The team behind The Sims 4 is currently investigating a pesky bug that’s been wreaking havoc on save files, specifically tied to the For Rent expansion pack. This issue has been a thorn in the side of many players for over a year now, prompting Maxis to reach out for player support in unraveling the mystery.
Released on December 7, 2023, the For Rent expansion marked the 15th addition to the game’s universe since its initial release back in 2014. It offered exciting new features like the ability to build apartments and step into the shoes of a landlord. Despite these promising elements, the expansion was met with criticism, mainly due to the numerous bugs that players encountered right out of the gate.
Among the most frustrating issues reported by players is a bug that corrupts save files beyond repair. This mishap has rendered long-standing neighborhoods created by fans completely unplayable. Maxis has recently communicated with fans through The Sims Direct on Twitter, assuring them that they are still dedicated to fixing this save file corruption. They’ve also sought help from those affected, encouraging players to share their corrupted save files on the EA Forums, hoping this will aid in the investigation.
While players have been vocal on social media platforms, their responses haven’t exactly aligned with what EA and Maxis had hoped for. Instead of focusing on the file corruption issue in For Rent, players have been voicing concerns about a litany of other unresolved bugs plaguing the game. A particularly annoying one involves unpredictable weather like rain and snow falling indoors, leaving Sims vulnerable to the elements and frequently ill. Players also reported persistent lag when Social Bunny is in play, issues with disappearing textures, and other oddities involving infants.
This ongoing saga has led some players to suggest it might be time for EA and Maxis to move on and bring The Sims 5 to life. Excitement peaked following last year’s announcement of Project Rene, but hopes were dashed when it was clarified that The Sims 5 wasn’t in the pipeline. For now, it seems the developers are focusing on expanding the current game universe.
Despite ongoing challenges, The Sims 4 continues to capture the hearts of its community. Released on September 2, 2014, and published by Electronic Arts, it still charms players with its mix of humor, creativity, and storytelling, keeping both new and longtime fans engaged worldwide.