The Sims FreePlay
Logo since 2019
Developer(s)	EA Mobile, Firemonkeys Studios
Publisher(s)	Electronic Arts
Series	The Sims
Engine	RenderWare
Platform(s)	iOS, Android, BlackBerry 10, Windows Phone
Release	iOS December 15, 2011 Android February 15, 2012 Blackberry 10 July 31, 2013 (discontinued) Windows Phone 8 September 12, 2013 (discontinued)
Genre(s)	Life simulation
Mode(s)	Single-player

The Sims FreePlay is a life simulation video game developed by Firemonkeys Studios^[1] and published by Electronic Arts. It was first released in December 2011 for iOS and later for Android and Windows Phone.^[2] The game is part of The Sims series and allows players to control virtual people, build homes, form relationships, and manage everyday activities in real time. Unlike other games in the series, The Sims FreePlay uses a freemium model^[3] and real-time progression, where many actions take hours or days to complete.^[4]

In The Sims FreePlay, the player controls virtual people called Sims and controls them through their daily lives. Players can build houses, buy furniture, and decorate their homes. Sims can work at jobs, form friendships, fall in love, and have families. Many actions in the game happen in real time and can take minutes, hours, or even days to finish. The game is free to play, but players can use real money to buy items or speed up actions.^[5]

The Sims FreePlay uses different kinds of in-game money. Simoleons are the main currency and are earned by working at jobs and finishing tasks. Lifestyle Points are earned by completing goals and special activities. Social Points are earned by visiting other players’ towns and helping their Sims. Players can use these currencies to buy items, unlock buildings, and speed up actions. Some currency can also be bought with real money.^[3]

Sims grow through several life stages as time passes. These stages include baby, toddler, pre-teen, teenager, adult, and senior. Each stage has different actions and abilities. For example, children go to school, teenagers can start part-time jobs, and adults can work full-time and have families. After the senior stage, a Sim can die of old age unless the player uses special items to keep them alive.

Players can take part in quests and special events. Quests are short stories with tasks that must be finished in a limited time. Completing a quest can unlock new items, buildings, or life stages. Events are time-limited challenges that give prizes such as furniture, clothes, or currency. Some events return later so players can try them again.

The Sims FreePlay received mixed to positive reviews from critics.^[6] Many reviewers praised the game for bringing The Sims experience to mobile devices. They liked the graphics and the large amount of content. However, some critics disliked the long waiting times and the use of in-game purchases. The game became popular and was downloaded by millions of players around the world.^[7]

1. ↑ "Game designer reveals why The Sims FreePlay had to evolve | ScreenHub: Film, TV, Streaming and Games". 2025-10-16. Retrieved 2026-01-23.
2. ↑ "The Sims: FreePlay Releases". MobyGames. Retrieved 2026-01-23.
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1} "The Sims FreePlay App Review | Common Sense Media". www.commonsensemedia.org. Retrieved 2026-01-23.
4. ↑ "The Sims FreePlay". IGDB.com. 2001-12-31. Retrieved 2026-01-23.
5. ↑ "Game designer reveals why The Sims FreePlay had to evolve | ScreenHub: Film, TV, Streaming and Games". 2025-10-16. Retrieved 2026-01-23.
6. ↑ "EA Releases The Sims FreePlay App on iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch for Free". news.ea.com. Retrieved 2026-01-23.
7. ↑ "The Sims FreePlay Reviews". www.metacritic.com. Retrieved 2026-01-23.