The next entry in The Sims series, codenamed Project Rene, will be available to play without a core game purchase or subscription at launch.
During a Behind The Sims Community update, VP of franchise creative Lyndsay Pearson said the game will add "new experiences and content" for users over time, using a slightly different model compared to the current types of DLC in The Sims 4.
If the base game were to have weather, for example, players would pay for optional extras related to seasonal activities. "Building this way means that down the line, we could use wind, rain, or clouds for other pack themes as well," Pearson said.
source https://www.gamesindustry.biz/upcoming-the-sims-game-project-rene-will-be-free-to-play
