The Sims 4 community is split over EA’s latest policy update for mods

The Sims 4 modding community is currently divided over the latest policy EA has introduced for the game which states players are no longer allowed to charge for their creations. 

As reported by GameSpot, EA has introduced a new policy for The Sims 4, one that specifically affects modders. According to a recent post titled The Sims 4 - Mods and game updates, EA says it does "not object to mod developers continuing to share their amazing content", subject to a few conditions. 

One of these conditions includes: Players are not allowed to promote their mods "in a way that suggests they are endorsed by or affiliated with The Sims, Maxis, or Electronic Arts." What this specifically means is that modders can no longer use any game logos or trademarks, including the iconic Plumbob, or key art to promote the mods. However, they can still state that the mods are for "The Sims 4" and/or any specific game expansions. 

The main new policy that has Sims 4 players up in arms though is that "mods must be non-commercial and distributed free-of-charge." Meaning those who offer mods through the likes of the membership platform Patreon, are no longer able to do so. "Mods cannot be sold, licensed, or rented for a fee," the new policy reads, "nor can mods contain features that would support monetary transactions of any type."

The Sims developer Maxis does say however that it "recognizes that creating mods takes time and resources" and so "mod developers may recoup their development costs via passive advertisements and donations" - subject to a few other conditions including: "Passive advertisements and requests for donations must be limited to the mod website or distribution site, and not appear within the mod itself" and "all users must be able to access the mods in full for free regardless of whether they donate."

There's been a mixed reaction to the news, with some Sims 4 players revealing that they are unsympathetic towards the changes, while others express their frustration with EA and Maxis' latest policy updates. 

Twitter user and The Sims 4 custom content creator @NolanSimsCC expressed their views on the situation, writing: "For me, EA updating their policy in regards to CC + monetization of UGC is a blessing in disguise." The post continues: "I've seen so many creators have joined in on the CC making rat race as a way to get some fast cash, instead of releasing fun passion projects and interacting with the community at large." It looks as though the majority of the community is pleased with EA and Maxis' new policies. 

Looking for ways to spice up your game? Take a look at our best Sims 4 mods list.