5 Reasons Why The Sims Changed My Life
And what I have learned from playing the game for the past 12 years
The first time that I discovered The Sims was 12 years ago. I distinctly remember seeing it in my local video game store and thinking, “Wow, this game looks so fun!” Little did I know I was opening the door for a wonderful world full of memories that would forever change my life. I know what you’re thinking, how could a video game truly change someone's life? But trust me when I say that its true, video games really can change your life. That’s the first lesson I learned from playing The Sims.
I started by purchasing the base game for The Sims 2. I quickly became obsessed, playing all night and into the morning. My obsession grew and I purchased more and more expansion packs over the next few months. The Sims 3 was released in 2009 and in 2014 the latest version of the game, The Sims 4, finally released. To this day I am still a dedicated Simmer and continue to be a firm supporter of the franchise.
The Sims has always been more than just a game to me. Quite simply, it has shaped who I am today. Here are some of the ways that The Sims changed my life as well as some of the lessons that I have learned by playing.
1. It expanded my freedom and creativity
The Sims is not just an ordinary simulation game. The Sims has depth, character, and meaning. Players can connect with the characters in the game because the characters and stories are created by the player from scratch. The player is in control and has the freedom to decide how they want to play based on their individual gameplay style. Growing up, The Sims provided me with the freedom and power to decide how I wanted to experience this simulated life. The structure of the game also helped me develop my creative skills. Creating my sims, designing the interior and exterior of their houses, and deciding their stories allowed me to become more creative in many different aspects of my real life.
2. It taught me responsibility
Who said that taking care of your sims didn't teach you anything about real-life responsibilities? Sims players need to maintain the hunger, sleep, and hygiene bars all while maintaining their jobs, families, and finances. When I first started playing at the age of 11 years old, the concept of responsibility was still relatively new for me. Taking care of my sims taught me valuable lessons about basic needs and the importance of maintaining them. It also taught me important lessons about handling finances, jobs, and having a family. The game shaped my ability to take responsibility and care for myself and others.
3. It became my therapy
Growing up, The Sims allowed me to escape my real life and enter a virtual world where I can have control. It became an outlet during times of anxiety, frustration, or sadness. I knew that when I entered the game, I would be able to escape whatever troubles I was going through at the time and enjoy this simulated world. The game can also be silly and fun and could put a smile on my face when nothing else could. I could always count on The Sims, no matter what was happening in the real world.
4. It strengthened my friendships
Some of the best memories that I have with my friends are from the moments where we would open our computers and play The Sims. Not only was I able to create these memories in my friendships growing up, but I continue to create memories in The Sims with my friends today. My best friend and I continue to play the game, laugh hysterically, and connect with the sims that we create together. We even create inside jokes! The game helped me to connect with my friends and create even more fun memories with them.
5. It taught me how to be myself (and have fun in life!)
Overall, the game truly helped me feel comfortable in my own skin and to appreciate what makes me unique. Each sim has its own personality traits, characteristics, and individuality. My sims taught me how to embrace who I am and the individual characteristics that make me, me. And finally, the most important lesson I learned from my time playing The Sims is to always have fun and to live life to the fullest. The quirkiness of the game always reminds me to have fun in life and appreciate every day.
The Sims changed my life and will always be important to me. I can look back on the past 12 years of playing this game and be thankful that I found it that one day in the video game store. If you haven’t already, play The Sims. It’s an amazing game (and it may even change your life, too).
