A video purportedly taken from the next iteration of The Sims has surfaced online, sparking concern among fans about the future direction of the beloved series. Known as Project Rene, which some fans refer to as The Sims 5, though EA insists it is a separate spin-off, this project has been in development for several years. Recent footage from a game called "City Life Game With Friends" has led many to speculate that it might be the next entry in The Sims franchise.

The leaked video, spanning 20 minutes, showcases a player navigating through text prompts to customize their character's appearance and activities. The gameplay then transitions to a vibrant setting called Plaza de Poupon, where the player engages in social interactions and works at an outdoor café. The characters in the video, referred to as Sims, communicate in Simlish and are marked by the iconic Plumbob, further fueling speculation about its connection to The Sims series.

Other fans echoed this disappointment, with one stating, "This is not going to be for me, I can tell already. It just seems so basic and I don't want to play The Sims on my phone." However, some saw potential in the concept, suggesting, "The funny thing is, making a PC/mobile cross-compatible Sims game isn't a bad idea. EA just believes that mobile games HAVE to be ugly for some reason. They're chasing all of the design trends of the past decade, but it means that this thing already looks dated and it's not even out yet."

Another fan critiqued the thematic direction, saying, "The way The Sims was a literally [sic] satire about capitalist suburban consumption-as-happiness... And this is where the Sims ended up. Endless consumption-as-happiness."

Project Rene, initially teased at the 2022 Behind the Sims Summit, is described as a free-to-play game with multiplayer elements inspired by Animal Crossing and Among Us. Despite not having a formal release date, EA has been conducting invite-only playtests, which likely led to the recent leaks. The name "Rene" symbolizes "renewal, renaissance, and rebirth," reflecting the developers' commitment to the future of The Sims.

Last October, images of Project Rene leaked from a closed test, drawing criticism over its art style, limited features, and microtransactions. The inclusion of a café, reminiscent of 2018's The Sims Mobile, raised further doubts. In response, EA clarified that Project Rene is not The Sims 5 but a distinct "cosy, social game" within the Sims franchise.

Meanwhile, fans of The Sims 4 were reminded of the series' roots with the return of The Burglar in a recent update, bringing back a familiar element from older Sims games.