The Sims franchise got a massive shock with the announcement from EA that Project Rene was not The Sims 5, but is instead a separate game in The Sims series. With the news that there are no plans to create The Sims 5, with The Sims 4 receiving indefinite support instead, Project Rene will become the next major game released by EA/Maxis in The Sims franchise.
It's been years since Project Rene was unveiled, but there's been very little information released about it since its official announcement. It's confirmed to have multiplayer elements, it is playable on PC and mobile, and EA has released several screenshots of its development. Because it's been confirmed to still be early in development, players shouldn't expect a Project Rene launch in 2025, but EA will likely share more news, milestones, and information about Project Rene during 2025.
No Release Date Expected For Project Rene in 2025
Project Rene is Still Likely in Early Development
2025 could be the year that Project Rene is released. However, as the game doesn't even have an official name or substantial information out yet, a full release for Project Rene in 2025 is incredibly unlikely. The information that EA has allowed to go public shows Project Rene in very early development, so it's likely to still be a while before players can expect an official full launch. Instead, players should expect smaller updates about Project Rene's development, with the possibility of a title release towards the end of 2025.
Some form of marketing may happen towards the end of 2025, possibly with a teaser or an update on Project Rene's progress. A 2026 release date is more likely, and if this is the case, marketing for the launch may begin towards the close of 2025. Video game marketing has entered a trend of shorter marketing cycles, so it's likely that Project Rene's marketing will only begin a few months before its launch date. If Project Rene only launches in mid-to-late 2026, players may not even get a release date in 2025, but the game's official title may be announced at some point in the year.
Expect Periodic Small Playtests Throughout 2025
Playtests are essential for games such as Project Rene, where there is some degree of multiplayer. While there were very few player tests in 2024, EA may increase the number of player tests in 2025 as development on Project Rene continues, while also increasing the pool of participants. Playtests for Project Rene happened in the Fall of 2024 at a shared location. The Sims players interested in participating in Project Rene player tests may want to keep an eye out to see when the next playtest will be in 2025.
To be selected for Project Rene's playtests, players have to sign up to The Sims Labs, The Sims' official space that selects participants to test its games. Player participation is selected based on a number of criteria based on what the developer is looking for based on the needs of the current playtest. As the development of Project Rene continues, these requirements may change. The playtest before the Fall 2024 playtest took place in 2022, a full two years earlier, which shows how early in development Project Rene is at the moment. With the launch of The Sims Labs, however, the frequency of playtests for Project Rene is likely to increase.
The Sims 4
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 70 /100 Critics Rec: 26%
- Released
- September 2, 2014
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Crude Humor, Sexual Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Maxis
- Publisher(s)
- Electronic Arts
- Engine
- Proprietary Engine
- Cross-Platform Play
- Xbox, PlayStation, and computer versions of Sims 4 are all separate games incompatible with each other
- Cross Save
- no
WHERE TO PLAY
Unleash your imagination and create a unique world of Sims that’s an expression of you. Download for free, and customize every detail from Sims to homes and much more. Choose how Sims look, act, and dress, then decide how they’ll live out each day. Design and build incredible homes for every family, then decorate with your favorite furnishings and décor. Travel to different neighborhoods where you can meet other Sims and learn about their lives. Discover beautiful locations with distinctive environments and go on spontaneous adventures. Manage the ups and downs of Sims’ everyday lives, and see what happens when you play out scenarios from your own real life. Tell your stories your way while developing relationships, pursuing careers and life aspirations, and immersing yourself in this extraordinary game, where the possibilities are endless
