EA Celebrates The Sims’ 25th Anniversary with a Classic Re-Release
The Sims franchise has been a cultural phenomenon since its debut in 2000, shaping the way players engage with life simulation games. Now, as the beloved series marks its 25th anniversary, Electronic Arts (EA) is giving longtime fans something to celebrate—reviving the original The Sims and The Sims 2 with modern compatibility.
2/3/20252 min read
A Nostalgic Return to SimCity Suburbia
For years, players have been yearning for a way to revisit the classic versions of The Sims without jumping through technical hoops. While The Sims 4 continues to dominate with expansion packs and fresh content, many fans still hold a soft spot for the earlier iterations that introduced them to the joy (and chaos) of simulated life.
EA has heard those nostalgic cries and is reportedly working on a rerelease that makes The Sims and The Sims 2 playable on modern systems. Whether you spent hours micromanaging SimCity’s suburban households or trapping your Sims in pool ladders for fun (we won’t judge), this revival is bound to stir up some fond memories.
What This Means for Longtime Fans
Given the current state of game preservation, the rerelease of these early titles is a major win for gaming history. While The Sims 3 and The Sims 4 are widely available, the first two entries have been notoriously difficult to run on newer hardware without fan-made fixes. Bringing them back in an official capacity allows both veterans and newcomers to experience the charm of these classic games without the hassle of emulation or abandonedware downloads.
The Sims, originally released in 2000, revolutionized the life simulation genre with its open-ended gameplay, quirky humor, and endless customization. The Sims 2, launched in 2004, built on that foundation by introducing genetics, aging, and 3D environments, making it one of the most beloved entries in the series. With this rerelease, players can once again dive into the early days of Simlish, green diamond plumbobs, and unexpected kitchen fires.
What to Expect in the Rerelease
Details are still emerging about what enhancements, if any, will be made to these classic games. Will EA simply update them for compatibility, or will there be quality-of-life improvements, such as UI scaling, bug fixes, or mod support? Given how active The Sims modding community remains, any official support for modern resolutions and controls would be a welcome addition.
Another question lingering in fans’ minds: Will the numerous expansion packs for The Sims and The Sims 2 also make a return? These expansions were a huge part of what made the games so engaging, from The Sims’ iconic Hot Date and Makin’ Magic to The Sims 2’s University and Open for Business. A complete package including these beloved expansions would undoubtedly be a dream come true for dedicated Simmers.
A Celebration of Sim Legacy
The rerelease is a fitting tribute to the legacy of The Sims. Over the past 25 years, the franchise has not only entertained millions but also fostered creativity, storytelling, and social simulation in a way that few other games have. Whether you played The Sims back in the day or discovered the franchise through The Sims 4, this anniversary rerelease is a perfect opportunity to revisit the roots of the series and appreciate how far it has come.
So, dust off your virtual furniture, get ready to design some chaotic households, and prepare for a wave of nostalgia—because The Sims and The Sims 2 are making a long-awaited comeback!