New Insider Report on Project X and the Future of The Sims 4
A new report from a trusted ATRL insider sheds light on the audience EA is targeting with Project X, which features could become base game, and why the company is deliberately avoiding announcing Royalty & Legacy as the final expansion for The Sims 4. The source also shared theories about progress transfer and the questionable success metrics of the Marketplace.
Residential Rental System May Be a Base Game Feature
One of the most interesting theories from the insider concerns the Residential Rental system (introduced in the For Rent expansion). According to the source, Project X will likely include this as a base game feature.
"I think there may be some kind of Apartment system available with X. I could be wrong but I believe the Residential Rental system may be base game in the new game to maximise lot count. Nothing is set in stone though. I believe the team are looking at Sims 4's history and picking things that make realistic sense to be base game to maximise the game."
This move would make neighborhoods more dynamic and increase the number of Sims on the map without requiring additional purchases. It also confirms EA's direction of making Project X an "improved" version of Sims 4 rather than a full-fledged sequel.
Sim and Build Transfer: Will There Be a Tool?
Players worried about losing years of progress received some reassurance. According to the insider, a tool is being developed that would allow transferring some content.
"I think there will be an element of being able to bring Sims and Builds over using a tool of some sort in some capacity, potentially Sim data as well. So they may be able to rule out starting over officially."
However, the insider immediately adds that Project X "can't be framed as anything other than a Sims 4 related product." EA is deliberately making the game similar to the fourth installment so players feel at home and don't return to the old version.
"If they change too much, they'll have an audience who likes Sims 4 too much refuse to come over. But if it's similar enough to Sims 4, and improves on aspects, they're hoping people will leave their previous game."
Why Aren't They Announcing the Final Expansion?
The insider also explained why EA and Maxis haven't officially confirmed that Royalty & Legacy is the last expansion for Sims 4. The reason is fear of raising expectations.
"They're deliberately not addressing that Royalty & Legacy is the final Expansion, because they don't want expectations to go sky high for 'what's next' because they don't want people thinking in a Sims 5 ballpark."
However, he notes that too much silence could eventually arouse suspicion even among casual players who don't follow insider news.
Marketplace: Success by One Metric, Failure by Another?
A separate topic is the effectiveness of The Sims 4 Marketplace. The insider believes EA may be manipulating reports, showing "success" where it doesn't exist.
"The marketplace may have exceeded expectations based on interaction, but not in actual spending. EA keep their cards very close to their chest. They're probably telling developers it's exceeding expectations, while also pulling people into a room saying 'not enough people are buying moola' and the success is a completely different metric."
He draws a parallel with The Sims Mobile, where "success" was also measured by odd metrics, even though the real goal was to increase engagement and purchases. This is an important reminder that public statements don't always reflect reality.
Notably, the Marketplace is finally coming to consoles — the issues with Sony appear to have been resolved. The insider notes that EA was smart to delay the launch, as it left Sony with little room to object to any improvements.
СA Comparison with The Sims 3 and the Era of Financial Revival
The insider also touched on the franchise's history. He reminded that between 2008 and 2014, EA faced financial difficulties. The Sims 3, despite fan love, couldn't become the "turning point" project. The Sims 4, however, was a turning point — it helped EA become profitable again and even support other franchises financially.
"I'm always bewildered the Sims has such competitive fan bases within its own franchise. People really stan individual games but they don't really stan the franchise. I don't really know of any other franchise where that happens so strongly," he adds.
This new batch of insights paints a fairly clear picture: EA isn't planning a revolution. Project X is an evolution of Sims 4, with base mechanics taken from popular expansions, the possibility of progress transfer, and a deliberate effort to keep the familiar visual style. The company is afraid of alienating the massive Sims 4 audience, so it's moving cautiously. And the Marketplace's success, it seems, is measured by something other than actual player spending.
We'll have to wait for official news. The insider is right about one thing: silence can't last forever, and sooner or later EA will have to show its cards.
