Electronic Arts (EA) has officially re-released the beloved life-simulation games, The Sims and The Sims 2, as part of the franchise's 25th anniversary celebration. The titles are now available under the Sims: Legacy Collection and The Sims 2: Legacy Collection, with both collections also offered together as the Sims 25th Birthday Bundle for $39.99.
Available starting January 31, 2025, the collections can be accessed via the EA App, Steam, and the Epic Games Store, allowing both new and returning players to indulge once again in the whimsical chaos of everyday life simulated within these iconic games.
Kate Gorman Revelli, EA's Vice President and General Manager for The Sims, stated, "Bringing back our original Sims games where all the chaos first unfolded and the life simulation genre began is special for our team and a birthday treat for our players. Our players have been wishing to relive all the nostalgia, and we knew our birthday would be the perfect moment to celebrate with them and introduce The Sims to new players." This announcement is particularly poignant for long-time fans who hold fond memories of building and managing their Sims’ lives.
The Sims: Legacy Collection includes the original The Sims game, along with several expansions like Livin’ Large, House Party, Hot Date, Vacation, Unleashed, Superstar, and Makin’ Magic. It also features bonus content from The Sims 4, titled Throwback Fit Kit. Meanwhile, the Sims 2: Legacy Collection comprises the base game, plus numerous expansion packs such as University, Nightlife, Open for Business, Pets, Bon Voyage, Seasons, FreeTime, Apartment Life, along with additional content from The Sims 4: Grunge Revival Kit.
This marks the first time in many years for either title to be available on modern platforms. Older versions existed, but they struggled with various compatibility issues on Windows 10 and 11. With this re-release, EA has optimized both games for seamless performance on current devices, minimizing crashing and graphical glitches commonly associated with past iterations.
The Sims 25th Birthday Bundle is positioned as not just nostalgia but also as accessible entertainment for new players, eager to explore the origins of the life simulation genre. The bundle boasts all the content needed for players to plunge back to when the systems felt simpler, yet the gameplay was immensely engaging. For just under $40, the mix of classic content will certainly attract both seasoned Sims veterans and curious newcomers.
Many fans have expressed their excitement about revisiting the game. One gamer reminisced, explaining their poignant memories from childhood, “I had to tell my brother and mother about it immediately, and whether it was wise of them or not, they caved and gave me my very own copy of what might just be the most revolutionary entry in EA's beloved series of 25 years.”
Despite the joyous return of these games, challenges remain, particularly for gamers accustomed to the ease of newer iterations. Players have voiced concerns over performance issues—citing experiences ranging from game crashes to save loss. Casual gaming now demands advancements and improvements, and many have questioned if the nostalgic experience will outweigh the occasional stutter and hiccup.
Regardless, EA seems hopeful about rekindling the love for The Sims. The gaming company maintains its commitment to supporting the series’ current installment, The Sims 4, which celebrated its own ten-year anniversary recently. Still, as they reinforce their legacy, the re-emergence of these classic games serves as a reminder of the simple joy of life-simulation gaming.
The decision to revive the original games coincides with EA’s noticeable shift toward maximizing community engagement with The Sims series. Excitingly, fans have learned of potential expansions within the existing titles rather than the launch of The Sims 5—a move some creators believe could serve to deepen player investment and creativity.
Across the board, excitement buzzes within the gaming community as players size up the Sims: Legacy Collection and The Sims 2: Legacy Collection for their unique offerings, along with the chance to relive entire decades wrapped within the familiar tab of their gaming library.
EA has successfully tapped back to the past, ensuring community connections flourish as the franchise embarks on another quarter-century. The re-release serves not just as homage to what the Sims series has achieved, but as another opportunity for players to redefine and reimagine life with endless possibilities.