ways to collaborate, create and maybe even cause a little chaos together. That’s big news for Aussie fans, who’ve helped keep the community vibrant and creative for decades.
More Than Just a Game
In a gaming world filled with fast-paced shooters and high-stakes competition, The Sims offers something slower, funnier and surprisingly profound. Whether you’re building your dream beach shack, playing out a romantic drama, or just letting your Sim nap in the pool all day, it gives you the chance to explore life from a new angle.
For Australian players and millions more around the world, it’s not just a game – it’s a digital sandbox where anything can happen. And in times like these, that kind of freedom to play, laugh and create might just be the most powerful feature of all.
