Blog About 10 Reasons to Get Excited About The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs

In less than 5 days we’re finally getting the chance to play The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs ourselves! Aren’t you sure about getting this new Expansion Pack? Here are 10 reasons to get excited about.

10 Things to Get Excited About

We are going catatonic over here over the doggone impending release of The Sims 4 Cats and Dogs*. Simmers this is not a drill! We’ve written deeply about several new features in The Sims 4 Cats and Dogs and you should go back and read them. Today, we can’t sit still long enough for depth.

It’s a lightning round, folks. Strap in.

Download expansion pack The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs

Pet Costumes

This makes me smile so much. We wanted to create something entirely new for Create-a-Pet, and costumes filled that slot perfectly. They’re hilarious, charming, and incredibly reminiscent of so many photos on the Internet. We cannot wait to see what horrors you put your pets through in the name of adorableness.

Walking the Dog

I walk my dog 2-3 times per day. As a dog owner, it’s just a fact of my daily life. We made sure to create beautiful areas for an evening walk with your pooch in Brindleton Bay, the gorgeous new seaside town. Whether you’re discovering the romantic secrets of the lighthouse, chasing birds near the docks, or digging for rare and wondrous things at the graveyard, you’ll have a lot of fun when taking your four-legged friend for a poo.

Cats on Everything

It was so important to us that dogs felt like dogs, and that cats felt like cats. If you’ve ever had a cat, you know that they use every surface in the house as their own. We invested in this technology so that you’ll see your cats jump on the fridge for a good look, the counter to avoid the dog (and they hate it), under the bed, on the bed, and everywhere in between. The world is a cat’s playground in The Sims 4 Cats and Dogs.

Download expansion pack The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs

Being a Vet

I love owning a business in The Sims 4. It’s a feature we love to experiment with and we saw a huge opportunity for allowing players to play as veterinarians in this new expansion. The diagnosis is both hilarious and touching as your Sim tries to calm their pet patient to find a solution. Optimizing the perfect staff and layout to increase profits is always fun. And I dare you not to laugh the first time you see an interaction that says “Un-Neuter” on the Surgery Station. This is a great career, and dare I say, the best way to earn a Simoleon in The Sims 4.

Unique Pets

We spent months really trying to understand the soul of cats and dogs and what our game would become. As we shared stories of our beloved pets, it became clear to us that everyone’s pets were unique creatures that make each of us delighted or confounded in different ways. The Traits for Cats and Dogs are particularly strong in this expansion. They truly change every pet’s behavior. Beyond that, every pet has unique quirks that you have to discover yourself. We want every pet to help your Sims tell a new story.

All the Breeds

The Sims 4 Cats and Dogs has so many unique breeds, each of which looks gorgeous and distinct. Our art team did their finest work here. We’re simply amazed at the number of pets. But, beyond standard breeds you’d expect, like Russian Blue or Akita, you can easily create lovely mixed breeds and cats with just a few clicks. It’s so easy to quickly craft the cat or dog you imagine.

Inside Their Heads

A difficult decision we had to make was whether we’d let you control your dogs and cats, like you could in The Sims 3, or not, like in The Sims 2. We took a step back and asked: why would we choose one or the other? When we thought about the key ideas of truly unique pets, cats and dogs that do things that cats and dogs do, and having your Sims grow closer to their pets as companions, we knew that making them uncontrolled was the right decision. And it is! You’ll have so much fun peering into those cute little eyes on behalf of your Sims and asking: “What the heck is Fluffy thinking?” What indeed.

Download expansion pack The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs

So Many Objects

There are so many new ways to interact with your cats and dogs in game! Squeaky toys and balls and cat feathers and laser pointers and multiple cat condos, sure. But then you need scratching posts, pet beds, litter boxes, litter boxes with lasers, but we’re still not done. Create an epic obstacle course for your dog or watch how they perceive common household objects. There’s a lot to do in The Sims 4 Cats and Dogs!

Painting the Pet

We tried to make it dead simple to pick a breed, or craft a mixed breed, and be on your way. But, we also wanted to make it dead simple to add the perfect white spot to their neck (like on my dog Peaches!), or make their nose pinker, or lighten the grey on your Malamute. It’s so easy to create pixel-perfect recreations of any dog or cat. We think you’re going to lose countless hours painting in The Sims 4 Cats and Dogs!

Cat on a Vacuum

I don’t want to understate this fact, so let’s just hit it straight on. Cats and dogs create messes, like hairballs and hair and pee and poo. You need an easier way to clean up that mess, right? Therefore, we made your Sims an automatic household cleaning robot. But, we’re Maxis. We didn’t stop there, oh no. Your cat can ride the vacuum. In a shark costume. I think I’ll just drop the mic right here.

*Requires The Sims 4 game (sold separately) and all game updates to play.

Source: TheSims.com

Blog About the Upcoming New World Brindleton Bay

Only a few days left until The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs finally comes out! But we’re not there yet. So here is another blog about the upcoming Expansion Pack. Discover the new world of Brindleton Bay below.

Explore the New World of Brindleton Bay

Hey there, Simmers!

With The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs* releasing on November 10, not only does this pack introduce some new four-legged friends, but a whole new world for you to explore as well!

Introducing Brindleton Bay, a charming coastal town full of cool new outdoor activities for you and your pets. We can’t wait for you to get your paws on it, so let’s take a look at some of the fun and delightful neighborhoods you and your new pets can discover together.

Download expansion pack The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs

First, you can start your day off in Sable Square, where you can take your canine companion on a nice walk through the center of town while chasing after flocks of birds, and make a quick stop by Pupperstone Park to test your dog’s agility with a new pet obstacle course.

Ah, but maybe you’re looking for something a bit more… feline? Look no further than Whiskerman’s Wharf – a cat’s dream neighborhood and home to the Bay’s resident cat lady, Catarina Lynx. Send your cat hunting in the bushes and they may bring back some feathers they “found” for you. Be careful though! Birds aren’t the only animals hiding in the bushes and your pets may find themselves in a losing battle against a squirrel or skunk!

Regardless of which destination you choose, follow up your relaxing morning by curbing your appetite for adventure at Cavalier Cove. A sprawling coastal neighborhood, Cavalier Cove is full of little nooks and crannies for you and your pet to explore. (Who knows what mysterious treasures your dog will uncover digging on the beach!)

Not in the exploring mood? Not to fret! Bring a pet toy from home and use the open space to play a game of fetch.

Download expansion pack The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs

Finally, as the day comes to a close, head on over to Deadgrass Isle. Population: PETS! Not a single human lives on the island, making it the perfect place to befriend a stray cat or dog. Build a strong enough bond, and you can adopt them into your family! But before you head out, make sure to climb to the top of the lighthouse and watch that beautiful Brindleton Bay sunset.

Now, a bunch of you builders have been asking if there will be a good variety of lot sizes in The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs. Fear not! Brindleton Bay will have lots in a multitude of sizes, including 20×15, 20×20, 30×20, 30×30, 40×30, 40×40, 64×64, and four of those lots will be empty. So get ready to build!

And that’s a wrap on our quick tour of Brindleton Bay, a whole new world tailor-made for cats, dogs, and the Sims that own them. From feline antics at the Wharf, to canine adventures at the Cove, Brindleton Bay is full of new and exciting activities for you to enjoy when The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs launches on November 10th! We can’t wait to see what new architectural treasures you construct.

*Requires The Sims 4 game (sold separately) and all game updates to play.

Source: TheSims.com

Blog About Running a Vet Clinic in The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs

It’s time for yet another new blog about The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs, which will be released on the 10th of November! This time you’ll read more about running your very own vet clinic in the upcoming expansion pack. The blog includes new pictures too! Keep on reading below…

Open Your Very Own Vet Clinic

Hello Simmers! Roll up your sleeves and get ready to work, because The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs* has arguably our best business venue yet. In this latest expansion, your Sims can open a Vet clinic and begin working as the local town Vet. In doing so, they can design the clinic however they wish in Build mode to match their personal style and hire staff.

Download expansion pack The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs

Naturally, give employees raises, fire and discipline them, or even force them to wear ridiculous outfits. Or, normal ones, but where’s the fun in that? Those with Outdoor Retreat can have their Veterinarians wear the bear suit!

Much of the action revolves around your Sim improving their Vet Skills, which is key because your Sims themselves are the vets. If you want, train the entire family as your staff to maximize the number of clients you can serve and save on wages! The first stop is the exam table. Here, your Sim will need to carefully balance the patient’s stress levels while performing tests to diagnose the issue. There are a variety of new ailments in the game, like Fleas, Gilded Guts Disorder, and Advanced Swamp Mouth. Once you isolate the cause, you can perform the treatment and collect payment.

Or, you can take a shot in the dark and see where that leads you. But, beware! Using the wrong treatment will cost your Sims valuable time, Simoleons, and heavily stress out your patient!

Download expansion pack The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs

Some treatments are too complicated for the exam table and require surgery. Luckily, we have a robust surgery station to perform these complicated treatments. Your Sim can also spay, un-spay, neuter, and un-neuter pets as well. Sadly, pets emerge wearing the cone of shame, but don’t worry, it only lasts for a short time.

When not serving patients in need, your Sims can also craft new Medicines (or direct employees to do it) to sell in the vending machine, use on their own pets, or administer at the exam table to de-stress pets. There’s never a dull moment at the vet clinic!

Long term, pay to train your best employees, or unlock powerful new perks to improve your business further. There’s so much to discover at the vet, and so many ways to customize the experience to enjoy it on your terms.

The Sims 4 Cats and Dogs has so many new things to do, but we made sure players who love earning Simoleons and telling stories have a great new way to do just that as a veterinarian. This is a first for The Sims and we cannot wait to see what you think about it. Perfect that bedside manner and prepare some proper puppy care this November!

*Requires The Sims 4 game (sold separately) and all game updates to play.

Source: TheSims.com

New Blog About Unique Personalities in The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs

Here’s a new blog about unique personalities for your cats and dogs in the upcoming expansion pack: The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs! Make sure to take a look at the new pictures as well.

Unique Personalities For Your Pets

Hello pet loving Simmers! Last week we told you all about Create-a-Pet and how you can make that perfect little face and the perfect little ears come to life in that perfect little dog or cat. Well, I’m here to blow your minds: That’s not all! That’s right, once you create the pet you can take them into Live Mode to change your Sims’ lives forever. Or should I say, furrever.

Download expansion pack The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs

First and foremost, we wanted the cats and dogs to feel like cats and dogs. We wanted them to act like animals, ignore social norms, and surprise you. One of the phrases we’d toss around is that they needed to be “Sims for your Sims,” and have that quality to them that is clearly dog-like or cat-like.

We told stories to each other of our pets and this guided our efforts. Things like how our cats always hide on the fridge to avoid the dog. Or how my dog always sleeps upside down on the sofa, or how your cat is a side sleeper on the floor.

We didn’t want players micro-managing their dogs and cats. That seemed to remove their soul when we experimented with it, but also removed some of the surprise and delight of dog ownership. Instead, we worked to make sure your dogs and cats communicate to your Sims when they need something. Hungry dogs will carry their bowl to their owner when they want food and snooty cats will complain and refuse to use a dirty litter box.

We created a slew of Traits to help dogs and cats feel truly distinct. I have a Pembroke Welsh Corgi in real life and I love that I can create an in-game Peaches that is Vocal, Hairy, and Active. Or, do I want her to feel Independent? Beyond this, cats and dogs also have quirks. Perhaps your cat is fierce when it comes to something, but absolutely terrified of the TV? You’ll never 100% fully understand your cat and dog, which is why it’s worth investing a lifetime of love to discover everything.

Download expansion pack The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs

Dogs are very active and will need to be taken for walks. In addition to digging up surprises, some less fun than others, they’ll also chase birds, or demand a game of fetch down on the beach. Don’t worry, cats can also explore and find “gifts” to bring your Sims as well. In addition to walks, dogs can be trained a variety of tricks, or upgrade them to the full on obstacle course!

One of the great benefits of cats is how easily they entertain themselves. We created so many different cat condos to fit every sized home and level of cat fervency. Or, settle for the laser pointer and cat feather if you’re on a budget!

Most importantly, cats and dogs will love your Sims, and your Sims will love them. Sims are just happier around a furry companion, which makes all the work worth it when your Sim has a particularly rough day or just needs someone to talk to. After playing the game for months, I can say it’s almost impossible to go back to before having Cats and Dogs, much like it is for me in real life.

This November, your Sims will be able to adopt the most adorable puppy or kitten to bring to their home. From there, it’s up to your Sims to figure out what’s going on in their pets’ heads and how to give them the perfect home. We can’t wait for you to have this expansion!

*Requires The Sims 4 game (sold separately) and all game updates to play.

Source: TheSims.com

Blog About Create-A-Pet in The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs

Here’s a brand new blog about the awesome Create-A-Pet tool, which can be found in the upcoming expansion pack The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs. Make sure to read the text below, watch the video, and take a look at the picture as well.

Only a few weeks left till this pack comes out! Are you as excited as we are?!

Create The Most Unique Pets With Create-A-Pet

Hello Simmers and cat and dog lovers everywhere! The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs* is just around the corner and we cannot wait to finally put this purrfect pack in your eager paws. We’ve been working on this game for so long and one of the very best features is the new Create-A-Pet. Folks… this version of Create-A-Pet is amazing!

Create-A-Pet is an area where we think we’ve always delivered a great feature in previous versions, so the bar was set rather high. We asked ourselves a few questions early in development:

  • Can we make it as powerful as The Sims 3, but more accessible?
  • How do we design fur that matches The Sims 4’s art style?
  • How many breeds can we make? The Sims 3 had so many!
  • Can we make a splash with a new twist?

The Sims 3’s Create-A-Pet had a layer system that mimicked some professional graphics tools. But, it was so difficult to use, and we found most players weren’t able to tap into its power. If a great feature falls in the woods and nobody is there to play it, does it make a sound?

From the outset, we took the lessons from The Sims 4 Create-A-Sim and applied them to Create-A-Pet. Now, you can click and drag on pets to make their ears longer, their eyes cross, and their snouts longer. It’s fun, and there are so many ways to tweak your pets that it’ll make the version with Sims look tame by comparison. Instead of complicated layers, you can now directly paint on the coat, erase marks, rotate spots, and even tweak things like opacity without having to manage the layers. You can create breeds like Calico Cats or Siberian Huskies with complicated coats just like you could previously.

We also added a few tweaks to make it even easier. For example, you can use Stencils! Complicated patterns will blink on your pet. You choose a color, click the mouse, and it’ll fill in the blanks where you click. It’s so easy and fun to create a pet that is unique to you.

Matching the art style of The Sims 4 with complex fur wasn’t a small task and it took our team months to find a solution. We wanted our cats and dogs in The Sims 4 to all look more distinct, like their real-life counterparts, but also to have the “body and fullness” that Sim hair has in The Sims 4. To accomplish this, we added “snap on parts” for the pets. Little tufts of hair, beards, and patches of fur to create dynamic and interesting fur patterns. You can especially see this for breeds like the Golden Retriever or Poodle.

We spent months studying head shapes, ear shapes, tails, coat colors, and more to find ways to maximize just how many unique, special cats and dogs we can craft. As a result, I can name almost every dog in the game from memory. Test me!

Download expansion pack The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs

Every pet looks so distinct, and now we have a search function to find them. Look for the bizarre, skin-tight Spynx or fluffy Persian. In the canine corner, the Airedale Terrier looks perfect and you can choose from a Pembroke OR Cardigan Welsh Corgi. Every pet looks special, but you’ll find that this isn’t just about looks. When we dive into Live mode, you’ll discover how special and unique they are in behavior as well.

Perhaps you want a mutt or mixed breed instead? We love mutts too! With the click of a button, you can choose any two breeds and randomize between them until you get the right features. Which, of course, you can then customize.

Two of my favorite breeds are the Labrador Retriever and Australian Shepherd. I love the Breed Mix tool as it lets me get the slick coat of a lab, with the vibrant Aussie pattern. Or, I can hit randomize again to get a fluffier Black Lab with two differently colored eyes. This tool perfectly demonstrates our entire goal with The Sims 4 Create-A-Pet: More power, better looking Pets, easier than ever!

Finally, we wanted to do something new. Something special. We wanted to make a splash. Can you say shark costume? Why stop at the water’s edge! Put a piece a toast on your kitty’s head, dress your pet in a taco, or aid their roar with a dino costume. Sure, you can focus on their harness, or collar, but why stop there when you can give your Doberman a fluffy winter cap? You wouldn’t.

You are going to have so much fun playing with The Sims 4 Create-A-Pet feature. I am positively typing this with glee because I think it may be the best creative tool we have ever made. Choose from a huge assortment of breeds. Mix them to create the perfect mutt or unique mix. Paint that spot you want in seconds. Dress them in a ridiculous costume. You’re going to love The Sims 4 Create-A-Pet feature when the pack is released this November. Start dreaming of your dream cat or dog right now!

*Requires The Sims 4 game (sold separately) and all game updates to play.

Source: TheSims.com