Summary
Despite its age,The Sims 4is still going strong, but nevertheless, Maxis is keeping busy with other projects in the works. Fans already know about Project Rene which will sit alongsideThe Sims 4instead of replacing it. It is not yet known whether it will beThe Sims 5everyone is waiting for, or a different offering altogether.
There’s also been the discovery of Project Dolores, an unannounced game by Maxis and EA. There are many questions surrounding this project and whether it is connected toThe Sims 4and the rest of the franchise. Some clues can be found, though they don’t reveal much.

Project Dolores - What’s in a Name?
Maxis and EA have anew game coming up codenamed Project Rene. This name was chosen because Rene means born again in French. Thus, the title signifies a rebirth or a renaissance for the franchise. This approach is visible in how the project is being handled. The base game will launch for free, and it will be available on both PC and mobile. Official details are scarce, but information is slowly being revealed in theBehind the Simsseries on the official YouTube channel for the franchise.
It is possible that the word “dolores” may similarly hint at what to expect from the project. The word has Latin roots, with the word “dolor” referring to pain or sorrow. This doesn’t seem like it would point to anything related to thecartoonishSimsserieswhich has always been cheery.

How to Interpret the Project Dolores Codename
It could be the case that Maxis is branching out and providing a darker spin-off, though the odds of that seem low. It could also be the case that the developers are working on a new franchise entirely, one that will target an audience that isn’t necessarily fans ofThe Sims. Whatever the project is, the codename doesn’t hint at it being a lighthearted affair, although the codename’s roots could just as easily be a red herring.
Everything Revealed about Project Dolores
Officially, nothing is known about the project, andneither Maxis nor EAhave publicly commented on it. However, there is a trail of breadcrumbs leading to clues regarding what the secret project is.
Keen-eyed fans spotted a post on EA’s site looking for a technical director for Project Dolores. Not much is revealed regarding what the project is about, except that applications should display “depth of knowledge ofThe Simsand EA’s current game technology.” While this doesn’t confirm that it’s anotherSimsgame, it does seem like the project has something to do with the franchise, which has been expanding past the mainline titles with additions likeThe Sims Mobile.
Is Project Dolores a Sims Game?
At this point, there is no certainty that Project Dolores will be another chapter inThe Simsseries. However, the reference to the franchise in the job posting does suggest that some kind oflife simulation gameis in the works. With studios around the world, Maxis has grown big enough to juggle more than justThe Sims. Patience will have to be exercised before the full details of the project are released. Right now, Maxis is committed to focusing everyone’s attention onThe Sims 4and the upcoming Project Rene.
The Sims 4
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