Summary
The Sims 4has had quite the journey. The sequel in the beloved life simulation franchise has experienced several additions in the decade since its release. While many expansion packs and updates have bolstered the game’s versatility, the content cut from the game’s initial version is just as fascinating.
The cut content could have completely redefined the gameplay and madeThe Sims 4more similar to earlier installments of the franchise. These edits toThe Sims 4go far beyond a shinier Plumbob. These cuts range from world-building abilities to character features that players were able to access in previousSimsversions.
The Sims 4’s Various Scrapped Features
There’s quite a bit of evidence to suggest thatThe Sims 4was originally intended to be a different playing experience. Multiplayer source code was found in the game files of the retail version ofThe Sims 4, andOlympus(a previous, online installment ofThe Sims) is referenced inThe Sims 4’s UI files. Regardless of whetherThe Sims 4was originally intended to be multiplayeror even an MMO, it’s fascinating that these elements exist in the game’s code.
Aside from these broader differences from previous versions, many smaller details were either cut from or changed inThe Sims 4. One of the most auspicious pieces of cut content fromThe Sims 4was the Harvest Stands. First introduced inThe Sims 3, the Harvest Stands were meant to offer an alternative for characters to buy and sell produce. While the Harvest Stands were featured in promotional content ahead of the game’s release, they were instead included in laterexpansion packs forThe Sims 4.
Unreleased Families in The Sims 4
There are also characters that ended up being cut forThe Sims 4,which have been discovered through examination of the game’s files. These unused characters include entire families. Characters in theseunusedSims 4familiesinclude the Ponds (Jimmy and Alaina), the Powers (Patricia, Randy, and Kennedy) and the household of Rita Riviera and Memphis Waters. There’s also an unused test family in the game’s code that consists of Iko Yono, Joel Meadows, and Andy Campbells. It’s unclear why these families were left out of the initial release ofThe Sims 4, but their inclusion might have made the world a little more vibrant.
Possible Development Issues with The Sims 4
While it’s not certain, there’s evidence to suggest thatThe Sims 4was meant to include several features that were scrapped due to a stressed development timeline. In a post on the game’s official website,Sims 4executive producer Rachel Franklinwrote, “The fact was that there would be trade-offs, and these would disappoint some of our fans. Hard pill to swallow, believe me, but delivering on the vision set out forThe Sims 4required focus.”
This implies that some of the content that was later patched back intoThe Sims 4, such as toddlers and pools, may have been cut from the game out of necessity rather than as a creative decision. Franklin mentions both of these features in her post close to the time of release. Despite the explanation, the abrupt cut of these features led to suspicion that they may have originally been intended to feature inThe Sims 4.While it’s not known for sure if development issues played a role inThe Sims 4cut content, it’s clear that features such as toddlers and pools were beloved by fans enough for EA and Maxis to reinstate them in later updates of the game.
“So, rather than include toddlers, we chose to go deeper on the features that make Sims come alive…” -The Sims 4EP Rachel Franklin - July 14, 2025.
The Sims 4was a departure from previousThe Simsgames in several ways. While many features have been made available through expansion packs and mods,The Sims 4still looks and feels unique. These distinctive differences from earlier installments makeThe Sims 4a singular playing experience.
The Sims 4
WHERE TO PLAY
Unleash your imagination and create a unique world of Sims that’s an expression of you. Download for free, and customize every detail from Sims to homes and much more. Choose how Sims look, act, and dress, then decide how they’ll live out each day. Design and build incredible homes for every family, then decorate with your favorite furnishings and décor. Travel to different neighborhoods where you can meet other Sims and learn about their lives. Discover beautiful locations with distinctive environments and go on spontaneous adventures. Manage the ups and downs of Sims’ everyday lives, and see what happens when you play out scenarios from your own real life. Tell your stories your way while developing relationships, pursuing careers and life aspirations, and immersing yourself in this extraordinary game, where the possibilities are endless
