‘The Sims 5’ release date, gameplay rumors: Online features are likely included in the next game

EA and Maxis are still very careful not to reveal anything about the next main series installment that fans have been calling “The Sims 5.” In a recent financial briefing, EA CEO Andrew Wilson mentioned bringing back online features to upcoming “The Sims” titles is still in the pipeline. The statement has since sparked rumors about the potential announcement of “The Sims 5.”

‘The Sims 5’ gameplay: What to expect?

It should be noted that “The Sims 4” is being supported by EA and Maxis for the past five years now. So it is not surprising if discussions about “The Sims 5” has been relentless since 2019, even though last year went by without even a mention about the next game’s development.

That seemingly changed in EA’s Q3 2020 earnings call last month when the EA execs were asked about bringing back online gameplay for “The Sims” in the future. “And so as Maxis continues to think about The Sims for a new generation across platforms in a cloud-enabled world, you should imagine that … this notion social interaction and competition, like the kind of things that were actually present in … ‘The Sims Online’ many, many years ago, that they will start to become part of the ongoing ‘Sims’ experience in the years to come,” Wilson explained.

Simply put, online and multiplayer gameplay features are very much on the table for “The Sims.” While Wilson did not explicitly mention this happening in “The Sims 5,” his mention of a “new generation” title was enough to spark speculations on the unannounced game.

Technically, EA has not yet confirmed if the development of “The Sims 5” has already started. However, the massive success of the franchise -- after 20 years -- makes it much more likely for the series to continue beyond “The Sims 4.”

‘The Sims 5’ release date and announcement speculations

Again, Wilson’s statement did not specifically make a reference to “The Sims 5.” It should be comforting enough for avid fans to know that a “new generation” game is being planned. Hoping for a release date to happen in 2020 is clearly a stretch at this point, but there might be a small chance for an announcement or unveiling of a teaser to take place.