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From Building to Storytelling: Why the Sims 4 is Superior 

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The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Warwick chapter.

I will be the first to admit that I do not have the gaming knowledge to conclusively prove that Sims 4 is superior but trust me when I say that the second you play it, you become addicted. I first played the Sims 4 back in 2017 with no extension packs, but for 13-year-old me, this was a life-changing experience, and I have continued to play up until literally yesterday. From building, to making up weird, niche storylines, the possibilities with the Sims 4 are endless, and that’s without even considering the additional game packs you can play with such as werewolves, city living and seasons. I truly believe everyone should be playing the Sims 4 and I am now going to prove it!! 

Reason 1 – Creative Expression 

The Sims 4 is genuinely such a strange place because you can make anything happen in your world. Want to live as a vampire? Go for it! Want to live out your dream life and job? Of course, you can!  Want to play as Don Lothario (ifykyk) and impregnate every female Sim in Oasis Springs and then raise none of the children and become an astronaut? Slay! The possibilities in the game are actually endless, and the Sims 4 allows you that creative expression and freedom you may be missing in real life. The random storylines and things I have done in the Sims 4 are maybe some of my favourite things to discuss, and if you ever see me in person, ask me about the time I had to raise three depressed toddlers after their dad died from laughing too hard. 

Reason 2 – You basically become a qualified Architect and Interior Designer 

I can say hand on heart that I am a qualified Architect and Interior Designer after playing the game for nearly 7 years. You can build pretty much anything your heart desires, from houses that look like a giant cupcake, to restaurants which could be featured in a design magazine in real life, the Sims 4 lets you build it all. On top of that, you can create the most aesthetic rooms that are painfully colour-coordinated and would look ridiculous in your own house, but in Sims 4, it just works. 

Reason 3 – Building Life Skills 

You might think this is silly, but the Sims 4 can really build life skills. Your Sim may have to balance being a CEO, their 7 children, bill upkeep, and feeding the cats and dogs, all whilst running a Bistro on the side. As you are controlling that Sim, you oversee it all and it can become overwhelming at times. However, I do feel this actually exposes you to real-life scenarios you may face in the future, where you must juggle several things in your life, and be successful. The Sims teaches you it is possible, but you may have to budget or split your time to achieve everything. (Note: I don’t recommend overloading your Sim until you completely understand the game, because being a CEO, having 7 children and cats and dogs AND having a restaurant, is nearly impossible to manage in the Sims let alone in real life). So next time a parent or a friend tells you that the Sims 4 is a waste of time, you tell them that you are learning important skills! 

Reason 4 – Stress Relief 

Sometimes after a long day, all I want is to play Sims 4 as it switches my brain off and all I must focus on is the little virtual world I have created and the weird storyline I have invented. The Sims is a great stress reliever and instead of being grumpy and rude to your friends and family, you can drown your Sims! (I do not condone violence except in the Sims). Seriously though, it can take your mind off a lot of things and can allow you to take a break or unleash some emotion all whilst having some fun. 

I hope this article has convinced you to give Sims 4 a go, even if it is to terrorize the NPCs in the game or to build the most beautiful house the world has ever seen. There are so many benefits to playing the game and so many possibilities of what slightly odd things you can make your Sims do, so PLAY THE SIMS!!! 

Hiii! My name is Lottie and I am a third year politics and sociology student at Warwick Univeristy. I am looking forward to writing for Her Campus, particularly about pop culture and more serious topics that I feel strongly about. My interests range from Sims 4 and Miffy to cooking and scrapbooking so I’m sure I’ll have much to write about!