The popular Sims franchise is expanding into its most unexpected world yet – the tabletop. For decades, The Sims has brought joy to millions of players, largely thanks to their series of popular video games. The life simulator allows players to create characters and expose them to a world where they need to take care of their every need. In addition to the standard video game, each Sims game has released multiple expansions that add to the world in unexpected ways.
Today, Goliath Games announced it was developing a Sims board game. Details about the game are limited, but a press release from Toy World Magazine states it will capture the “spirit of creativity, self-expression, and gameplay” found within the video game. No further details about gameplay mechanics were announced, but it is slated to be released in Fall 2025, and a glimpse of the board game will be available at the New York Toy Fair this weekend.
What We Know About The Sims Board Game
Game Will Feature Plumbob-Shaped Dice, Focus On Familiar Goals
Although gameplay mechanics were not specified in the initial announcement, Goliath Games released a small preview image confirming some gameplay aspects. The game will use plumbob-shaped dice and sliders indicating their Sims’ needs. A preview image (shown above) also shows off a hexagonal-shaped board with components that seem to indicate that players will somehow be able to build a house for their Sims.
A preview description included in Goliath’s toy catalog and posted to Reddit by user Hastin notes that the game will allow players to “create your character, build relationships, meet iconic Sims, and complete aspirations.” Based on the admittedly basic description, some commenters believed that this game sounded familiar to another classic board game. “Wouldn’t this essentially be “The Game Of Life” which has been around for ages?” wrote T0ebeanz. “
Why Many Are Already Down On The Sims Board Game
The Franchise’s Fans Aren’t High On Sims 4, Which Is Reflected In Early Criticism About The Board Game
One other note about the game is that it appears to be a game focused primarily on The Sims 4 as opposed to the greater Sims franchise. That may court some controversy, as The Sims 4 is very divisive among Sims fans. Many consider the latest game to be a step backwards for the franchise, with an overemphasis on monetization, which is ironic given the game is meant to satirize consumer culture.
On the Reddit thread about the new board game, some commenters are already complaining that the game feels like a bit of a money grab. “Cards sold separately,” wrote ladyteruki, referencing EA’s less-than-sterling reputation with fans. Other fans noted that the game felt like an underwhelming way to celebrate the franchise’s 25th anniversary.
Is The Sims The Weirdest Video Game Franchise To Receive a Board Game Adaptation?
Plenty Of Video Games Have Received The Board Game Treatment Over The Years
Video games have always had board game adaptations, although the trend has grown exponentially in recent years. While some video game/board game crossovers are just paper-thin adaptations, some video game crossovers excellently capture the spirit of a game through unique and unexpected mechanics. A great example of this is Dorfromantik, a board game adaptation of the cozycore tile-laying game that ultimately won the Spiel des Jahres, a top board game prize.
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The Sims is a strange choice at first glance for a board game adaptation, but Goliath Games does have some history in publishing games that capture the vibe of a licensed property without seeming like a cash grab. Goliath Games purchased Funko Games last year, taking control of its portfolio of licensed board games. Funko Games has published a series of games from franchises like Only Murders In The Building, Scream, and Indiana Jones. Of course, Goliath laid off the creative studio responsible for many of those games, but they at least have the board game pedigree to make this work.
Our Take: We Hope This Game Gets Weird
The Weirder This Game Gets, The More It Will Feel Like The Sims
At its heart, The Sims is a satire of consumer culture that tackles everything from the trials and tribulations of dating to school life to goofy takes on the supernatural. A board game version of The Sims would be successful if it leans into those goofy angles instead of trying for a bland by-the-numbers adaptation of the game.
Let players get weird with The Sims board game. Make characters defecate on the ground, or drown in a pool, or otherwise face consequences for neglecting their peers. Let The Sims become werewolves and vampires or even the Grim Reaper. The weirder this game gets, the more it will feel like The Sims.
Source: Toy World Magazine, Reddit
The Sims 4
- Publisher
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Electronic Arts
- Genre
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Life Simulation
- Mode
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Single Player
- Platform
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PS4, Xbox One, PC
