Sims 4 Social Group and Challenge Club

The Sims 4 is a free* web-based computer life simulation game that provides opportunity for creating characters (sims) and the homes and communities they live in. Sims are able to obtain jobs, build relationships, celebrate holidays and festivals, and earn in-game rewards and collectibles. The open-ended nature of this game allows for unlimited creativity.

Each class will begin with a challenge posed by the instructor. Based on attendance, participants may vote on the challenge most interesting to them. Challenges could include:

1) Create a sim that either represents a theme, mimics a well-known person, looks like yourself, embodies a character of a book you're reading, features a provided set of characteristics, etc. 
2) Create a home or community lot with a budget, containing a certain number of features, complying with challenging parameters, using a single color, etc.
3) Create an unrestricted build within a set of physical constraints (known in the community as a "Shell Challenge"). This will require participants to access the Gallery (the online download community accessible within the game, where participants can access the instructor's page to download the shell). 

Example class schedule:
0-5 minutes: introductions, challenge posed
5-35 minutes: work on challenge while casually socializing with instructor/classmates
35-55 minutes: share projects and discuss 

The Sims 4 also releases videos and articles several times a year where new content is unveiled. These are typically highly produced and anticipated events. Based on participant interest and coincidence in scheduling, classes may also cover upcoming content packages and participants can discuss likes/dislikes, questions, and expectations for the release. 

To prevent lag and poor video/gameplay quality, it is recommended participants use two separate devices, one to access Zoom for class participation, and one to run The Sims 4. The Sims 4 works best in full screen with no other programs running simultaneously on the device. The Sims 4 also has gameplay music and sound effects, which could be overstimulating when audible from multiple devices! A separate device would allow this music to be muted, but Zoom to still be heard.

*The basic game of The Sims 4 is currently free, which provides unrestricted gameplay and substantial content access. There are additional content packages available for purchase, however they are not required for participation in this club.