The Sims Marks 25 Years of Gameplay

To mark a milestone in gaming history, The Sims franchise celebrates its 25th anniversary with exclusive in-game events, a 25-hour livestream spectacular, and the long-awaited return of two iconic titles. Dive into all the details about this grand celebration below.

Happy 25th Birthday To The Sims!

A Celebration Filled With Events And Free In-Game Goodies

To honor 25 years of creativity, self-expression, and unforgettable Sim moments, EA is rolling out a series of in-game freebies, special events, and exciting announcements. Among them are the highly anticipated returns of The Sims 1 and The Sims 2 on PC, along with a star-packed 25-hour livestream showcasing the best of the Sims community—known affectionately as Simmers.

Kevin Gibson, The Sims Production Director, shared his thoughts with Xbox Wire: “Our amazing players have shown us that no one does life like The Sims. This milestone is a testament to the journey we’ve shared together. Twenty-five years ago, there was a game with a bold idea that made waves at E3—and look where we are today! We’ve grown across generations and touched millions of lives.”

He added, “Every Simmer, from every era and every version of the game, has played a part in this 25-year journey. This is our way of saying thank you.”

Reliving the Classics: The Sims 1 and The Sims 2 Are Back

In a move that will delight longtime fans, The Sims and The Sims 2, including all their original DLCs, are now available for digital purchase on Steam or the EA Store. Players can opt for the special Birthday Bundle or buy each title separately.

This marks a major moment for Simmers who have been longing to revisit the origins of the franchise. For nearly a decade, these classic titles were difficult to access, and even those who owned physical copies often faced technical hurdles running them on modern systems. Now, EA has streamlined the experience by offering updated versions optimized for current hardware—fulfilling a long-standing wish from the fanbase.

Special In-Game Events Across The Sims 4 and The Sims FreePlay

For players immersed in the latest iteration, The Sims 4 introduces the Blast From The Past event, which reintroduces nostalgic items from earlier games into the current world. Over four weeks, players can unlock retro-themed items such as neon inflatable chairs in vibrant green or pink, a decadent three-layer cake, light-up dance floors, and vintage wired phones.

Meanwhile, The Sims FreePlay gets a birthday-themed update featuring new Live Events like "The One with the Coffee Shop" and "Reality Island." Additional content includes a stylish velour tracksuit, daily gifts over 25 days, and a Social Town expansion featuring a museum that chronicles the evolution of The Sims through the decades.

The 25-Hour Livestream: Honoring 25 Years of Simming

Kicking off the anniversary festivities was an epic 25-hour livestream held on February 4th. The event brought together celebrities, top streamers, beloved builders, and storytelling creators who share a passion for The Sims. Featured guests included musical artists Doja Cat and Latto, drag icons Trixie Mattel and Katya, YouTubers Dan & Phil and Plumbella, TikTok duo Angelo & Lexy, virtual streamer Ironmouse, and many more surprises.

Missed the live broadcast? No problem! The full recording is available for replay on The Sims official YouTube and Twitch channels.

Whether you're a longtime Simmer or just discovering the franchise, there’s never been a better time to celebrate life, creativity, and fun with The Sims.