A segment of The Sims fanbase has expressed disappointment with recent Project Rene developments, particularly concerning gameplay elements that appear to draw heavy inspiration from the popular Roblox experience Dress to Impress. The controversial features emerged during a recent closed playtest session, representing what many consider the most significant departure from traditional Sims gameplay mechanics seen thus far.

Project Rene has been in active development since 2022, officially unveiled as the next generation of The Sims franchise. Maxis has maintained a steady schedule of exclusive playtests, gradually revealing different aspects of the game's systems and mechanics. Despite strict non-disclosure agreements protecting these sessions, consistent leaks have provided the gaming community with regular insights into the project's evolution, with screenshots and detailed descriptions from nearly every test phase appearing online shortly after their commencement.

Continuing the pattern of rapid information dissemination, details from the latest Project Rene playtest surfaced online within hours of its mid-November 2025 launch. The session introduced several mini-games, including one titled Fashion Passion that bears striking resemblance to the successful Roblox experience Dress to Impress. Similar to its apparent inspiration, Fashion Passion challenges participants to create outfits matching randomly selected themes within specified time constraints. The gameplay incorporates a social rating system where players can evaluate each other's creations using a five-star scale, with top-performing entries earning virtual currency and various in-game rewards.

Initial responses from the gaming community regarding the new Project Rene features have been predominantly critical. Social media platforms and gaming forums reflect widespread skepticism, with one highly-shared Reddit post stating, "We already have MovieStarPlanet and Dress to Impress available." Another participant in the discussion described the test version as "disappointing," while additional commentary characterized Fashion Passion as "underwhelming" and visually inferior to similar games developed by independent creators rather than professional studios. The controversy has also reignited discussions about Project Rene's artistic direction, with some longtime fans expressing concerns about the game's increasingly cartoonish visual style.

The current wave of criticism may not necessarily indicate commercial failure for Project Rene. Much of the negative feedback originates from veteran players of the mainline Sims series, while the new project appears to target a younger, more contemporary audience. This strategic direction aligns with Electronic Arts' previous statements clarifying that Project Rene should not be considered The Sims 5, but rather a complementary experience designed to coexist alongside The Sims 4, offering distinct gameplay opportunities.

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