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They are also the most complex behavioral AI systems.
When you hear about life simulators, you most probably think about The Sims. EA's hit franchise definitely dominates its niche, but it's slowly getting more competition, like KRAFTON's highly anticipated inZOI or Paradox Tectonic's Life by You.
The latter's director Rod Humble, who was also the head of The Sims at the beginning of its path, has high hopes for the genre. In an interview with PC Gamer, he shared that life sims are "the most complex RPGs ever written," loved by players because of this complexity and the fact you don't need a tutorial to relate to what's happening.
Image credit: Paradox Tectonic
"I think people who don't play life simulators perhaps don't understand that these are also the most complex RPGs ever written, as well as being some of the most complex crafting games ever written, as well as being the most complex behavioral AI systems ever written," he said. "But the reason I think that they are so popular is that even though they're that complex, they are relatable, and you don't need a tutorial."
Image credit: Paradox Tectonic
Humble believes Sims-like games will become even more popular because "it's an inclusive game genre that anybody can use to tell stories that are rooted in real life." He prefers working on simulators because more linear stories "cut people out" by introducing characters with specific features, skin tones, genders, and so on. Life sims, on the other hand, offer more inclusionary experiences.
"It's like, how do we extend the magic circle to this colleague who has this worldview and who wants to make sure that they can play that worldview or play that style within our game? And it's an absolute blast."
Image credit: Paradox Tectonic
Life by You will be slightly different from The Sims, though. For example, its characters and buildings are simple so that players have room for mods and don't have to match a certain style like it is in EA's famous simulator where you can always recognize player-made content by how much more realistic and detailed it is compared to the overall look.
Life by You will be released in early access on June 4. While it wants to be different from The Sims, the game will lack some features at first, like babies, who are not cute enough for launch (I wonder where I've seen this before...)
The simulator won't collect your data to ensure you feel comfortable building whatever life you want without shame – an admirable move.
Image credit: Paradox Tectonic
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