EA has paused development on a mobile multiplayer Sims game, formerly known as Project Rene and now codenamed Project Lotus, to concentrate on a rumored sequel to The Sims 4. This strategic shift was part of a broader announcement by EA detailing various company changes and project directions.
Project Lotus was initially envisioned as the next major Sims title, but EA opted to pivot towards a mobile spin-off after observing continued player engagement with The Sims 4. The company is now redirecting resources to a project internally referred to as Project Evergreen. While EA has not officially detailed its scope, industry speculation suggests it is a sequel to The Sims 4, with some reports indicating it's being treated as a "The Sims 4 2.0" rather than a direct "The Sims 5."
According to Sims Community, Project Evergreen is reportedly targeting a September 2027 completion for its "gold" status, implying a potential release in the fall of 2027. The game is expected to launch on PC and will also be optimized for portable handheld devices like the Steam Deck. Further details are anticipated to emerge in early to mid-2027, possibly around events like The Game Awards.
This development aligns with earlier hints from The Sims development team about a new single-player experience for PC and console. The team had previously stated that a portion of its developers were dedicated to The Sims 4 and its "next evolution." The Sims 4, released in 2014, has maintained player interest through numerous updates and expansions over its 12-year lifespan. A new, built-from-the-ground-up entry could offer a fresh direction for the franchise, moving away from accumulated legacy content.