Although a new DLC is already expected for the current installment, fans can't help but wonder when a full-game sequel for "The Sims 4" will launch. Speculations suggest that players may have to wait longer as "The Sims 5" is not expected until 2019 at the earliest.
Reportedly, a timeline observation of previous releases places at least four years' worth of development gap in-between games. After the original release in 2000, "The Sims 2" launched way back in 2004, while 'The Sims 3" released in 2009. The current-gen iteration, "The Sims 4," was unveiled in 2014. Looking at release schedules, it is likely that the much-awaited "The Sims 5" will have a 2019 release.
Gamenguide reports that players prefer a full game sequel to any expansion and updates. However, publisher Electronic Arts has yet to comment on the schedule, and they are focused on the upcoming "City Living" expansion pack for "The Sims 4" coming in November. With a late 2016 DLC release for the current game, a full sequel by 2016 or early 2017 is out of the question. Meanwhile, the industry follower believes that EA will need to focus on the current iteration first since the game's lukewarm reception may be a contributing factor for the expected release of "The Sims 5."
Supposedly, "The Sims 4" has not performed as well as EA hoped, sales-wise. The sales figures remain average, even with a number of DLC expansions. With the new "City Living" DLC being a fresh attempt to gain numbers, a full game sequel release may go either way. It is likely that EA decides to revamp the entire franchise and release "The Sims 5" earlier than 2019. On the other hand, it is also possible for the publisher to ditch a full game follow-up completely if it figures that having the franchise up to "The Sims 4" is enough.
