Electronic Arts has released a surprise update for The Sims 3, marking 15 years since the game’s original launch. This update addresses a long-standing issue that prevented the game from running on newer Intel processors—a problem that has frustrated players since it first emerged in 2021.
The issue began with Intel’s release of the 12th Generation “Alder Lake” CPUs incompatible with The Sims 3. Players using these or newer processors encountered frequent crashes when trying to launch the game, making it unplayable for many.
Although a fan-created mod was developed to resolve the issue, not everyone was aware of its existence, leaving a portion of the community unable to enjoy the game. Now, EA has stepped in with an official fix, releasing update version 1.67.47.024017, available through EA Play and the Windows version of the game.
However, this update is not currently available for the Steam version of The Sims 3. EA has yet to confirm whether the update will be released on Steam or if there are no plans to extend it to that platform.
Given the rarity of updates for such an older title, players using mods are advised to verify compatibility with the new patch. The update may interfere with certain mods, potentially disabling features or rendering them unusable.
The Sims 3 fanbase
Since its release in 2009, The Sims 3 has left a lasting legacy, marking a pivotal moment for the popular life simulation franchise. Over the past 15 years, not only has its sequel, The Sims 4, been launched, but the series has also embraced a free-to-play model for the newest installment.
Despite these developments, many fans remain loyal to The Sims 3, continuing to enjoy the charm of the older game. A dedicated segment of the community has chosen not to transition to The Sims 4, preserving their progress and sustaining a vibrant player base. This enduring popularity has fostered a network of active players across various platforms.
According to data from SteamDB, more than 1,000 players were logged into The Sims 3 on Wednesday, January 15th, a testament to its enduring appeal.
The Future of The Sims
While Electronic Arts has no current plans to release The Sims 5, the company continues to expand The Sims 4 with additional content. In parallel, EA is working on “Project Rene,” which the studio describes as the next evolution of the franchise. However, details about the project, including its gameplay or experience, remain under wraps.
In addition to game developments, a Sims movie is currently in production. The project is being handled by LuckyChap Entertainment, the production company owned by actress and producer Margot Robbie, known for her work on Barbie and I, Tonya. As of now, no release date or further details about the film have been announced.
