Life Got Hard. The Sims Got Easy.

The article discusses how the rise of "gamification" in daily life has led to a nostalgic longing for older, more chaotic versions of the life simulation game, The Sims. The article notes that as the real world has become increasingly "gamified," with productivity apps, fitness trackers, and other tools that turn daily tasks into a game, players have found solace in the simplicity and unpredictability of earlier Sims games. In contrast, the latest installment of The Sims franchise, The Sims 4, has been criticized for being too easy and lacking the challenges and randomness of previous games. Players express a desire for the chaos and unpredictability of earlier Sims games, which they feel better reflects the realities of daily life. The article suggests that the appeal of the older Sims games lies in their ability to provide an escape from the increasingly "gamified" nature of modern life, offering a more authentic and engaging simulation of the complexities of human existence.