Other big changes to Sim autonomy are that wishes and wants are being replaced with long-term goals. The new aspiration system will be simple and friendly as the team try to move away from players thinking "My Sim doesn't like that so I won't do it, or my Sim likes that so I will".

Emotions have intensity levels and believe it or not, EA confirmed that a Sim can actually die from its emotions! An example was that a Sim taken through the levels of anger through furious to enraged might result in them having what was described as something like a heart attack where they will break into such an animated rage that they keel over and die!

Speaking of which, EA have changed their philosophy on death for Sims 4. They realized that some things in previous games made death almost not fair and as funny as it was to die by having a satellite land on you from above, it just wasn't right. In Sims 4, death will only ever be a result of your actions, or age, and before a Sim does die from your actions, there will be plenty of warning signs before the event occurs! One thing for sure though; depressed Sims will not commit suicide! EA had no desire to 'gamify' tragic events.

We were told that there are around 10 Skills in the base game fixed into 3 Skills categories. Focus (logic, cooking etc.), Inspiration (painting, writing etc.) and Energise (athletic, physical etc.). More details to come about those in future.

And a final fascinating fact for you, confirmed by EA; you will see both left, and right handed Sims!

That's about all I can tell you for now. I hope you found it informative and enjoyable. I will be writing up my reports on the absolutely amazing Build/Buy Mode, but that info is under embargo until September 11th. Then on September 18th I can tell you some surprisingly interesting stuff about the animations in the game. I'll also be posting my hands on preview of the final Sims 3 EP Into the Future just as soon as I can get it written up.

I have to say this though, and EA may or may not like it!
Having watched and played Sims 4 for a day and a half, switching back to Sims 3 for Into the Future felt really dated and cranky. You might think Sims 4 doesn't look like the polished game you expected but boy, does TS3 age after playing TS4!

Feel free to share your thoughts about Sims 4 in our dedicated forums and if you like this article, please share it with your friends on Facebook, where you can also see my photos and reports from the Sims Camp event.

/Steve

Jill Johanson showing off her self portrait Sim in Sims 4 Create A Sim
 

Grant Rodiek showing us the Emotional Gameplay at Sims Camp