The Sims Marks 25 Years of Milestone

The Sims franchise marks a major milestone with its 25th anniversary, offering players a variety of in-game events, a 25-hour livestream celebration, and the long-awaited return of two classic titles. Discover everything you need to know about this momentous occasion below.

Happy 25th Birthday To The Sims!

A Celebration Full of Events and Free Gifts

To commemorate 25 years of creativity and fun, The Sims is rolling out exciting in-game events, exclusive freebies, and a star-packed 25-hour livestream showcasing the best moments from Simmers (dedicated Sims players) around the world. Additionally, fans can once again enjoy The Sims 1 and The Sims 2, now fully re-released for PC with updated compatibility.

As stated by Kevin Gibson, The Sims Production Director, in an interview with Xbox Wire: “Our incredible players have shown us that no one does life like The Sims, and we wanted to celebrate this journey we’ve been on together. Twenty-five years ago, there was a game with an idea that made a big splash at E3—and look where we are today! We’ve grown across generations and touched millions of lives.”

He continued: “Without the support of our players over the past two decades since its debut in 1999, we wouldn’t be here. Every Simmer, across every version and platform, 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

One of the most exciting announcements is the return of the original The Sims and The Sims 2, including all their expansions. These iconic titles are now available for purchase on Steam or through the EA Store either as a special Birthday Bundle or individually.

For longtime fans, this is a dream come true. Over the past decade, these early games were nearly impossible to access legally, and even then, running them on modern systems required technical workarounds. EA has now resolved these issues by releasing updated builds optimized for current hardware—fulfilling a wish many Simmers have had for years.

In-Game Celebrations Across The Sims 4 and The Sims FreePlay

In The Sims 4, players can take part in the Blast From The Past event, which reintroduces nostalgic items from earlier games into the catalog. Over four weeks, players will gain access to retro-themed items such as neon inflatable chairs in vibrant green or pink, a towering three-layer cake, a glowing dance floor for epic parties, and even vintage wired phones.

Meanwhile, The Sims FreePlay received a special Birthday Update, featuring new Live Events like "The One with the Coffee Shop" and "Reality Island." Additional content includes a stylish velour tracksuit, daily gifts for 25 consecutive days, and a Social Town update featuring a museum that celebrates The Sims' evolution through the decades.

The 25-Hour Livestream – Honoring 25 Years of Fun

Kicking off the festivities was a spectacular 25-hour livestream held on February 4th, spotlighting beloved celebrities, top streamers, popular builders, and storytelling creators who share a passion for The Sims. Featured guests included Doja Cat, rapper Latto, drag icons Trixie Mattel and Katya, YouTubers Dan & Phil and Plumbella, TikTokers Angelo & Lexy, virtual streamer Ironmouse, and more.

Missed the live broadcast? No worries! The full recording is available for viewing on the official The Sims YouTube channel and Twitch page.

Whether you're a lifelong Simmer or just discovering the series, there’s never been a better time to dive into the world of The Sims and experience the legacy that continues to inspire creativity, connection, and endless fun.