Approaching The Sims 5 as a multiverse rather than a single timeline could greatly benefit the series. While The Sims is primarily a sandbox game with no set narrative, it does contain histories and storylines associated with various families. Although these stories have not been heavily emphasized, they still exist in the background. As the series continues to evolve, it may be time for a change in the way characters are approached.
Since the original tutorial family in The Sims, every premade household has possessed unique qualities. For instance, the Pleasant family, despite their name, exhibited dysfunction, while the Beaker family consisted of brilliant scientists lacking moral values. Typically, these stories served as mere background details to provide players with a starting point, but they also added depth and individuality to each household. Of course, this does not even consider the player's ability to create a household from scratch, which introduces a whole new dynamic to the chosen neighborhood.
The Sims 5 Could Permanently Change The Sims' Timeline
In The Sims 5, there is a need for a fresh approach to the game's world and storytelling. Unlike previous versions, which focused on showcasing new features without continuing a cohesive narrative, it may be beneficial to introduce a new way of storytelling. This allows for the game's sandbox-style nature, giving players the freedom to explore different households and make changes as desired. Additionally, advancing the plot could potentially lead to aging out certain Sims, thus explaining why previous games have not pursued this direction.
Interestingly, there is already a foundation for a Sims multiverse. The lore surrounding the timeline of The Sims has been inconsistent in the past, with characters like Malcolm Landgraab portraying different personalities in various games. The disappearance of Bella Goth in The Sims 2 is another example that was never addressed in subsequent titles. Rather than trying to explain these inconsistencies, The Sims 5 could establish these events as occurring in different universes. This would effectively resolve the confusing elements of The Sims' history in one concise move.
The concept of a multiverse could bring exciting opportunities to The Sims 5, allowing for the inclusion of supernatural elements and a more expansive gameplay experience. By establishing that the game takes place in different universes, players would have the freedom to explore a limitless range of possibilities, making The Sims 5 a truly unique and immersive world. While the idea of a multiverse may seem unconventional for a storyline-light series like The Sims, its focus on creativity makes it a perfect fit. The Sims 5 must strive for greatness and offer something original to demonstrate its evolution as a series. Rethinking and expanding upon the existing timeline could make The Sims 5 stand out as a groundbreaking entry. To meet the high expectations set by previous installments, introducing a multiverse could be the defining feature of The Sims 5.
The Sims 5 is in development.