The Sims - What parents need to know | Internet Matters (2024)

What to watch out for

Content is generally suitable for ages 12 and up. However, there are certain things to watch out for:

Violence

Violence is limited to a ‘slapstick’ or cartoon humour. However, characters can be electrocuted by a plug, die in a kitchen fire or get crushed in a fold-down bed among other deaths. Therefore, it may be unsuitable for very young children.

Nudity and sexual content

Players can make Sims have sex (‘woohoo’ in Simlish), which happens under the sheets or in other hidden places, so no nudity is shown. Characters are censored when they use the bathroom or can be seen in their underwear.

In-app purchases

If your credit card information is saved on your EA app or other account you use to play The Sims 4, it is very easy to purchase expansion packs, game packs, stuff packs and kits without always needing to confirm purchase details. Make sure to set spending limits and controls where possible.

Custom content and mods

Independent creators develop additional Create-A-Sim (CAS) or build mode items and gameplay functions that are not regulated by The Sims 4. This content is free and very easy to add into the game.

While some of this content includes different hair or furniture styles, other modifications include ‘realistic’ gameplay. This realism may include nudity, drugs, violence and other actions inappropriate for younger players. Custom content and mods are not available on the console version of the game.

Other Sims games

Since its creation, The Sims has had four instalments of the game, five spin-offs and two mobile versions. Many are still available and played by fans of The Sims and have similar content warnings to The Sims 4.

The Sims 3

Although some diehard fans still play The Sims and The Sims 2, it’s the third instalment that competes more with The Sims 4. When The Sims 4 came out, many didn’t like the limitations, so stayed with The Sims 3. It is available for purchase on Steam, and SimPoints are available for additional purchase. These points buy additional items for the game.

The Sims Medieval

Unlike other games in The Sims franchise, The Sims Medieval sends players and their royal sims on quests with a concrete storyline to follow. It was released in 2011 and has one expansion pack, Pirates and Nobles. The gameplay is quite different and may appeal to those who aren’t fans of The Sims. No other Sims game is required for The Sims Medieval.

The Sims Freeplay

Released in 2011, this mobile lifestyle game is still popular and updated regularly. It’s available on Android and iOS for free. In the game, players earn Simoleons (the currency in The Sims) and Lifestyle points, which can be used to move the game forward. There are also Social points available for purchase with real-life currency.

The Sims Mobile

Based on The Sims 4, The Sims Mobile was released for Android and iOS in 2018. It features multiplayer elements and in-app purchases of SimCash, which is also earned through in-game quests. The microtransactions can also purchase additional items, so require extra diligence.

Tips to help children play safely & responsibly

The Sims - What parents need to know | Internet Matters (2024)

FAQs

The Sims - What parents need to know | Internet Matters? ›

What is the age rating? The Sims 4 has a PEGI rating of 12. PEGI defines this rating: 'Video games that show violence of a slightly more graphic nature towards fantasy characters or non-realistic violence towards human-like characters would fall in this age category.

What parents should know about Sims 4? ›

In the Sims 4, as in life, characters eventually die or may die from factors such as drowning, electrocution, hunger, fire, rocket ship crash landing, old age, overexertion, cowplant, embarrassment, anger, and hysteria. Unlike other games which show blood, decapitations, shooting, murders, knife injuries, etc.

Is there a kid friendly version of sims? ›

If you love simulation games, Electronic Arts' "Sims" games are some of the best. For younger kids, turn to "MySims" games which are simpler to play. For teens, you can't go wrong with the complex and open-ended "The Sims" games which let you walk miles in someone else's shoes.

Is Sims freeplay ok for 10 year olds? ›

there are also a few pop up ads advertising the deals in the store for real money. the final concern is there is some alchol being drunk by the sims which is moderate but if your worried. the general audience for this game, known by my family members group chats etc. is around 11 or 12. but can be much older.

Why won t my sims do anything I tell them to do? ›

Sometimes if the sim(s) get too far 'in the red' on any of their needs they go a bit nuts and don't do what they need, and sometimes will also not listen to your directions for them to meet their needs also. Especially if more than one need gets super low.

Is Sims 4 OK for a 7 year old? ›

What is the age rating? The Sims 4 has a PEGI rating of 12. PEGI defines this rating: 'Video games that show violence of a slightly more graphic nature towards fantasy characters or non-realistic violence towards human-like characters would fall in this age category.

Is there anything inappropriate in Sims 4? ›

There are also mods that allow un-censored nudity and real sex between sims. But the base-game itself, you will not have any issue. Lastly, the game is very inclusive and diverse.

Can adults in Sims have babies? ›

You can choose Become Pregnant, Get Others Pregnant, or Neither for any young adult or adult Sim.

Is Sims 4 good for a 12 year old? ›

The Sims 4 is an appropriate game for a 12-year-old. Depending on their maturity, they most likely won't need any supervision at all playing the game. While the game can be very suggestive, it isn't graphic at all. Maybe check on them once in a while to see which parts of the game they seem invested in.

Is there anything inappropriate in Sims Freeplay? ›

The gameplay itself involves mild realistic violence, alcohol references, and sexual themes. It is also possible for your child to play with strangers through websites and forums. If you choose to allow your child to play this game you should talk with them first about the risks involved.

What does WooHoo in Sims mean? ›

WooHoo in The Sims series is the ultimate expression of romantic love between two Sims and, if you want to get blunt about it, the ratings-friendly Sims version of sexual intercourse first introduced in The Sims 2.

Can Sims 4 get pregnant from WooHoo? ›

When having regular WooHoo with another Sim, there's a small chance that it will result in pregnancy. If you want to improve those odds, command your Sim to "Try For Baby" with another Sim. If you don't see the option for "Try For Baby" with another Sim, ensure your Sim has a 40 percent romantic relationship with them.

Are there parental controls on Sims 4? ›

only thing you can block on underage accounts are the only features such as the gallery which are not available. For the game itself, there's no such options.

Can your Sims get fired in Sims 4? ›

Sims with Poor or Dismal job performance risk being demoted, but they will not be fired unless they miss two days (3 days in The Sims Bustin' Out) in a row. If a Sim is eligible for a promotion, Good performance increases his or her chances of getting it, and Excellent performance increases them even more.

Why Sims can't flirt? ›

It is due to the relationship bar, it means your sim might need to level up the relationship points with a another Sim, you just probably befriended. If that is another sim, you aren't familiar with, then you might need to click on another interaction called the “Get To Know”, and see if that is going to work.

Why are all my sims encounters awkward? ›

All conversations, both between household sims with excellent relationships and with new acquaintance NPCs, automatically default to "awkward encounter," regardless of the sims' moods and the types of interactions happening or socials selected.

Can elderly Sims get pregnant Sims 4? ›

However, since Teens can't access the 'Try for Baby' interaction, their pregnancy options are passive until they age up to Young Adulthood; while in practice Elders can't get pregnant even if they possess the 'Become Pregnant' ability.

Can you disable WooHoo in Sims 4? ›

Our game, The Sims 4 received the rating T for Teens as there are suggestive themes among others that would not be suitable for children as an example. It is unlikely the WooHoo feature will be disabled or cheats added for that as a result but we will let players know if that changes in the future.

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