The Sims 4 has made quite a name for itself, sprawling into a monumental life simulation that stands as the longest-running game in the beloved franchise. Even as the mysterious Project Rene remains under wraps, another contender is stepping into the ring. InZOI, though fresh off the starting line with its early access release on March 28, introduces an intriguing feature that seems inspired by The Sims 4—but with a compelling twist. In particular, InZOI’s “canvas” is something that could really teach The Sims’ Gallery a lesson or two.
Fans of life simulation games might instantly notice how InZOI’s Canvas mirrors The Sims 4’s Gallery, acting as a central hub for players to exchange creative works. While The Sims 4 enables users to showcase homes, characters, pet designs, tattoos, and other creations in the Gallery, InZOI promises a similar experience. Here, players can share their “Zois” (InZOI’s version of Sims) along with various build designs, facilitated through the Canvas platform.
However, where Canvas differs significantly is where The Sims community has often voiced their grievances. The Gallery has long been plagued with issues—most notably loading delays that make uploading designs a slog. The search and sorting features also leave something to be desired. These problems have not gone unnoticed by the creators of InZOI, who seem to have sidestepped similar pitfalls.
Given that InZOI is still quite new, it’s not entirely fair to stack up load times just yet, but it’s worth noting that Canvas is geared towards being a vibrant social media-like experience. Design layouts are organized into grids, presenting a more interconnected community feel compared to The Sims Gallery, which can sometimes resemble an online shopping experience. Canvas is also proactive in highlighting creators with a dynamic ranking system, fostering an engaging and competitive community environment.
For The Sims developers at Maxis, taking a page from Canvas could be a game-changer. The Gallery currently doesn’t quite capture a community spirit, and while new features like tattoo design alongside the Businesses & Hobbies Expansion Pack provide reasons to engage with it, there’s room for improvement. Introducing a “Highlights” section or a ranking system akin to InZOI’s could revitalize the sense of community it currently lacks.
Ultimately, the Gallery was a groundbreaking feature that laid the foundation for future enhancements. InZOI, despite its infancy, appears poised for success, generating positive buzz. As the rivalry between The Sims 4 and InZOI heats up, there’s ample opportunity for The Sims to refine the Gallery, making it a cornerstone of creative exchange once again.
