17 years on since The Sims first exploded onto the gaming scene, rumors continue to build the latest installment is on its way very soon. One of the most successful PC and Mac franchise titles of all time, The Sims has sold nearly 200 million copies worldwide across four main titles with a host of expansion packs and downloadable content adding long-term playability to the popular simulation.

Although The Sims 4 was the best selling PC game of 2014 and 2015 it received mixed reviews from critics and fans alike. Many complained about the games lack of new content, the reduction of the open world format, and the lack of vehicles amongst other things. Even the addition of over 20 expansion and game packs couldn't save The Sims reputation, with many gamers turning to similar life simulation titles to get their fix.

Despite all this, it's believed The Sims 5 is in the works and could be the game to re-energise the franchise and help restore its reputation. Developers Maxis and The Sims Studio along with publisher Electronic Arts are keeping their cards close to their chests but the Internet is full of rumors about what the new game might entail. Having scanned the world wide web and combed through every piece of information available, here are 20 massive rumors about The Sims 5 the developers are trying to keep hidden.

20 The Sims 5 Might Not Arrive Until 2020

via: sims5news.com

Since The Sims first dropped in 2000 EA have managed to release a sequel every four to five years but The Sims 5 is looking like being the exception to that rule. It's believed EA have been working on the game for a number of years but are still far off from being anywhere near complete. Addressing many of the problems plaguing The Sims 4 and looking into the feedback from gamers disappointed with a number of changes, there is much work for the designers and developers to accomplish for The Sims 5 so it lives up to expectations. Because of this many think that EA will announce the new game sometime this year with an official release date being during 2020. This is a longer wait than many anticipated and sure to be upsetting news for Sims fans, but if it means we can get all the best features from The Sims 3 back with the graphics and gameplay of The Sims 4 then it will be well worth the wait.

19 Open World Format Set To Return

via: forums.thesims.com

When The Sims 4 was released, the biggest disappointment for me was the lack of open world to explore. Being able to drive to the shops or ride around the streets and visit other locations was not only fun but added even more realism to the game. In a strange move from the developers, the large and detailed open world of The Sims 3 was replaced with a smaller neighborhood for gamers to explore in The Sims 4. It appears developers have listened to outraged fans and are set to bring back the open world bigger and better than before. Details are scarce on what to expect but if developers can combine the expansive area of The Sims 3 universe with the enhanced gameplay of The Sims 4 they might just come up with the best Sims game yet.

18 Updated Customization System

via: ign.com

Many fans aren't too keen on The Sims customisation screens, and while I was happy it was much easier to navigate in The Sims 4, I have to agree they still haven't ironed out all the kinks of previous games. The biggest problem with The Sims 4 was the absence of many of the great customisable features from the previous release. It's almost like the developers decided the only way to make the system easier was by removing all the great options, particularly when creating your own Sim. Thankfully rumors persist The Sims 5 will overhaul the entire system, bringing back favorite options from previous games as well as adding a raft of new and exciting features so you can build your Sim from scratch and include every important detail to make them as realistic as possible.

17 Trains, Planes, And Automobiles

via: forums.thesims.com

The absence of vehicles from The Sims 4 was another downfall of the game. The ability to cruise around the interactive world in an assortment of cars and bikes was one of the best features of The Sims 3 and fans were greatly disappointed when it was removed from the next release. Nobody is sure why EA decided to axe the use of vehicles but it seems they've heeded the complaints with the feature set to return. It makes sense for players to be able to drive cars, ride bikes, navigate boats, and pilot planes so they can experience more than just hanging out in the house they build, particularly if the rumored open world feature returns. I for can't wait to annoy my neighbors by hooning around the streets in my sports car.

16 Greater Ageing Process

via: theprogressbar.com

The Sims age over time but it's not always obvious to tell as the photo above illustrates. Aside from when they are a child, characters look virtually the same as they go through their teenage, young adult, adult, and elderly years. The Sims 5 is set to rectify this with new graphics capabilities helping define clear signs of aging. The game is also set to introduce new aging levels to help make the distinction between being a young adult and an adult. It's not quite clear how they plan on doing this but I'm hoping they create a clear distinction between each decade so you can tell when a player's Sim is in their 20s, 3os, and so on. Maybe they'll even introduce a plastic surgery so you can keep your Sim looking young and fresh for longer.

15 Much Improved Graphics

via: YouTube (Tommy Drouin)

Stating The Sims 5 will have improved graphics is an obvious point to make. Each installment of the game has gotten better over time but the fifth game in the series will easily be the most attractive because of new innovations in graphics technology. Games are becoming more and more lifelike and with EA looking to include VR technology as part of The Sims 5 experience, there is no doubting it will be one of the most gorgeous looking games to play. The world of The Sims will be more lifelike than ever and Sims 5 could be the closest we've ever come to a video game that looks like the real world. This could be an exciting development not only in the franchise but for video games in general.

14 Pets To Be Part Of The Base Game

via: YouTube (GameArt Production)

As far as expansion packs go for The Sims none have been as popular as Sims Pets. Players love the chance to have a pet dog or cat they can look after and raise as they go about their daily business. The downside with The Sims 4 was it took three long years for the Pets expansions to be released, causing great distress amongst die-hard fans. To alleviate gamers fears the next installment of The Sims series will incorporate pets fromget-goet go. Whispers around the internet suggest not only will players be able to have a pet dog or cat, but other animals will be available to own, such as horses, rabbits, snakes, and even exotic creatures such as monkeys and tigers.

13 Time Keeps On Slipping

via: simslegacychallenge.com

One problem that's effected every release of The Sims is time accuracy. Every second equals one minute of game time, which is great as it means you can get through a number of days within a few hours of play. The downside is it takes you 45 minutes to shower or 30 minutes to walk through your house and this can be extremely frustrating. It makes completing daily chores tedious and can be frustrating, but hopefully their is light at the end of the tunnel. While each release of The Sims has found ways to cut corners with time, The Sims 5 is set to introduce even more ways for players to spend their time creating and exploring instead of wasting it on menial tasks. EA have kept quiet on the details on how they will achieve this but I've faith they can at least make going to the toilet take less than half an hour!

12 New Hair, New You

via: modthesims.info

Customising your own character in The Sims is has always been a fun experience. You can create a character similar to your own appearance or go for someone who looks the total opposite while dressing them a wide array of clothes and outfits. Each of The Sims games has allowed more manipulation of body parts and facial features, but hair remains the one thing you can't toy with. Although there are dozens of different hairstyles to choose from in The Sims 4, you can't adjust the length or colour to suit your needs. This may seem like a small issue but could be a game changer for The Sims 5. The more control you have over how your character looks the more involved you become. The opportunity to give my Sim a long flowing mullet with a handlebar mustache will finally make my Sims experience complete.

11 Virtual Reality Could Be A Thing

via: modthesims.info

If The Sims isn't interactive enough for you how about playing a virtual reality version of the game? That's right, there are strong rumors hinting The Sims 5 could be VR compatible. Not long ago a Reddit post asked fans if they were ready to be part of a virtual reality Sims world, but was quickly deleted when it began to attract lots of views. While most likely a prank or someone with too much time on their hands, the ability to fully immerse yourself in The Sims using VR technology is something both fans and EA have taken notice of. Gamers would get to experience The Sims in an entirely new way while EA would be able to sell thousands of VR headsets with the game and make even more profit. It's a win-win for everyone involved.

10 Expand Your Career Goals

via: lhueagleeye.wordpress.com

Choosing a career in The Sims is an activity that not only means your character can earn money to spend on fun things but allows your Sim to develop new skills and experience different locations in the game. One downside about The Sims 4 was the lack of careers. While more were slowly introduced through expansion packs, the initial careers and part-time jobs offered were standard jobs such as a cook, a painter, an entertainer, and a laborer. The Sims 5 is looking to change this up and introduce new and exciting careers and enable characters to pursue multiple careers throughout their lives. Imagine beginning life working at a record store before going on to become an actual rock star, then chucking it all in to study to become a marine biologist like you've always dreamt of doing? The options could be endless and provide even more longevity in the game.

9 The Return Of Police, Criminals, And Fire Services

via: buzzfeed.com

There's nothing better than playing as a criminal in The Sims. It allows you fulfill all your criminal desires without having to worry about being hounded by the police and was one of my favorite careers of The Sims 4. Taking things one step further The Sims 5 is set to bring back the ability to play as a policeman or a fireman as part of the expanded list of careers offered as discussed in the previous post. While you can participate in the detective career in The Sims 4, rumors persist The Sims 5 will give players the chance to play as a beat cop and advance through the ranks as well as being a firefighter and helping put out blazes and rescue cats from the trees.

8 Feel Like A Holiday?

via: YouTube (SophSims)

Everyone loves a holiday, even Sims characters, so the reintroduction of holidays in The Sims 5 is something fans are rubbing their hands about. While they have occurred in past games it's usually been as an add-on or expansion pack, so adding holidays to the base game will only invigorate The Sims. Imagine being able to take a cruise and experience life on a ship for a week or traveling to an exotic island and spending the time sun baking and exploring? Or maybe just a trip to another city or camping in the wilderness could be a way of taking your Sims away and refreshing them. Whichever way EA go they have a massive amount of holiday options to explore.

7 The Return Of Toddlers And Kids

via: sims-online.com

Executive producer Rachel Franklin explained the reason toddlers were removed from The Sims 4 was to create a more realistic game, but I think we can all agree they improved The Sims experience. While you are still able to have children in The Sims 4, it skips vital moments of the child growing up. Re-introducing this feature would allow players the opportunity to once again take control of a baby and help raise it. Teaching the child to walk, talk, and develop other necessary skills is a fun and challenging part of the game. It also allows your Sims character to form a relationship with the child as they grow from a crying baby into a moody teenager. Bringing this back for The Sims 5 will enhance gameplay and provide another lifelike experience for players, particularly those not ready to have their own children.

6 How High Can You Go?

via: ladbible.com

The Sims have introduced many different features to create different character looks but one thing they've yet to change is the height of characters. While toddlers and children are all small in stature, the adult characters in the game are virtually all the same height. It seems odd with all the other improvements made to The Sims characters and their appearance that their height is one thing that's stayed constant. How awesome would it be to have the chance to create a seven-foot sim who could dominate the basketball court or a mini-you to muck around with? If rumors are true this is another aspect of The Sims 5  I'm greatly looking forward to as it gives you even more control over the world you create.

5 If You Build It They Will Come

via: vg247.com

Along with creating your own Sim building a house for them to live in was always an exciting part of playing The Sims. Designing the ultimate bachelor pad or family home was an important part of experiencing everything the game had to offer, but later installments have allowed less and less customisation when it comes to building your dream home. The Sims 5 is looking to change that by letting players build and create lavish houses that include pools, basketball courts, entertainment rooms, and extravagant bathrooms. Giving players so many options within the base game instead of releasing expensive expansion packs is a sure fire way to sell more copies of the game and keep fans happy.

4 Four Seasons In One Day

via: gamesradar.com

A favorite expansion amongst fans, the introduction of year-round seasons for the base game is looking like becoming a reality with The Sims 5. Featuring each of the four seasons in the main game allows for all types of new buildings, vehicles, clothes, and careers for players to pursue. You could create an outdoor decking area to enjoy in the summer or build an indoor pool for your Sim to swim laps during the winter, while holidays such as Christmas and Halloween come into play. The introduction of seasons also allows for more tie-in expansions that are weather based, such as ski resorts, cruise ships, and sporting events just to name a few. EA can cash in big time here making money off the expansions while keeping players happy with the inclusion of seasons in the main game.

3 More Engaging Environments To Explore

via: platinumsimmers.com

The Sims 4 was generally set around the house you build for your Sim to live in and the surrounding neighborhood, but what if you could explore even further? The Sims 5 hints at players being able to interact with all manner of new locations and buildings. Imagine being able to build and visit a fairground or experience the thrill of a water park or the zoo? While some of these options have been available as expansion packs years later The Sims 5 might be including them with the base game, giving players more reason to purchase the game from the get-go. I've got my fingers cross they introduce a race track or dirt bike trail so there is a dedicated area to test out new vehicles in the game.

2 Design Your Own Map

via: sims.wikia.com

If the designers of The Sims 5 listen to any of the feedback they receive here's hoping they introduce map editing. Back in the early incarnations of the game, you could design your own neighborhoods, with the editing option allowing you to choose the type of terrain, the layout of the neighborhood, and more. Being able to build your own world for your Sims character to live and explore is another great asset allowing players even greater control of what happens in the game. If they can incorporate the best features of building cities from Sim City with the character development and gameplay of previous The Sims games then The Sims 5 is looking at being an absolute belter of a game.

1 The Sims 5 Might Not Ever Be Released

via: modthesims.com

The first entry on this list stated The Sims 5 is rumored for a 2020 release, but there is just as much information pointing to the game never be released at all. Despite The Sims 4 selling well, it received harsh criticism from all corners of the gaming world. From poor customisation options through to the lack of a large open world, the general reception has been poor. Many think because The Sims 4 failed to live up to the hype EA may just abandon the franchise altogether. Why would they want to spend years developing another installment only for it to be given the thumbs down again? EA has come out and said they will make an announcement about The Sims in the future, but it might just be more expansion packs instead of an entirely new game. Fingers crossed EA come to their sense and release The Sims 5 and keep the beloved franchise going.