SimmedUp Magazine Issue 16 - December 2021 by SUPinmedia

Get Your Sims Fix Delivered

Issue 16

VERTA MALONEY Supporting women in gaming with the GameHERs

LITTLEDICA

Chats CC & Spaghetto!

ALL NEW: Geeking Out with Ghostface, ArtorSims, EmilyBlueJaye CC Spotlight with KawaiiFoxita, FanArt, Sims Challenges, Simscopes & More!

Sul Sul Simmers, Here we are on issue 16 and this month we celebrate Winterfest. For us in the UK the summer months (be them brief) have come to an end, andthe winter nights are drawing in fast and what better way to spend those gloomy and dark evenings then playing with our favourite game The Sims. To bring Simspiration to you this month, we interviewed the amazing woman that is Verta Maloney from the GameHERs which not only supports women in gaming but encompasses the community around them across the world, and of course the more support women in gaming have the better, especially after being looked over for so long and not taken seriously when it comes to gaming which was predominantly male dominatedfor so long. We also speak to the super talent that is LittleDica who chats to us about CC creation, Spaghetto and those who have inspired him over the years. We have a Sims 2 mod review for you, yes we didn’t forget the predecessors of the Sims 4 game and want to encompass all genres of The Sims there is still a vast community out there that play these games to date, EA may have forgotten its simming roots but we haven't. 2

We also bring you Simspiration, Tips and Tricks and introduce you to the brand new GeekingOut by our newest team member GhostFace2018xx aka Steph. The beautiful and talented KawaiiFoxita is back after a short break with her gorgeous CC inspired designs as well as showcasing another talented GC for you to get to know in Arica. Simpolcheeks makes an appearance whilst ArtorSims shows you his builds in Titan Architects. That is not all, we again bring you so much in one magazine, there simply isn't enough room to mention them all, but each one being just as important to us as the next. Special thanks To John Glynor for our cover design this month and a massive welcome to the team. So sit back, relax, grab a nice warm cup of cocoa, and enjoy this next edition of SimmedUp Magazine. The Only Sims Magazine that supports the whole community across the world. We send massive hugs to our Editor SueSimming while she takes a small break, and look forward to welcoming her back in the next few months. Until Next Time, Best Wishes SimSimmerly ~ Managing Editor

CONTENTS 6

Non Bob News: Get the latest gossip around the Sims franchise & Community written By Ghostface2018xx

Tips & Tricks: Learn how the professionals do it with these top tips By Ghostface

Introducing: Tiffany written by Sulzisim

CC Spotlight: CC from the community showcased in gorgeous settings designed & written by KawaiiFoxita

Verta Maloney from the GameHers - Chats with StassiJ

ALL NEW: Geeking Out with Ghostface!

Cooking Sims Style: with Granny.Rs top food recommended Mods

40 Your Sims: How do you create yours? 44 Fan Art: meet Spannersims as they chat & share their art with Izzy

THIS ISSUE 50

56 62

Titan Architects: Titan builders are everywhere this month we are Featuring ArtorSims who chats with The Simming Spoonie Off Topic: Get FrostPunk’ed with Spoonie Retro Corner: Christmas & The New Year by The Flaming Plumbob Little Dica Chats to Maria from LaarStudio about Custom Content & Spaghetto The Sims 2 Staying Alive with a mod review by Rachums

Simspiration to light your December with K8Simsley

Making a Simmer: Featuring the talented EmilyBlueJaye by Sulzisim

Meet The GC’s: Who are the GameChangers? Find out each month featuring Plumdot aka Arica chats to Spoonie

104 The Rose Chronicles continue ’where is Alexa’ find out right here, created by StassiJSims4 108 Facebook Showcase Featuring the awesome Simpolcheeks 114 DNA: Behind the scenes with spoonie 126 Star Dew continues created by The Simming Spoonie 132 Just for Fun: Winterfest Movie Bingo, Spot the Difference with Laireen, Guess the CAS & Learn Simlish 138 EXCLUSIVE: SimScopes, what does December hold in store for you? 140 Whats Up - Featuring challenges from social media ready for you to join throughout December for fun and with prizes. 142 Meet Our Team: Get to know whos who this December.

While there has been a lack of gamechanging additions recently, with the only release this month being a plant kit (and a controversial one at that), this Season of Selves is almost at a close. The latest game update came with a new feature: scenarios! While you’ll have to keep checking your game to see which ones you currently have access to, I managed to try out the limited-time Too Many Toddlers scenario. As a Simmer who loves challenges and actively starts (and almost always abandons) rags to riches, 100 baby challenges and the like, I was excited to see such a feature introduced to the game. There seemed to be a catch, though. Three toddlers may be a challenge to the casual player, but I completed this one in only 2 sim days. Currently the consensus around these Scenarios are mixed, with a lot of Simmers trying them out, but not particularly wanting to actively seek out new ones or try the old ones again. Aside from this, the update had a few bug fixes. Make sure to check out the EA website for the finer details.

The latest update is in - make sure to check out www.EA.com for the full information. PC: 1.81.72.1030 / Mac: 1.81.72.1230 Console: Version 1.49 6

Now, who here likes plants? Yes? Well you should try out the new Blooming Rooms kit. While not exactly cheap or bursting with content, a plant kit seems like the best way to add a small variety of non-CC plants. They’re all so cute! My favourite has got to be the tiny plant with the pink leaves.

So many talented Simmers have already embraced this little slice of heaven to create plant filled homes. However, there has been an issue with t h e ‘Propagation Station’ plant, where a lot of Simmers have noticed the stems of the leaves seem to disappear in certain c a m e r a a n g l e s . Hopefully this is fixed in an upcoming update.

as well as some of the designers’ favourite pieces, including the Stefan Cooke Wool Varsity Coat with Skirt, a design that perfectly encapsulates the evolution of modern menswear.”

While big content updates are yet to be announced, we did get some information on the next and final kit to be released as part of the ‘Season of Selves’. The Modern Menswear kit is to be released on 2nd December, and as far as we know, this will be the final paid content coming out this year. From the London-based Stefan Cooke label, real-world designs will be simified. More information can be found on the EA website, but here’s a little snippet for you: “For The Sims 4 Modern Menswear Kit, Stefan Cooke worked with The Sims team to bring a wide-range of new-age menswear to players and creators around the globe. Consisting of 23 pieces, all of which are S i m i f i e d recreations of real-world Stefan Cooke collections, the garments range from the traditional to t h e revolutionary, masculine to effeminate, and fusions of them all. There’s jackets, trousers, suits, and shoes,

There are some Simmers that have spoken about how the Sims team should partner up with a more popular/affordable clothing company to create both in-game and real life clothing sets, as this upcoming pack in particular seems to be perhaps a more niche type of fashion. I can’t exactly say I’ve heard of the clothing line or seen anyone in London wearing articles such as these in the kit, but I look forward to trying them out on my sims nevertheless. This is definitely an interesting kit, and it is good to see the male sims getting some fresh content. The designs are c e r t a i n l y something to talk about, and pack collectors like myself will have to get those wallets out again for the 23 piece set.

With Winterfest finally here and the freezing temperatures starting to roll in for a lot of us, it is time to start wrapping up warm and spending more time snuggled up by the fire and drinking hot chocolate. Or sitting at your PC or console to play some Sims.

Laundry List Is it that time again where the Laundry List for bug fixes and general issues is announced. On 16th November, the Sims team have pointed out a few issues the community have taken note of. They will address these concerns in time in a future update. Some of the issues noticed are: •

Users getting likes/dislikes popups for nonhousehold Sims

•

Nails painting some parts of clothing

•

Maid not cleaning dust

•

High value fair entries losing in favour of lower value ones

There are a few more listed in the Laundry List on the website, but Simmers will certainly be happy to finally get those fair entries sorted.

For those of you who are interested, we have a brand new website to support the community! We are accepting community submissions to our blog, free and paid cc, and we have forums and groups for you to contribute to and have fun! Looking for other game ideas? We have a post for that! We put together a list of 100 of our favourite games (other than The Sims, of course), so make sure you check that out too! To join, just head on over to supinmedia.com/ to sign up for free until the end of December (but membership is not required). Join us today by www.supinmedia.com

visiting

Tips & Tricks Are you the kind of Simmer who loves playing with families and generations, but with no new packs out, struggles to find the urge to play? Would you like to learn about a few different ways you can avoid this burnout? Then let’s go through a few ways you can get the inspiration you need to start playing The Sims 4 again.

Pro Tip #1: Challenges. For several years now, there have been tons of different challenges to push Simmers to create new and interesting stories, either for themselves or for their fan-base to enjoy. Here’s a few challenges I love to use again and again. Rags to Riches: While the rules differ from player to player, the general idea is the same; create a sim, move in to an empty lot and start with 0 simoleons. From there, you make money in any way you like to build up your house and earn as much money as you deem fit to end on. An example would be 1M simoleons. While the rules can be strict, Simmers generally pick and choose what they follow. Here’s a few restrictions you can use to get started:

• Starting sim must be Young Adult • Must move into an empty household and have 0 money • Must not have a career • Must not use neighbors’ or community lots to sleep, eat, etc. (this can be ignored though for more relaxed game-play). • Must not use cheats that will make the challenge any easier, such as money or skill cheats. (You may use freerealestate and take away any money once you’ve purchased your starting home lot. How you make money in a Rags to Riches is mostly up to you. The easiest way to earn that dough right away is to look for collectibles around the world. If you don’t know where to find any, here’s the ultimate collector’s guide that may assist you. While it doesn’t tell you exactly what area in what neighborhood to find certain 11

things, it does give you a few tips, and a list of every collectible there is. While in some versions of Rags to Riches, selling from the inventory is not allowed. This is how JamesTurnerYT plays. He does, however, sell from a selling table (from City Living, Jungle Adventure, Eco Lifestyle). If you don’t have one, you may simply sell from your inventory, the difference being that you cannot markup prices here. If you wish to markup, you can always purchase a retail lot (if you own Get To Work) once you have enough money. The rest is up to you! As long as you’re making money without a job, you may build up and decorate your house as you wish, have a family, do whatever! 100 Baby Challenge: You’ve probably heard of this one by now, but in case you haven’t here’s the premise. Have 100 babies! No, really, it is as simple as that. The idea is to have 100 babies in as few generations as possible. Here’s a few rules: • Starting sim must be Young Adult. Can be either male or female but easier if they are able to give birth. (If you need help changing this, check out this guide). • Sim must not get married unless they are no longer the current ‘mother’. • Spouses must not live with you. If playing a male sim who is able to make others pregnant, you may move in 12

the spouse to ensure the child stays in your household, but after birth the spouse must be moved out. • You can have a job but it is preferable if you stick to the work-from-home option to ensure you’re looking after your kids. • To age up babies, you have to wait to be notified that it is their birthday today. • To age up toddlers, they must have either maxed out 3 (or all) skills, or have all skills level 3. You may decide how challenging you wish this to be. • To age up children, they must get an A in school. For teenagers, it is the same. • Once a teen ages up, you should move them out with the exception of the heir or any sim you wish to help the ‘mother’ out. • The heir is up to you, but will probably be easier for you to pick out the heir once your current sim has aged up into an Elder. You may pick any of your children. • The challenge ends once your 100th child has aged into a Young Adult. And that’s it! If you like, you can even continue playing generally with your 100th baby. Your family tree will be hectic for sure.

Legacy Challenge: This challenge is somewhat similar to the other two in that you start with a single Young Adult sim with little money, but the goal is to live through 10 generations. Things can get a little tricky though. There are a few things to remember in this challenge. These are called Succession Laws. (Note that this set of rules are taken from the Legacy Challenge website here). Gender Law: • Matriarchy - The founder and all heirs are female unless no female children. Then boys become eligible. • Strict Matriarchy - The founder and all heirs are female. Males are never eligible. • Patriarchy - The founder and all heirs are male unless no male children. Then girls become eligible. • Strict Patriarchy - The founder and all heirs are male. Females are never eligible. • Equality - The founder can be male or female. The heir can be male or female too. • Strict Equality - The founder can be male or

female. The heir must be the opposite gender. (If the founder was male, heir must be female then her heir must be male, etc.). Bloodline Law: • Strict Traditional - The heir must always be related by blood to the founder. • Traditional - The heir is preferred to be related by blood to the founder but if the current parents do not have kids, an adopted child can be heir. • Modern - Heirs may be either blood related or adopted. • Foster - The heir is preferred to be adopted, unless no adopted children. At this point a blood related child can be heir. • Strict Foster - Heirs must only be adopted children. Heir Law: • First Born - Only the first born child of that generation may be heir. • Last Born - Only the last born child of that generation may be heir. • Random - The heir must be randomly generated. You may do this using a number generator or spinning a wheel with the names on. There are several more laws in the Legacy Challenge website, and you may be as strict or relaxed with these as you like. For the full list of extensive game-play rules, check out the website. Otherwise, just have fun! It is 13

always a blast playing with the same family for 10 generations because you get so attached to them. Just don’t let it get to you when your founder dies…

for your sims, your builds, or even the plot line you want your family to follow in your game-play. The possibilities are endless, but your imagination is not.

Pro Tip #2: The Internet. I know, this seems rather vague, but when you’ve got sim block, the easiest thing to do aside from challenges is to look at other people’s gameplay. Why not check out a YouTube video of your favorite Game Changer, or have a look at some Simstagrams (that’s Instagram, but all about The Sims). A lot of really awesome builders post their builds on their Simstagram, and even if you’re not a builder yourself, maybe just downloading a fresh build from the gallery you found can help you tell those stories that you love!

Pro Tip #3: Machinima. When you’re stuck with your sims save, tired of the same family, or unable to come up with interesting ideas to keep you motivated, you need some wow factor to give you the push you need to carry on. Why not look up our dedicated Machinima Magazine! Here we have tons of really awesome stories that are told through the medium of video. They’re not quite the same as watching normal sims game-play. It’s as if you’re watching a film, but all the actors are sims. There are interviews from the creators and links to each Machinima advertised. This is a great way to get inspiration 14

Pro Tip #4: Repeat. You’re going to come across this issue time and time again. It’s good to change things up sometimes, but it is also okay to play a new family. If you like these inspiration tips though, the best thing you can do is keep doing them. Find new challenges, new videos, new builds or saves you can play in. If you keep this up, you’ll have tons of interesting ways to continue playing until a new pack comes along to get you hooked even more. *Snow Graphic created by <a href="https:// www.vecteezy.com/free-vector/snow">Snow Vectors by Vecteezy</a>

To find out more from ghostface2018xx make sure to follow her on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube

Introducing Tiffany Sims Life It’s the holiday season! That means family gatherings and traveling. I am probably going away for a few days, but I am not really sure yet. I hope you all have some fun things planned. This month I am featuring Tiffany who messaged me on Instagram asking me to check out her YouTube channel. I did not think twice and clicked on the link and saw that she has some fun videos. Tiffany has been playing the Sims for about 20 years and is brand new at content creation. She loves to tackle challenges on her YouTube channel. She has done The Sims 4 Next Top Model challenge and currently, she is busy with the decades’ challenge, a journey to 2020 on her

YouTube channel with her sims Joe and Flo Parker. Currently, on her Instagram, she is doing the top lookbook challenge. This challenge is a challenge that even I am into at the moment. This challenge is created by Allison over on Tumblr. Each day you have to dress your one sim in an outfit according to a theme for that specific day. Make sure to follow her on her YouTube and Instagram journey. Follow her on gallery: TiVo1029

the

Follow Tiffany Sims Life on Youtube and Instagram!

Issue 5 OUT NOW 19

MIIKO

https://www.patreon.com/posts/pouty-lip-slider-38539565

Winter is all about maximum coziness - a crackling fire, the smell of pine needles, chunky jumpers and lots of twinkling fairy lights. I hope you enjoy this collection of beautiful custom content to help get you in the Christmas mood. Have a wonderful holiday season fellow simmers!

NY2019 Christmas Fireplace Decor by Severinka @ The Sims Resource

DOWNEY SEAT DOUBLE by ArtVitalex @ The Sims Resource

HOMESTEAD CANDLE by Kerrigan House Designs @ patreon.com/ kerriganhousedesigns

ARGENTUM CHRISTMAS TREE by Wondymoon @ The Sims Resource

OXYGEN CHRISTMAS WREATH by Wondymoon @ The Sims Resource

CHRISTMAS TOUCH HOUSES AND STARS by Soloriya @ The Sims Resource

GOTHIC FIREPLACE by Felixandre @ House of Harlix

NOEL LETTERS by Chicklet @ The Sims Resource

CHRISTMAS GARLAND by ForeverDesigns @ foreverdesignscreations

ATHENA LITTLE LAMPS by SIMcredible @ The Sims Resource

ORJANIC Dining Chair by House of Harlix @ House of Harlix ORJANIC Stable Door Closed by House of Harlix @ House of Harlix Christmas 2020 House Lamp by Severinka @ The Sims Resource

OXYGEN CANDLES by Wondymoon @ The Sims Resource

BE MERRY DEER by Soloriya @ The Sims Resource

TILIA FIREPLACE by Wondymoon @ Wondymoon.com

ALWINE BEDROOM Cardboard Deer by Severinka @ The Sims Rescource

ORJANIC Small Blackberry Arrangement by House of Harlix @ House of Harlix

ORJANIC Dining Table Long by House of Harlix @ House of Harlix

CHRISTMAS FIR WITH TOYS by Severinka @ The Sims Resource

KESSLER LINE by SIXAMa @ patreon.com/ sixamcc

DEER LIGHT DECOR by LeoSims @ leosims.com

CHRISTMAS BUFFET WREATH by SIMcredible @ The Sims Resource

CHRISTMAS ENTRANCE BASKET by SIMcredible @ The Sims Resource

DOORMAT COLLECTION by Sims4Luxury @ patreon.com/sims4luxury BALANGAN RUSTIC WOOD LANTERN by Sundays @ sundayssims.tumblr.com

To find out more about KawaiiFoxita visit kawaiifoxita.com

Photo Credit https://www.vertamaloney.com:

The*GameHERs CCO

Photo Credit https://www.vertamaloney.com:

Verta, The CCO of The*GameHers, gets down and dirty with Simmed Up Mag. Verta Maloney is a powerhouse of positivity, and her infectious energy inspires many in the Sims community and beyond. GameHer, a thriving community for women gamers, is her passion, and she holds a special place in her heart for The Sims. Verta is not a long-time Simmer. Her personal history with The Sims started with her daughter and was inspired by the amazing community she has helped to create. GameHers launched in March of 2020 and has hit the ground running. Focused on encouraging women gamers, Verta is clearly passionate about this cause. Verta explains that seeing a room full of men who claimed to know all about the 'next big thing in gaming' shocked her to understand the need for more women within the community. Verta has funded her daughter's Sims addiction for many years, a point that she makes humorously in her interview for Simmed

Up Magazine. Verta takes a lighter approach to gaming than one might expect from the CCO of a gaming community. For her, gaming is still about having fun. It is not about being the best or winning massive competitive competitions. It is about excitement, learning, and, of course, laughing, and Verta links that back to The Sims by explaining how the game fosters the community that has become her passion and purpose. She also touches on the diversity of The Sims and how it has evolved in recent years. What began as a few skin tones has since become a movement, and this is a cause that Verta holds very dear. Verta's interview, along with her personality, is upbeat and inspiring. As a black woman in gaming, Verta can see the ever-present issues and provide new and refreshing insight; and she is not afraid to voice her concerns openly. Verta explains that GameHers is "a social platform and media platform to elevate and amplify the voices of women femme-identifying people and non-binary folks comfortable and spaces that center women." The focus is on centering women. She explains that you do not need to be a woman to join the community; men are welcome. However, the only requirement is that you have a passion for elevating and inspiring women in gaming. The interview, which you can listen to on our website, gets quite deep, raising some critical topics. Women, in gaming especially, tend to be overlooked when they should, in fact, be equals. Above all else, this interview raises a vital point that cannot be ignored within our community. No matter your gender,

Celebrating Women’s History Month

Photo Credit to Meta - Verta Maloney

Verta Maloney (left) and Heather Ouida (right) photographed at Heather’s home; photo by Ali Smith

sexuality, race, religion, etc., you have a place in the gaming world. If you have a passion for a game, any game, then you are a gamer. The Sims may not be what you think of when you think about gaming, but it is a game that breaks barriers at every turn. The Sims takes the stereotypes that plague the community and flips them on their head. It opens doors once firmly shut to many gaming community members and inspires new and exciting ways to play with passion.

There are so many essential points within Verta's interview, too many to talk about here. If you are looking to be inspired today or are passionate about gaming and women, then we highly recommend that you check out Simmed Up Magazine's interview with Verta Maloney from GameHers on our website. You will be glad you did, and who knows, she may inspire you to start your gaming journey! www.supinmedia.com

Podcast By the GameHers

Geeking Out

with Ghostface2018xx

The Doctor and Rose stepped out of the TARDIS one ordinary Saturday (the Doctor loved Saturdays), and as usual, he took in the surrounding areas.

Oh look, shops! I love a little shop.

There’s a pub too. We must be in England somewhere. Doesn’t look like London though. More up north.

Well here’s a person, let’s ask!

“Excuse me, I’m not from around here. Where are we exactly?

Um…a little far, hard to explain.

The Doctor runs up to a vendor selling all kinds of wares.

Henford-on-Bagley, sir. We’re in the Finchwick area. Where are you from?

I’ve never heard of Henford-on-Bagley. I assume we’re in England though, yeah?

Sim credits: Cbunte01 - Rose 32

GlitchingGaz - The Doctor

Ya know, England, UK, Earth? We’re on Earth right Doctor?

What’s England?

Oh yeah we’re on Earth of course. Finchwick, Henford-on-Bagley, Earth. Are you from San Myshuno? You look like city folk.

The Doctor and Rose rush over to a phone box next to the pub.

Uh, something like that. Hold on!

It’s very London. I’m lost. Where are we exactly?

You know what this is. Well I think that’s it. We’re lost. Parallel universe maybe? This seems off. How come I’ve never heard of this place?

Well, you’re always saying the universe is big, right? Maybe you just missed it?

But Earth! Where would you say you’re from, in the long form? Like an address.

London, England, UK? But that woman didn’t say any country or continent or anything.

OOoh! On that parallel world I had wifi, maybe I could check out the internet, see what I find?

I have a feeling we’re not supposed to be here.

Rose pulls out her phone. Suddenly her Nokia has turned into a smartphone.

What is this? This is not my phone.

Yeah I didn’t wanna tell you before it was time but, more into the 21st Century Smartphones are a thing. Touchscreen, mobile apps, things like that. Even has a camera and music built into it. But none of this makes sense.

What? How did this happen?

The Doctor stopped looking at Rose’s phone and suddenly ran off because he noticed a puddle on the floor. A puddle shaped like a duck. The Doctor crouches down, looking into the puddle closer. He sees his reflection. Rose comes over to look. Her reflection is cartoonish too.

What?

What!!!

To Be Continued…

Cooking SimsS

tyle

with Gr�n��.R

This month Granny decided to take an impromptu break and do a bit of travelling to somewhere much warmer (and we can’t blame her) she didn’t leave us without imparting a little bit of Sims cooking wisdom to cheer us up as it gets colder as the winter months set in. Please see Granny's note below.

“SulSul Simmers, I could say I am sad to be leaving like this so suddenly, but lets face it I’m not, I mean who wouldn’t want the warm sun on their face and the wind in their hair as they glide off of a cliff with a jet pack strapped 1) More Servings Options & Better Mealtime Menus - I mean who doesn't like a bit of gourmet cooking created by LittleMsSam.Tumblr.com 2) New Year Alcoholic Drinks With The New Year approaching why not get ahead of the game with these fantastic beverages from Around The Sims 4 3) Food Texture - Give your food a better texture and look to feast your eyes on by Utopia Sims on utopiamordor.blogspot.com 4) McDonalds Custom Food & Drinks - Fed up with cooking, fancy a cheeky takeaway over the

on their back! Yes that's what I am doing for my Winterfest this year and I am so excited, I will make sure to show pictures of my adventures when I get home. I didn’t want to leave you empty handed and thought what could I do that would improve the next few months to all you lovely simmers out there and then it hit me….. Over the years I have come across some amazing people on my travels who create things for games and what not they are known as Modders. Find some amazing mods for your cooking gaming pleasure listed below, and I will see you when it gets a little warmer back home. Wishing you all a happy Winterfest and may Father Winter bring you all something other than coal. Dag Dag ~ Granny.R.Pennington” festive season, well I wouldn’t blame you with this Package available in both English & Simlish by Around The Sims 4 5) Cookbooks - Which you can never have enough of I might add was created by LittleMsSam.Tumblr.com 6) Drinkable Hot Drinks - Ever fancied trying Japanese Tea? Try this and many others with Around The Sims 4 7) And last but not least you must try Functional Fruit Bowls by FlowerBunny on Mod The Sims because we all need our vitamins all year round. 37

GAME OVER SUPINMEDIA.COM

YOUR Sims

Sims by Ghostface2018xx

Sims Ghostfac

s by ce2018xx

F A N A R T

This month we feature and talk to the lovely Spannersims from Tumblr, an amazing sim creator, editor, and CC creator! https://spannersims.tumblr.com/

Izzy: Hello Spanner! Thanks so much for being our featured artist this month! I know everyone is dying to know about you, so why don't you tell our readers a bit about yourself? Spannersims: Hey there! Thank you for inviting me to be the feature, I’m so nervous ha ha! There isn’t a lot to tell to be honest, I’m just your average 23-nearly-24 year old from the UK who has way too much time on my hands and way too much love for The Sims Izzy: Of course! No reason to be nervous our readers are very lovely and I can promise you they will welcome you with open arms! We can all definitely relate to that; this whole magazine was built on that premise! Anyway, I know you were participating in a Simblreen this year, how was that experience for you? Spannersims: Ah! Simblreen was so, so fun but also incredibly stressful!! Luckily, I had my wonderful girlfriend @luridsims there by my side and between us we managed to turn out quite a lot of items, so I am really thankful for her and for all of the amazing simmers who came trick or treating and sent us lovely messages about the cc we had created! They are the ones that kept me going when I was exhausted and ready to throw my laptop out of the window ha ha! Izzy: I can only imagine! Trying to big projects can be stressful, but everything you guys came up with was phenomenal so maybe it was all worth it.

I also notice you do a lot of really fun legacy posts on your tumblr. What inspires those? Spannersims: This is actually my first proper attempt at a legacy challenge! Well, technically it’s the second attempt because my game corrupted and lost my first save (rip Eve ) but this is the first challenge that I have stuck with and I can really see me staying with until the end. I decided to write my own legacy challenge rules because I wanted to tailor a challenge to keep me motivated. My inspiration grows the more I play a challenge and I find that I really have to love my founder for me to enjoy and stay with a big challenge like a legacy. Izzy: I feel like that’s definitely the key, being attached to your sims, you’re feeling can surely make or break your game! So, I know you're a big CAS simmer, I feel like as artists our time creating a sim can be greatly overlooked, how long do you think you could spend just designing a sim? Spannersims: Oh gosh! There is no limit to how long I can spend in CAS, I love it! If I am creating a sim for gameplay like a legacy founder etc. then I will typically spend about 2 or 3 hours creating them which, now that I have typed it, sounds absolutely crazy! Even a

simple townie makeover will take me about an hour or so despite the fact they will probably only be seen in like 2 screenshots max Yeah, now that I’m thinking about it, I really do spend way too much time in CAS ha ha! Izzy: You are truly quite the jack of all trades when it comes to the Sims, you do edits, cc, and gameplay! How did you get into all of these things? Is there anything in particular that really fuels your creativity for all these different avenues? Spannersims: Not to sound soppy, but I owe all of that to my amazing girlfriend @luridsims. Literally last Halloween was the first time in my life that I opened photoshop and I knew absolutely NOTHING! The first thing I did was draw a smiley face and that was the limit of my knowledge She has spent so much time and effort over the last year teaching me every single thing about using photoshop, cc creating, sims 4 studio, absolutely everything and anything I needed to know to keep creating content so I can’t thank her enough for all of it! I really am so lucky to have her! Izzy: Oh, wow that’s amazing! You must be a very fast learner and your girlfriend must be an incredible teacher! That’s one thing I do love about this community is even if you don’t 45

something in there for everyone and I think we managed to get a pretty nice mix! Izzy: Okay, okay, I have to ask, I know as artists we're not supposed to pick our favourites, they're like our kids, but if you had to, do you have a favourite piece?

know someone they’re willing to help! Anyway, back to your Simblreen ventures, everything came out so great, would you mind telling us a little bit about these amazing pieces? What's the inspiration, what's behind them? How did you come up with the ideas? What's your favourite detail about them? Spannersims: That’s a great question! As far as the inspiration goes, we spent a lot of time scrolling through Sims 4 Studio and looking at which pieces would be fun to recolour. We decided quite late on to learn how to convert items to the base game which added in a lot of extra work but accessibility is something that was really important to us! Once that was all sorted, we decided to do a set of patterns each with some autumnal vibes and some spooky vibes so that hopefully there would be 46

Spannersims: Ahhhh that’s so hard! I think if I had to pick one piece from the Simblreen collection, I would pick the sweater/skirt outfit. I am ever so slightly obsessed with the red eyeball swatch and also the Squid Games swatch that isn’t shown in the preview! Izzy: I have one last question, I always like to ask, how, when, and why did you get into the Sims? My history with the Sims is quite long and complicated! Growing up, my parents were so strict about what my brother and I could play, and The Sims in any form was on the absolute no-no list. So, I had to sneak around and play it at my friend’s house’s. My first experience of The Sims was playing The Sims 2 at my primary school best friend’s house, making my female sim kiss all of the other female Sims and still having absolutely no idea that I was gay but thankfully, when we got older, we were allowed to play properly and so I dedicated my

adolescent life to The Sims 2! I missed out on playing The Sims 3 and forgot about The Sims for a while but then the last 3 years or so, mostly thanks to @luridsims my obsession with all things sims has started again ha ha! Izzy: That’s so funny I know a lot of us have similar stories ha ha! Well, thank you again to the very lovely Spannersims for sharing their art and having a bit of a chat with us! Also, thank you to all you fantastic folks reading! Don’t forget to share and like and I will see you next issue!

TheSupinmedia.com Sims Pixels

TITAN ARCHITECT ARTORSIMS

Artorsims is our Titan Architect this month simply because not only are his builds amazing but we adore his constant promotion of our talented CC creators out there. Being a truly valued and supportive member of the simming community we just had to share his gorgeous builds in The Sims 4 and we are sure you will love them just as much as we do.

We would love to get to know the real Artorsims better, can you tell us a little about yourself and how you came to play The Sims? My Name is Kalen but most Simmers know me as Artor, I live in Manchester, UK and have been playing The Sims for around 3 years now (3 Years this December actually!). I remember being around 14/15 years old watching other Simmers speed builds on

YouTube thinking “wow they’re really talented, it looks so difficult to be able to do that” then a few years later I finally bought myself a laptop and downloaded the game to try for myself and it wasn’t as difficult as I thought it looked, I started building and eventually created my Instagram page ‘ArtorSims’ which got quite a bit of attention in the first few months or so! Over time I grew my pages to what they are today and I’m really happy to be a part of this great community.

Where did the inspiration for your gallery ID originate from? Originally my Gallery ID was just my name. That was until I wanted to create an online persona, a name that would be memorable, so I came up with Artor. ‘Art’ to show the creativity I bring to my platform and ‘Or’ because it made the name sound medieval and at the time I was an avid fan of Game of Thrones so it seemed fitting.

If you had to describe yourself in three Sims traits, what would they be and why? I lean towards the building side of The Sims so remembering the traits off by heart is something I’m not very good at ha ha. ‘Perfectionist’ - I’m very much a huge perfectionist, to the point where I could spend an hour or so on a build and delete a lot if I don’t like it or don’t have much potential. It’s a bad trait in some cases, however, I like the outcome build to be perfect. ‘Outgoing’ - As a person in general I’m very outgoing and can get along with pretty much anybody, I like to judge people solely on my own opinions of them and how they treat me.

Your builds are always so detailed, on average, how long does it take you to create one? Which one took the longest and Which is your favourite? On average it could range between 4-6 hours depending on how detailed the build is and how picky I’m being which correlates to my perfectionist trait in the last question. I like to make my builds as realistic as possible without using Alpha CC which often makes the build not look like it belongs in the Sims. I don’t usually remember how long it takes me to build. I just take the time to enjoy the process as for me it’s a form of escapism from daily life. 2 builds in particular though would be Elena’s Cottage which was for a Spark’d challenge and Burley High-school. My favourite builds would have to be my recent Do-et Upper Series as I didn’t have to be perfect at placing items and it still looked realistic and amazing if I do say so myself.

Where do you find the inspiration for your creations? Usually, Pinterest is the place I go to to find inspiration, however, I do always get

inspiration from fellow Simmers on Instagram and Twitter too. I also tend to get ideas from architecture or interior designs I’ve seen in real life too, I always love to incorporate that sense of realism into the sims that may not have been done before.

What are your favourite and least favourite things about building in The Sims 4? My favourite thing about building in The Sims is Landscaping and creating a green haven that gives the building character and kerb appeal as well as bringing it to life. My least favourite things to do is interiors on builds (however just to clarify I love to interior design single rooms for a showcase etc) I just can never do interiors due to layout restrictions however if the build I’m creating has a good floor plan then I’m usually really good at finishing up interiors on the build.

We all know that there is a huge modding and CC community out there, who often fill a much needed “gap”. Who is your favourite CC creator and what is that one piece of CC that you find yourself using time and time again? I love using CC in-game, specifically Maxis

Match CC and I’ve come into a ton of it in this last year! There are so many great CC creators out there that create and release amazing content for free! (Or for small prices which is so worth it and also helps the creator) Some creators that come to mind when I think of CC are MyshunoSun Pierisim - HeyHarrie - Felixandre - LittleDica SixamCC and Charley Pancakes. I couldn’t recommend enough for the readers to go and check these creators out and download some of their CC, I promise you’ll never go back! (just and FYI these creators specifically create Maxis Match CC)

If you had to pick just one pack (EP/ GP/SP) to use for a build alongside base game items, which one would it be and why? Tiny Living just because the build and buy items are the closest to modern furnishings in real life and they’re also very versatile when it comes to building.

Do you have any favourite items in the game that you find yourself using in every build? I could never name one item specifically however it would be Windows and exterior

colour palettes which determines how the overall build will look like in the end, I’ve shone away from modern builds a little bit and tend to create more traditional builds with more detail to add to that realism. lights too, lights tend to add a vibe and have an effect on the final screenshots, however, I do like to emphasise in lighting in apps light Lightroom and Lens Distortion.

If you were limited to just one social media platform to share your creations, which would it be and why? Instagram as it’s easier to view creations and it’s also easier to keep them all in one place a little bit like a catalogue where followers can browse through my creations without having to scroll for eternity.

Where can our readers find you? Unfortunately, I don’t create videos for YouTube however I do create hyper-realistic screenshots which are posted to my Instagram and Twitter, you can find them by searching ArtorSims on either app. Twitter: @Artorsims Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/artorsims/

with TheSimmingSpoonie 56

Frostpunk is a city-building survival game developed and published by 11bit studios in 2018. You take on the role of a leader in an alternate late 19th-century history where you must build and maintain a city during a worldwide volcanic winter, by managing resources, making choices on how to survive, and exploring the area outside their city for survivors, resources, or other useful items. The graphics of FrostPunk are stunning, although a tad bleak, however, I think that is to be expected for a post-apocalyptic game set in such dire circumstances. Watching your workers trudge through the snow cutting paths is really quite eerie, and the light effects when you can afford to power the buildings that create it is stunning. The buildings themselves are quite Steampunk in their design which helps add to the overall setting of the game. The music and sounds are well-executed, the sound of the cutting wind gives me chills every time I launch FrostPunk.

Should you wish to start the campaign, the game provides incredibly wellanimated cut scenes that explain how the game proceeds. There is also what

is known as “Endless Mode”, which does allow you to change the difficulty of the scenarios. The gameplay is not your typical city builder, you have incredibly limited resources of coal, steel and wood. Food is also incredibly sparse forcing you to choose how to allocate your limited number of citizens to which tasks. This is just one of many decisions that you will have to make in this frozen tundra and it is important to remember that your fellow citizens can only work during the slightly milder daylight hours. One of the first things that you need to know about Frostpunk is that it is very difficult to gain new citizens. It is not like most other city-building strategy games whereby they have more babies over the span of a few decades. As each scenario in Frostpunk takes place over the course of just under a couple of months, you will want to try and ensure that as many of your population survive as possible. There are a number of ways to boost your population count by sending out expeditions, however, this can only be done after researching the beacon and that takes more resources. There are also heart-breaking political decisions to be made using the “Book of Laws”. Will you stretch food to make it last longer, knowing that your workers will not be happy with this decision? All of your decisions in the game affect the discontent and hope metrics, and failing to meet either of these can be cause for you fail. 57

There are many such choices like these and the decisions never get any easier. Also, what will you do with the corpses of the dead? Throw them to the wasteland, increasing discontent and decreasing hope, or take up valuable land and resources with a cemetery?

There are two branches to the Book of Laws, Adaptation and Purpose. Within the “Book of Laws” you have two immediate choices with how to deal with the injured and the ill. One is to “Sustain Life” and the other is to give patients radical treatment. Both have upsides and downsides, but which will weigh less on your conscience, and which is best for the people as a whole. The effects of both of these choices can be seen in the screenshots above. The answer is never clear cut.

The tech tree is large and complex, with four different branches, each of which leads to better technologies and ultimately better use of resources. Each tier must be unlocked before you have access to the technologies contained therein. The decisions you make here will have a huge influence on how your city grows. This tree makes every decision really count, will you prioritise heat for your population or tech to allow you to mine coal and steel from the ground around you? Through the Book of Laws, you also gain the ability to construct different buildings, which in turn may affect

events. Like a complex “Choose Your Own Adventure” story, each adventure has decisions and consequences which can dramatically impact your population. In summary, Frostpunk is a bleak, but compelling game. I enjoyed Endless Mode, much more than the Scenarios, which I found fiendishly difficult. But that could just be that I am more used to the traditional city building game where your population grows alongside you. But I still find myself coming back to Frostpunk time and time again and the story is never the same, as each decision creates a wholly different experience. Submit your games for review and send to simmedup@gmail.com

Frostpunk 2 Release date still TBA

Covering your old school favourites from the sims franchise Christmas is my all-time favourite holiday. I love participating in festive traditions in the run up to Christmas day including singing carols, performing a Christmas pantomime or concert, snuggling up watching Christmas films with fluffy blankets, eating my bodyweight in chocolate and having a festive tipple or two. When I was a small child, I loved recreating this festive period in The Sims 1 and 2, and as I’m feeling particularly nostalgic this year, I thought I’d look at celebrating Christmas and New Years in The Sims franchise. Festive

holidays were first introduced in The Sims 1: Livin’ Large/ Livin’ It Up through v a r i o u s decorative and p l a y a b l e objects such as the Christmas Tree, SimFarm Turkey Dinner, and Granny Raymond's Holiday Cookies. As discussed in previous articles, we know there is the lack of pre-made/pre-scheduled events in The Sims 1 and 2, and therefore Simmers must manually place certain objects in order to “trigger” an event.

If a Christmas Tree, and a plate of Granny Raymond's Holiday Cookies is placed near a fireplace on a residential lot, a Sim imitating the traditional Santa Claus can be summoned. Similarly to the traditional , will ensue. This npc will arrive at around 3am sim-time to deliver each Sim within the family a present. If the cookies are spoiled, the Sim can expect to receive a trash can and Sims will stamp on their gifts when instructed to open them as a result.

Similarly, to The Sims Livin Large/ Livin It Up, shipped with The Sims 2: Happy Holiday Stuff pack is the appearance of Father Christmas. The process of summoning Father Christmas is very similar to the previous iteration by placing a Christmas Tree, fireplace, and a plate of Santa Cookies. However, to trigger this event, it requires some more involvement from the Simmer. You must instruct your sim to bake Santa Cookies in the evening before 9pm. These only require one cooking skill point. To bake, select a refrigerator, select Serve Group > Desserts > Santa’s Cookies. In addition, all Sims must be in bed by 9pm, where Santa will arrive, and leave presents for the family. He will also eat the Santa’s Cookies your sim prepared beforehand. New Years can also be celebrated with this pack at any time of the year. A Sim can host a New Years Bash via the phone. However, a New Years Bash cannot be thrown in a dormitory, Greek House or apartment setting. The party will start at 8pm, and at 11pm Father Time will arrive on the lot’s sidewalk. Sims will gather around

him and at midnight, will begin hitting pots and pans, blowing streamers, and celebrating.

He will transform into Toddler New Year and dance the smustle. He will fade away and disappear just before the party ends. The police may break up the party if it is too loud. This event is also known to be glitchy, freezing the game or even causing it to crash. Despite its universal name, this pack is heavily orientated towards Christmas. Before the release of The Sims 3 Seasons, The Sims 3 store released several Christmas themed sets; Happy Holiday Presents, More Holiday Presents, Gifts for The Holidays, and Tis The Season For Gift Giving collections. In addition, shipped with The Sims 3 Seasons, the main festive celebration in The Sims 3 is “Snowflake Day” which is likely to b e based on Christmas. Held on the last Thursday of winter, all Sims will have a day off from school or work and employed Sims

will receive their Holiday bonus. They will also receive a +10 moodlet. To celebrate this holiday with others, Sims can host a GiftGiving party via phone. The household will receive a pile of presents, and Sims will autonomously open a present at random or be instructed to do so of the player’s choice approximately two hours after the party commences.

However, there is no option to host a New Years Bash. Sims could host a Feast Party instead, and incorporate selected free objects from The Sims 3 Store; Happy New Year '11 and Happy New Year 2012

Similarly, to “Snowflake day” in The Sims 3, The Sims 4’s “Winterfest” is also likely to be based off Christmas. Even the icon depicting Winterfest suggests Christmas, with a spruce of Holly and a golden present with red ribbon, colours and symbols traditionally associated with this festive celebration. Similarly to

Christmas, and Snowflake Day, Winterfest occurs in the middle of Winter, and Sims will have a day off from work or school. The traditions are also similar to Christmas. One tradition is decorating the house with items such as a Christmas Tree and the

Pile of Presents from the Holiday Decorations tab in build/buy mode. This will also help to complete the “Father Winter” tradition further on. You can also decorate the exterior of the house with items from the Attic Shack Decoration Box too. Like real life, engaging in Festive Spirit is another tradition; Sims can decorate a Christmas tree together and interact with specialised options; “ask if you deserve gifts”, and “laugh out loud”. Similarly, to previous iterations, Sims will expect a visit from Father Winter, an npc loosely based on Father Christmas. He will

arrive at 8pm, and should a Sim wish to receive a random present they should speak to him. This will only occur if you have a fireplace and the Pile of Presents from buy/ build mode. These can be opened to complete another tradition too! Finally, like previous iterations, another tradition is cooking and eating a Grand Meal and engaging in Thankful Spirit. New Year’s Eve can also be celebrated in The Sims 4 Seasons as a pre-made holiday. This holiday occurs at the end of the year, with traditions mimicking those from real life such as celebrating, counting down to midnight, watching fireworks and decorating the house. In addition, Sims can make a New Years resolution, ranging from learning a new skill, getting fit and getting a promotion. You have one week to complete this. Overall, It is interesting to see how varied the games are in terms of representing and celebrating Christmas. The latter games include Winter themed festivals that are really just based on Christmas, with similar party-wear, events and family traditions, mimicking real life. That said, it is odd to find that The Sims 3 Seasons cut New Years celebrations from the pack. This suggests this universal approach was deliberately done to avoid religious holidays and appeal to all Simmers. I hope you enjoyed this article, and have a wonderful holiday! Melissa x

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Little

Dica Alessandro, tell us a little about you as a person. Where are you from, how old are you, what is your favourite dish, any pet peeves you have, are you a cat or a dog person and anything else you’d like to share with us? I’m Alessandro, known as Littledica in the community! I’m from Italy, near-ish Rome which I get to visit often and I’m forever grateful for and will GREATLY miss when I will eventually move out of the country. I’m going to be 23 in June of the coming year! That sounds insane to me, it feels like yesterday that I finished high school. When it comes to my likes and dislikes, speaking in The Sims terms, I definitely adore the cuisine of my country. There is nothing in the world I crave the most when coming back from a vacation abroad than tons of home-made Italian dishes, and thankfully my mom is always there for me for that. A huge pet peeve of mine is when English speaking countries misuse Italian words! Especially when I see people talking about pasta, it’s always referred as “spaghetti” 68

even when it’s a single noodle. People, the singular is spaghetto! I can’t pick between cats or dogs, or any other animal really, I love them all. My city has a lot of cat colonies roaming around residential areas. It’s so charming when you’re going about your day and a cat approaches you out of nowhere, it just makes my day. I’ve been late to many things because of that! What is your most favourite activity to do outside of the Sims universe, who are you out there in the real world? What are your hobbies? Outside of the community, a lot of my hobbies still revolve around technology really. I’m a huge fan of many other games, although The Sims remains my number one top favourite. I really enjoy going

to the gym, I’ve never been a huge sports person until I discovered weightlifting. It’s extremely calming and therapeutic for me when I’m going through a stressful time. I love to doodle and draw, I’m not the best at it but I enjoy it regardless. You don’t have to be the best to enjoy an activity after all! You are an extremely talented CC maker in the Sims world, do you have any other talents or skills that you are proud of? When it comes to other skills I’m really proud of, you’re experiencing one right now! I’m extremely proud of my English. It’s not very common to be as fluent as I am in English in my country. I’m always up for helping my friends struggling with their English skills and it used to make me so happy and proud when I’d successfully help my high school colleagues in taking our tests.

Tell us about one of your most happy memories or experiences. Well, calling this one a “memory” is a huge stretch, but I’ll try my best. On the last day of university, me and my class friends decided to go celebrate our new “officially unemployed” status by going to an Irish pub later that night. Needless to say I had too much… let’s say “juice”, and basically I woke up the next day in a friend of ours bed, without a beard and with clothes that were definitely not mine. It was a hot mess but it was the best night I’ve ever had with friends. Do you play any other games, mod or make cc for except the Sims? While I don’t mod any other game outside of the sims, I do enjoy playing other franchises. One of my favourites is Cities Skylines, I’ve played that game way too much. I also really like nonsimulation games like Overwatch and GTA.

Now lets talk about the Sims, if you were to create your Simself which character traits would you pick for yourself? If I had to pick from the game’s trait, they would definitely be Paranoid, Creative and Perfectionist. The nickname you go by on Patreon and some of your social media accounts is LittleDica, how did you come about that name for yourself? The name “littledica” was created around 2008 or 2007 when I created my first email. I’ve used it ever as a nick name. Since I’m the younger brother of my family, I went for “little”, and dica is the initials of my last name. How and when did you first get into CC making for the Sims, what was the one thing missing in the game that made

you start off your CC making journey? I got into making cc around 2016. I’ve always had an interest in 3D modelling but I never understood how to do it. I finally decided around that time to look up tutorials and learn the skill, and learn I did. I mostly saw a lack in realistic technology in the game, all the TVs, tablets and the phone were (and frankly still are) so clunky and outdatedlooking. I really wanted something that a techie like me would love and appreciate in real life as well. Tell us a little about the process of making one CC item such as a sofa, what tools do you use? How long does it take to make 1 object? Making an object starts from gathering as much reference pictures as you can. Many angles, preferably of the same object, many lighting conditions and in general just a ton of pictures. As far as tools go, I use a bunch: lender for the model itself, Photoshop and the Substance Suite for texturing and, occasionally, Zbrush for sculpting. The time it takes to make an object really depends on the complexity of it. For example, a sofa would take at least 2 to 3 days cause it’s such a big asset and you want to have as much maxis-match detail as possible. I usually give myself a day as well to just look at the finished product and see if there’s anything missing, send 71

it to my friend, see what they think. You don’t wanna be my friend on Discord if getting a ton of 3D model pictures in your Direct Messages sounds like a nightmare. Do you have any special tips for beginners that you wish you had known when you were just starting to make CC? What would be the best tools to use as a fresher? My best tip for someone just starting is, please accept criticism and feedback, especially from people who have been doing what you just started doing for years. In our field, you never stop learning, and the quicker you realise that, the better artist you will become. I think the best tools for beginners would be Blender and Photoshop. Blender, compared to Maya (the paid, industry standard software for 3D modelling) is, first of all, absolutely free of charge. Blender has a ton of plug-ins for modding of many different games, never ending t u t o r i a l s on youtube and, in my p e r s o n a l opinion, it is MUCH more responsive and intuitive than Autodesk’s Maya. Where do you find your inspiration and design ideas for all the gorgeous items you make? 72

I find inspiration for what I create mostly from what I think is lacking in the game, or what I’ve seen in the real world that isn’t in the game yet. A lot of times, it’s things that exist in Europe that the rest of the world has no idea about. When I made my Greasy Goods fast food pack, a lot of people were shocked European fast food restaurants could look so “fancy”. Well, it’s the standard here! It was also very funny to hear some of them say “it’s hard to believe a fast food restaurant like this would have table service with the Dine Out game pack mechanics”… Well, McDonald’s here in Italy has table service. Is there anyone you’d like to give a shout out to, someone who has helped you along your CC making career or anyone else in general? I would like to shout out my uni teachers, they taught me a lot of techniques and greatly improved my skills but most of all, they taught me the right attitude to have towards this career and art. I would also love to shout out my friends Ravasheen and Syboulette, fellow CC creators that were very patient with me and helped me solve some CC conundrums I’ve had throughout 2021. In the end, I’d like to shout out all my friends in general that helped me through these past 2 difficult years, you guys are the best.

Picture Credit: FireFlower PotterySet

Reviewed

The Sims 2 turned 17 years old this year. Almost old enough to vote in some countries! In-game years that's positively ancient. People are still surprised when someone mentions they still play Sims 2. Do people still play Sims 2? Can you even get Sims 2 anymore for the PC? Aren't they bored? Haven't they played all there is to play in 17 years? In short - yes, yes, no, and no - not by a long shot.

Mainly consisting of sims 2 veterans, they welcome old and new modders alike – to work on mod project collaborations, share ideas, and learn everything from basic B o d y s h o p recolours to more advanced modding that creates new game behaviours. The group was conceived and is currently administrated by a simmer known as Gina or 'gayars/gdayars' who has been modding the Sims 2 for the past 5 years.

The modding community of Sims 2, while not as big as it used to be, is still active. Fiercely active. It is a big part of why the game endures. In the past five years alone, the sims 2 community has seen leaps and bounds of mods, including graphical overhauls, whole systems for farming and producing artisan goods, a traits system, fixes to longannoying bugs, amazing advances in features like custom face sliders, updated user interfaces, and recently, actual story progression!

The Sims Crafters' home is in a discord server, which is an instant messaging and digital distribution platform that users can communicate with voice, calls, video calls, text messaging, media, and files in private messages or general channels.

Sims 2 is Staying

Alive

Not to mention the tons of custom content being put out every week, and with Sims 3 and 4 conversions, a simmer of the second persuasion is spending more time 'cc shopping' than playing some days.

There is a special group, for the past two years, that is dedicated to preserving and teaching modding knowledge called Sims Crafters.

It's noon pm on a Thursday and I can see ideas being thrown around about how to mod accessories like umbrellas or sunglasses to show up during appropriate weather. It doesn't seem like a big thing at first sight, but any mod that adds immersion like that is very appreciated.

That was just a channel for brainstorming ideas, but this discord has a multitude of other channels for discussing Sims, sharing game pictures, group-project channels, and organised learning channels for questions about meshing, 77

recolouring, building, converting, and other topics concerning modding the game. Anyone can join to start their own modding or creator's journey.

“You don't have to be super smart to mod, you have to be super determined. Genius is 1 percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration. People think it is so hard, but it is just like everything else in life, you have to work at it. It may come more naturally to some but that doesn't mean it can't be done. You just have to get in there and not be afraid to rip and tear things apart. Keep back up copies when you have a good working base, before adding on the next piece and go from there,” is what Gina says.

“I got into it to make one object,” is Gina's simple catalyst for jumping into the modding world. “I prefer object mods. Modded objects. I can do global (mods) but object mods are more fun for me. My favourite things are for toddlers, but I like things that expand shopping too. I like to make things that sims can actually interact with, basically. More game play with a lot lower risk of it clashing with something.”

Picture Credit: SunandMoon - Barnyard Bash

The excitement of learning to mod can sweep one away into tons of other ideas and projects, proven by the fact that one object Gina set out to make, she hasn't made yet.

Modding is no picnic though, as Sims Crafter member, Fire_Flower, notes, “Getting started and troubleshooting,” are the hardest parts for her. “Usually once I get into the groove, I have very little trouble, but sometimes you just hit a roadblock that you have to spend 2 whole days troubleshooting. That can be a pain. But the feeling once the bug is resolved: pure satisfaction.”

For Gina, the hardest part is the sheer tediousness of it. “Sometimes you will s p e n d h o u r s making m in mere seconds, and then have to bring up the game over and over Picture Credit: Gina or 'gayars/gdayars and over again, to test the effects of those mere micro-adjustments.”

Rosawyn, a member of the discord says it's “Finding the time and energy...or just figuring out which version of SimPE to use, because there are so many now!”

While, Ocelotekatl, another Sims Crafter member, agrees, “For me, the largest struggle is finding enough 'create time' to get projects done. You have to strike the balance between real life and things that

inspire you, and Sims 2 creations are a subset of that. I never seem to have enough time to get my projects done.”

Not everyone uses mods or custom content and that's their prerogative but even in 2021, there are still some misconceptions about mods for Sims 2. People are afraid that adding mods will break their game and while mod conflicts can be a problem, with a little troubleshooting, the game can work fine once the offending mod is pulled. As Rosawyn, states, “In fact, some mods are needed to keep the game running smoothly. Of course, don't just shove anything and everything in your game: ask around, read some comments, see what other people are using, and check for conflicts. But generally speaking, it is safer to have mods than to have none.”

See the 'Essential Mods' list pinned to MTS2 (Mod the Sims) Forums for more information to keep your Sims 2 game healthy and less of a chance

79 Picture Credit: Gina or 'gayars/gdayars

The Modding community relies heavily on testing and feedback in order to release complex mods that add game play. Even after release, there could still be bugs, which is why it's imperative to contact the creator and report it. Even if the creator is retired, posting about it can help others know what issues there are and even ambitious modders that might take up the mod and update it themselves.

As Fire_Flower, reminds us, “Creators won't get mad if a bug issue is reported. Most creators will love it when you report an issue. It means that you're actually using it enough to notice it's not working.” However, details in feedback are key! A generic message saying it doesn't work tells a creator nothing about what the issue is. “What are you experiencing? Did you read the manual? Do you have the newest version? Do you have error logs we can look at? A good descriptive bug report is worth a lot.”

Picture Credit: Ocelotekatl

of developing corruption.

When asked why she put this group together, Gina replied, "I felt like there was a need because as time was going on, more creators were leaving, knowledge seemed to be being lost, and I felt like the community as a whole would do better if we had a place creators could meet up and discuss things before skills and knowledge were lost."

“I wanted a group to interact with, so more and greater things could be made. I wanted to learn, I wanted to teach, I wanted to create a base of people in general, and creators in particular, that love Sims as much as I do. I wanted to preserve knowledge. I think I succeeded to a certain degree. I have learned so much, and I hope that others have learned from me, and more importantly from the others who have come in to join together to create a greater group.”

Some of these creators are people like Ocelotekatl, who has been modding Sims 2 for the last 14 and half years, give or take! He's had his work published in Picture Credit: Ocelotekatl

just about every sims 2 enclave out there: Mod The Sims, Insimenator, Back Alley Sims, Plumb Bob Keep, MyB Sims, plus many other sites that have since disappeared with the passage of time. His main site, Blue Haven Sims, contains a trove of his clothing meshes and multibody shape outfit sets, accessories, object sets, storytelling props/poses and overlay sets, body overlays, and adult projects.

Picture Credit:WhoWard Roller coaster

Picture Credit: IronSeaGull

Picture Credit:Voeille

When asked how the Sims Crafters

has helped him, he explained, “It’s an amazing community. After Sim Trek 2 Boldly Go was shuttered in 2011, I’ve spent a lot of time drifting. I was never really a joiner; no communities in particular really appealed to me. Sims Crafters was wholly Gina’s brainchild, and it appealed immediately to me because it offered something that the other communities didn’t really have; it was a space devoted to teaching and learning. I have made several close friendships, learned from and interacted with other creators, and ultimately found a permanent community to be a part of.”

Ocelotekatl's favourite types of mods involve storytelling, such mods as 'no red lines, that removes the red pause line from the game and 'Look at me now!' which makes a sim look directly at where the camera is pointed for detailed shots. His favourite object mod of all time is Pescado's OMGWTFBBQ which is an iconic, yet controversial mod because of what it does to sims 2 infants. But Ocelotekatl is no stranger to niche mods as he is one of the few that currently dabble in 18+ mods such as sexy clothing sets and sex poses. In fact, one of his current projects is an improved version of the CBOY (penis) mod with assistance from whoward of Pix 81

'n Mix mods and a “modesty” posebox for posing partially clothed female sims.

Other projects he is involved with are a set of arrows accessories that can be used to look like they are piercing sims' bodies, and then in the future, more weapons accessories, a collaboration with

“The first things I uploaded, were some walls, floors, and terrains. They're not terribly good quality either. However, I learned how to make new things, not just by reading tutorials, but with the help of the awesome people who went before me. Sunni (R.I.P.) guided me through learning the repository method on a chatbox. It is that experience, that shaped the way I feel about cc creation.”

Picture Credit: SunandMoon

Gina on a set of dresses, more conversions, etc. As he says, “I'm always busy with several projects at once.”

Fire_Flower is a Sims Crafter power modder who got her to start modding the Sims 2 around 2014. She's a bit of a 'jack of all trades that can do Bodyshop/CAS (recolours), defaults, home crafter (walls, floors, and terrains), object creation, animation, sound, and game modding that actually adds new gameplay. 82

She's also a part of the Sun&Moon Star Factory since 2020, which is a long-running collaborative project of the modding community, currently headed by a user named Fractured Moonlight, that focuses on creating mods that add medieval objects and crafting or gathering functions to Sims 2. The Star Factory has produced many of her favourite mods of all time!

In terms of her own upcoming projects, she's looking forward to

finishing, “I'm pretty excited for the release of the Laundry Mod, though that will actually involve me putting in a bit more work to get everything up to snuff. But it is has gone such a long way and I can't wait for people to be able to actually use it. There's also some cool Sun&Moon stuff in development, but no spoilers!”

As a creator, she tries to always keep the following in mind: 1. Difficulty is subjective, perhaps even non-existent. Motivation is key. 2. Keep learning new things, so you always know what it is like to be new at something 3. Innovate and experiment 4. Teaching is paramount. Without people who spread knowledge, help others out and create resources, we wouldn't have any of the exciting things we have now. 5. Create the things you want to see in your own game

“I remember what it was like to be a beginner who doesn't have the confidence. And that is key: remember your early days so you can help others in the same situation. I find that things are rarely if ever difficult if you have help and most importantly: motivation.”

And when asked about how the Sims Crafters group helped her, Fire_Flower responded, “Sims Crafters has helped me get in contact with people with more experience with BHAV Modding.

They helped me put together some code I couldn't figure out myself. It's also a good place to get to know and collaborate with other creators.”

Rosawyn is a Sims 2 community member and creator that in her own words, “doesn't do anything fancy but edit text strings, re-categorize and reprice objects, re-menu foods.” However, Sims Crafters has helped her with encouragement in making things, “The focus of the server is on helping people learn, and I also enjoy testing mods for other people.”

An upcoming project she is excited about is one where a money bag will allow a transfer of funds while the sim has an 'Earn Money' want Fulfilled, but as Rosawyn laments, “When I moved from my old laptop to my new one my file for the aforementioned money bag somehow got corrupted, so I have to start all over from square one. Which I'll do...as soon as I actually get around to installing SimPE on this thing...”

SimPE is a 3rd party program that reads the package files for the game and with it, one can edit these files. The program was developed and released on the website, Mod the Sims, in November 2004 by a user named Quaxi. The program can be daunting but after seventeen years, there are plenty of tutorials – written, in video form (The Sims 2 predates Youtube by a year!), and of course, the Sims Crafters have a lot of experience with it and can help out with any questions. It might seem like a secret society 83

but there are plenty of sims 2 enclaves out there on the internet to turn to for Sims 2 g a m i n g advice and help, most people are friendly, have been playing for years, and can point you in the right direction for obtaining the game or help you find mods, or help troubleshoot for it if you have searched to the ends of Google and back for it and still can't find what you are looking for. This isn't their first rodeo!

Ocelotakl's Site: https:// blueheavensims.wordpress.com/ Roasawyn @ MTS: https:// modthesims.info/m/53707 Links:

Some major hot spots for general sims 2 discussions are the Sims 2 Official Facebook Group, Mod the Sims 2 forum, Garden of Shadows Forum, various Sims 2 discords for casual discussion, the Sims 2 Reddit and its sister Reddit, r/ sims2help.

https://discord.gg/HbeJh8Ka6V – Sims Crafters Discord

Thanks to Gdayars, Fire_Flower, Ocelotakl, Rosawyn, and for interviewing me. See their creations at the following places:

https://gardenofshadows.org.uk/ gardenofshadows/index.php – GOS Main Page

Gdayar @ MTS: https:// modthesims.info/downloads/all/ ?u=46059 Sun&Moon Starfactory @ Plumbob Keep: http:// www.medievalsims.com/forums/ viewforum.php?f=240

https://discord.gg/YdCBstjdQ5 – Active Sims 2 Discord https://modthesims.info/f/558/ MTS Sims 2 forum

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ TheSims2OfficialGroup – Facebook Group https://www.reddit.com/r/sims2/ Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/ sims2help/ - Reddit Help

This months mod review comes to you by Ranchums Hi I'm Rachel, and am known by a few names in the sims 2 community - charmful, Ch4rmsing, Rachums - and I have been rooted into the sims 2 community since around 2007. Sims 2 is my one true game, and I played consistently. I love to build, take pictures, tell stories, try out new mods and gameplay ideas, and play my fifteen-year-old neighborhood. When not doing things related to sims I enjoy playing tabletop games, drawing, and trying new foods with my husband. I also am an avid cat lover, I'm surprised I only have two. It's taken great self-restraint not to adopt more. Social Media Links: Twitter: ch4rms Tumblr: kashmiresims Youtube: charmful Instagram: kashmire_sims

SIMSPIRATION

Written by K8Simsley

Real To Sims. Finding inspiration in the world around you. Building in The Sims is not everyone’s cup of tea, but if you are like me, building is your only form of gameplay and has simply become a way of life. One of the hardest parts of building in The Sims 4, is finding inspiration for your builds. When you are building, recording, and sharing new builds each day, it can be hard to come up with new ideas. Whether you are a builder with a YouTube channel, a Twitch streamer building for a fan base, or you are just building for your own game, finding inspiration in the world around you is essential to your success in The Sims 4.

Where to Find Inspiration for Building in The Sims 4:

careful of sites you have not used before.

While inspiration can come from literally anywhere, there are a few websites that may help you in your search for building inspiration in The Sims 4.

My Pinterest has boards full of exterior images, interior decor ideas, colour palette, and a variety of Sims builds - mine and others. I, like many other Simmers in the community, literally live on Pinterest and my collections have gotten a bit out of hand.

Below are a few of the sites that I regularly browse when my brain needs a little push to get started…

Pinterest Pinterest is my go-to site for building inspiration. This popular site allows you to create custom pin boards that can up your building game. It is also a great source for any Sims-related content, such as CC, mods, etc. Just be aware of any links that you choose to follow and always be 86

Floorplans.com: Floorplans.com is exactly as it sounds, a site for floor plans. While countless numbers of these sites exist on the internet, the floorplans.com site has the best search filters and widest selection out there. While I do not usually stick to a floorplan when I build, I often start by looking at them for inspiration before morphing it into my own idea. Floorplans.com provides me with exceptional variety and a plethora of

filters so I can find exactly what I am looking for in my Sims home design. Architectural Digest: https://www.architecturaldigest.com/ architecture-design Architectural Digest is a stunning site full of high-quality images that are sure to inspire your Sims builds. Highlighting both interiors and exteriors around the world in a wide array of styles, Architectural Digest has something to inspire everyone, no matter their taste. From interesting articles on architecture to magnificent photos of high-end decor, Architectural Digest will inspire your Sims builds inside and out.

Simsation Nation Random Build Generator https://simsation.ca/update-randombuild-generator/

of required items in each build, this simple app is anything but simple and can spark so many ideas. The Random Build Generator is completely customizable, allowing you to choose which packs to include, the number of Sims to build a house for, and the budget you must spend on your creation. The sky truly is the limit with this tool and inspiration is only a click away.

Home Stratosphere www.homestratosphere.com Home Stratosphere is another site that is an excellent source of building inspiration. From FREE floor plan software to guides on specific house styles, Home Stratosphere has it all. You can use this site to create a custom floor plan for your Sims house or find inspiration for interior decorating. The site is simple to navigate and full of fantastic images that are sure to get your creative juices flowing. Home Stratosphere even has a celebrity home section so you can mimic Kanye West’s Hollywood Hills home if that is what you want to create in the game.

Houzz www.houzz.com

One of my favourite tools for inspiration is the ‘Random Build Generator “created by Simsation Nation. The Random Build Generator is an online app that helps you generate ideas for what to build in the Sims. With creative outlines like the one shown in this image, and a variety

Houzz is a great place to find inspiration and ideas for the interiors and exteriors of your Sims houses. Set up much like a look book, houzz is packed full of images that are sure to inspire your creativity in The Sims. The houzz site is easy to navigate and the various categories allow you to search and find exactly the inspiration you desire. You can browse based on 87

can be a great way to get inspired to build in the Sims. Many times, we are trying to build realistic houses in the game that ‘normal’ people would live in. Where better to find normal houses than in your own backyard? Take a walk or drive around your town and make a note of any houses that catch your eye. If you see something that really inspires you, stop and take a few pictures. Sure, people might look at you like your crazy, but the inspiration it can provide is worth the weird looks. Travel Photos or Travel Guides:

a variety of different filters or search based on the room and style you are looking to create. I like to browse houzz when I need exterior or backyard ideas for my Sims builds. I can spend hours looking at their collection of indoor and outdoor fire pits or find inspiration in their unique pergola designs. Houzz truly is a goldmine of building inspiration. There are a multitude of sites online that can inspire your Sims creations. However, if you are sick of browsing online databases waiting until inspiration strikes, there are a few other options that may spark a creative idea in you.

Other Places to Find Inspiration for Building in The Sims: Real Life Houses in your Neighbourhood: Looking around your neighbourhood 88

Travel guides that show an area that is different from your own can really give your inspiration a boost. Grab a travel guide next time you are out and about and look beyond the obvious. While these guides tend to focus on the main attractions, there is often plenty to see in the background of the images they hold. Look at the architectural style of the buildings behind the focus and find inspiration around the highlighted site. Hotels: While we do not have the ability to build hotels in the Sims yet (hint, hint, we are patiently waiting) we can look to hotels for inspiration. The world is full of stunning buildings that can spark inspiration in The Sims, browse online and find a gorgeous hotel or cozy bed and breakfast that you can recreate in game. Books and Magazines: Books, magazines, and television shows (think HGTV or the DIY Network) can provide you with some much-needed inspiration when you are stuck on what to build in The Sims. Flip through the pages of your favourite magazine and seek out the perfect building to create in The Sims.

and allow the wilderness to purify your inspired soul. Look at the leaves and trees and see them for more than what they seem to be. The great outdoors is the perfect color palate. So, next time you stop to smell the roses, consider the way that they inspire you as well. Other Simmers and Current Trends: Alternatively, pay attention when reading a book and utilise the descriptions that the author has added to the story to create your own version of a building in the game. You could build a house that suits the main character or create a secret hideout for the villain. Books inspire us in many ways, why not use that inspiration? Real Estate Listings: I spend way too much time looking at houses that I cannot afford to buy, but Real Estate listings can give you the inspiration that you need to build the perfect Sims house. Flip through the real estate section of your local paper or visit a real estate site like Zolo (or even Airbnb) and find yourself some Simspiration. The Great Outdoors: Sometimes a simple walk out in nature may be exactly what you need to kick start your creativity. Take a stroll through a local park or forest

Let’s be honest, a fair amount of inspiration comes from watching other Simmers build– and there is nothing wrong with that at all. When I am feeling particularly stuck for an idea of what to build in The Sims, I will often switch on YouTube and check out what my favourite Simmers are building. Often, watching others build will inspire you to create something yourself. You are not stealing ideas; it could be an item they used in their build that inspires you or perhaps it is their particular choice of colours. Regardless of why it works, watching others build in The Sims is an awesome way to find inspiration. So get cosy and watch some content creators today!

K 8 S I M S L E Y

Making a In this issue of SimmedUp, we talk to EmilyBlueJaye who is an amazing builder and currently busy with a legacy challenge. We find out how she started playing the sims and what her holiday plans are. SulziSim: Tell us more about who EmilyBlueJaye is. Emily: Hi there. I’m Emily. She/Her. Wife, Mother of 2 kiddos, lover of dogs/cats/tarantulas, Minnesotamade, Bi/Pan, silent disability, musician, artist, self-care positive, radical acceptance practitioner. I’m pretty chill and open-minded. SulziSim: How did you discover The Sims? Emily: When they were younger, I was looking for a game to get my 2 kiddos familiar with using the computer when I came across The Sims Makin’

a Simmer Magic while shopping online. Little did I know The Sims Franchise would become a passion of mine as well as theirs. It’s something we all bond over still to this day.

SulziSim: What is your favorite building style to do?

Emily: How do I say this? I got into The Sims because I enjoy the gameplay and could get lost for days. As an avid player of TS2 and TS3, I am not as completely absorbed by the gameplay in TS4 generally. TS4 has such amazing, intuitive build tools that I am more inspired to build than play.

SulziSim: You are currently busy with the decades’ challenge over on your twitch channel. How is that going along?

Emily: I really enjoy all kinds of build styles but naturally, tend toward Fantasy and/or Modern style builds. SulziSim: On your YouTube channel, TwistedMexi’s TOOL was a gamechanger you post a lot of speed builds. Do for fantasy-style builds especially and I you prefer building over gameplay? couldn’t build without it anymore.

Emily: We’ve made it to 1896 so far. HA! I only stream Saturday and Sunday so it’s fairly slow going since four sim days

equal a year. A legacy challenge at heart, The Decade’s Challenge has sims living the way people really did throughout history, typically beginning in 1890 and progressing as far as you’d like, often until the present day. Currently, we’re focused on off-the-grid living, simple living lot trait, no indoor plumbing, managing farm animals, and raising the children of course. It’s a lot of fun! And of course, I can’t wait to remodel the house to add more amenities in the next decade. Indoor toilet! SulziSim: What is your favorite Sims challenge to participate in? Emily: Rags To Riches is my ultimate favorite. There’s something so satisfying about starting with absolutely nothing and struggling to eventually end up in a luxurious mansion. (I always add one of the fortune aspirations to complete.) I’m very excited about the new scenarios feature, one of which offers a new way to play this particular challenge. I can’t wait to see how scenarios evolve!

SulziSim: What is your favorite thing about the Sims community? Emily: My favorite thing about the sims community is how welcoming and inclusive it is. I have witnessed so much support for each other on various social media, whether it be helping someone reach a specific goal, sharing each other’s builds/ CAS creations, to supporting each other’s live streams. I feel so fortunate to be a part of such a genuine group of people - we can all nerd out on Sims and no one blinks an eye. SulziSim: You are known for making builds without any cc. Any tips for other creatives that want to use their imagination to create stunning builds without any cc? Emily: Sometimes I resort to creating custom-looking objects with MOO and TwistedMexi’s TOOL mod to achieve a creative vision I may have. It is really important to me that anyone be able to use my builds

whether they are on PC or console so I always make sure it’s free of custom content. I look to a lot of sources for inspiration: Pinterest, Instagram, DeviantArt, TV/movies, magazines, as well as other builders of course! I recommend keeping an open mind. You never know where you may find inspiration for a build! (See my insect-inspired “mutant motor” build.) SulziSim: Lastly, it's the holidays. What are your favorite things about the holidays? Do you have any holiday plans?

cold, sometimes we would go caroling. Then FINALLY the opening of gifts. These days the group is much smaller, but my siblings and myself along with our families still gather at my mom’s for a family meal, activities and gift exchanges. Last year, we didn’t gather at all due to the pandemic. That was really hard on me because I felt so isolated and missed our traditions. I’m so grateful we’re all vaccinated this year and will be celebrating together again. Wishing you all a safe and Happy Holidays!

Emily: The holidays are very nostalgic for me. Growing up, we had a LARGE family gathering annually with all the aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. to celebrate Christmas. We would have a large dinner followed by so many choices of goodies for dessert! Everyone would get to choose a Christmas song we would sing as a group. If it wasn’t too snowy or

Follow EmilyB Youtube, Instagram,

BlueJaye on , Twitter and Twitch!

MEET THE GC’S Each month we bring you an amazing creator from the GameChanger community. Not only do they inspire hundreds of simmers each month, they are a valued member of the community whether they have thousands of followers or just one. This month it is our privilege to introduce you to Arica aka ThePlumDot

Howdy, I'm Arica but in the world of the Sims, I go by plumdot. I've been a Simmer since 2000, which makes me one of the oldies in the community. Over the years, my play style has evolved - during the Sims 1 & 2 eras, I was more of a traditional player, during The Sims 3 era, I would class myself primarily as a builder (which I still like to do) and in The Sims 4, I'm all about CAS.

What are your favourite and least favourite parts of the GameChanger programme? I think my favourite part about the Game Changer programme is seeing the hype the community experiences when they know their favourite GCs will be releasing content. I also like the fact that the programme includes Simmers across multiple platforms there's streamers, YTers, bloggers,

How did you become a GameChanger? I became a Game Changer back in 2018 during the Jungle Adventure release. I simply had a conversation with SimGuruDrake (the CM at the time) about my passion for the Sims and creations I wanted to make and the rest, as they say, is history.

Who inspired you to apply for the Game-Changer programme? I wouldn't say that anyone inspired me to apply because back in those days joining the programme was different to the open applications of recent times.

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tumblrs, forum GCs, GCs that help out with bugs, there's 100s of us - we're a really diverse group and I think that's nice to see. I think my least favourite part is the misconception some Simmers have about the programme. No, we aren't paid to say what we say; all opinions are our own. No, we don't have to be positive about everything or else we will get kicked out; the programme welcomes constructive feedback. If someone genuinely likes something, that's the truth.

How does being a Game-Changer fit into your everyday life? I do have a job outside of The Sims, so I try to block out adequate time ahead of new releases.

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If you could choose just one pack to keep, which one would it be and why? I'll base my answer on CAS as that's where I spend the majority of my time for The Sims 4. I think the releases have gotten better and better as time has gone on. I'll say Cottage Living because I love the hairs, I love the shoes, and the colour palette is gorgeous!

If you had to get rid of just one pack, which one would it be and why? This is a tough question, but I'd say My First Pet Stuff because I don't particularly like the concept of a pack for a pack.

Do you prefer building, CAS creation or gameplay? Or something else entirely?

The gallery: plumdot twitter: @theplumdot tumblr: theplumdot

In The Sims 4, I definitely spend 99% of my time in CAS, although I have dabbled in building, but Sims 3 build mode has my heart.

or youtube: plumdot (although it's been a while since I've created a video)

Where do you find the inspiration for your creations? I get a lot of inspiration from tumblr because there's always different CAS challenges happening on there. Another source of inspiration is the amazing CC creators in the community. I'm a huge fan of okruee on tumblr and any time they release a new hair, I make time to create a Sim.

Lastly, could you include some details of your favourite creations? One of my absolute Sims 3 builds https://t.co/5O4x1Icqzj

What is your favourite social media platform for all things Sims and why? The most information gets passed around on twitter, but I really enjoy tumblr; they are so many creative Simmers on that platform - builders, editors, Sim creators. I love to see it. Who is your favourite SimGuru and why? Hands down, SimGuruNinja - he's very social and active on twitter, plus he has a wicked sense of humour and has cute puppers. Where can readers find and follow you?

The best place to find me would be on:

P L U M D O T

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Created by StassiJSims4 104

Find out what happens in next months issue 106

StassiJ

Unplugged A SIMS DC SI MS P O OD CAST

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SHOWCASE

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Simpolcheeks is a fantastic builder, who also creates speed build videos of her creations. Let’s start off by giving you a look at her base game modern suburban home.

This place just screams modern Scandinavian to me, I don’t know about you. I just love how they’ve used all the different textures on the exterior here and the landscaping may be a little simple, but it fits perfectly with the style of the build, don’t you think?

This entrance hall just gives you a little look at what delights await you elsewhere in this gorgeous little build.

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This kitchen, for example, look at all the tiny details that add up to make this such a pleasant place to be. The wine bottles, the see-through cabinets, the pasta jars and the coffee bags, this room just feels so “lived-in”! The living room has had the same attention to detail. I don’t know about you guys, I know we have had the amazing base game swatch update, but I am struggling to reconcile this place with being base game only. The bathrooms feel so chic! I love that we now have the different robe colours and it’s nice to see people taking such great advantage of all the new swatches!

If you thought that the rest of the building looks good, wait until you take a look at the master bedroom, this room is stunning! I love the positioning of the mirror and all the clutter on the desktop, again, this just feels like more of a home to me than a building. There is also a home office in this home and a second bedroom!

OK, now for my favourite part of this build, the backyard.

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I just love how clean and fresh this entire place looks, and Simpolcheeks has managed to squeeze so much into such a relatively small lot! Next up is something completely different, but no less accomplished. This is their Overgrown Cottage lot, it is also, believe it or not, on a 20x30 lot!

The exterior of this place just looks amazing, even in the snow! The placement of that truck with all the boxes in the back, I mean who even thinks of details like this? This place also manages to house a huge amount of stuff, the custom cow sheds are just adorable and so well executed. There is a chicken coop and an indoor shed/greenhouse that also has seating so your Sims can admire their handiwork and have a nice cup of tea.

Inside is no less amazing, the entryway is just so welcoming and homely, this is in the middle of the ground floor, if you head right you will find a darling dining room, kitchen and mud/utility room. All of which are composed of so many amazing small details, that make this place feel so lived in. 111

Let’s head to the left now and check out the gorgeous living space.

Can I just point out the cat bed, that has been TOOL’ed into the Jungle Adventure basket? What an adorable idea! There is just the right amount of clutter in here as well.

There is also a downstairs full bath, which is just as cute as the rest of this floor.

Upstairs holds two double bedrooms and a half bath, all of which is decorated in the same modest way. There is still a lot of clutter, but it never feels overwhelming, just lived in.

One thing I absolutely adore about the Sims community is that we all learn so much from one another. And I will certainly be taking some inspiration from Simpolcheeks’ eye for detail and amazing ability to add clutter.

You can find Simpolcheeks on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/ simpolcheeks) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/simpolcheeks) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/simpolcheeks) and Twitter (https:// twitter.com/simpolcheeks) their EAID is also simpolcheeks. 112

Supinmedia.com

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D.N.A Meet the team Behind the scenes

The team behind the D.N.A requests consists of LissyKins one of the founding members, and other super talents such as illusie, cevans1962 - masajo, bree_miles and airis6962. Each one of these creators bring something different but special to the team and you can see each member has a serious passion for creating within the Sims, The Simming Spoonie chats with each of them as we get to know whats behind D.N.A

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LissyKins We’d love to get to know you a little better, can you tell us a little about yourself and how you came to play The Sims? I’ve been enamoured with The Sims since the first iteration. I love architecture and design, and The Sims offered me all of that, and a secret bonus; I’m on the autism spectrum so playing with and witnessing the interactions between Sims actually helped me better gauge others’ real-life reactions and emotions.

What was your favourite request? Oh wow, this is a super tough question; for Sims 3, I think it’s a tie between Crowe Country Charmer, Goodrich Castle, and Sullivan Jupiter House. For Sims 4, it’s a tie between Growing Dreams, Abandoned Mystery Cottage and Lost Falls.

Can you explain what d.n.a requests are all about? How does it work? DNA Requests is a service to our Sims community to create CC free and play ready Residential Lots, Community Lots, Sims, and Pets. When someone can’t create their Simself to play with, or can’t make that dream home, that’s where we come in.

When and how did you come to be involved? I began creating for DNA and completed my first request in November 2011. There was an ad from Zooprofessor3 in the forums calling for creators and I thought it seemed like a lot of fun. I was so excited and surprised when they selected me! Have you had any weird requests? How many creators do you have in the team at the moment? Currently, we have six active creators.

It depends on your definition of weird…lol I haven’t had any that were too wild, but sometimes I wish to be a fly on the wall for the requesters’ playtime. People play so incredibly differently with different creations.

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What is your own favourite building style?

What is the weirdest request you have undertaken as part of the team?

I’d have to say Modern and Victorian.

When creating for yourself, do you use CC or just use in-game content if you get the time? I never use CC, it gets too complicated for me, but I think there are some incredible creations that tempt me endlessly.

Do you prefer creating for build requests or Sim requests? There isn’t a preference necessarily, but if I’m tight on time I prefer Sims, if I have loads of time, I prefer to build. I also really enjoy making pets.

I’ve not had anything particularly weird, but the most unusual were usually my own designs. I enjoy an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ sort of topsy turvy element to my Victorian builds, Sims 3 really let me go crazy with that aesthetic.

Did you play any previous Sims games? What tools do you miss in TS4? I’ve played them all, and my most beloved tool was the colour wheel in S3. I could change anything to look like anything, which was very helpful in creating cohesive looks. It’s far more difficult to achieve that in S4.

If someone wanted to join the d.n.a team, how would they go about this? Is it nerve-wracking building for others? Not always, but it can be! People have an idea in their head that they want to be created, but getting that idea across to me can be a careful communication process. I always appreciate my requesters taking the time to discuss the project with me and being able to share pics of what they've imagined. I also share WIP pics to be sure we’re on the same page.

How long does an average request take to build? Build times vary based on the complexity of the request. A Sim would take perhaps two or three days, but a build can take a few weeks if it’s large.

How would our readers requesting a creation?

about

To find DNA, navigate to the Sims Forums and find us in the Creative Corner under The Sims 4 Lots.

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Contact me at Lissykin@gmail, @Lissykin on discord, or via My Page on the S4 forums.

illusie We’d love to get to know you a little better, can you tell us a little about yourself and how you came to play The Sims. I’m Lusie and I’m from the Netherlands. I have been playing the Sims since The Sims 1. My best friend told me about a new game she thought was awesome and invited me to play it at her house. I was hooked ever since. At first, I was mainly playing and didn’t know how to make a pretty house. During Sims 2, I learned to build, but it wasn’t until Sims 3 that I got really good at it and started doing requests for others. Now with the Sims 4, I do a combination of building and playing. For the first time, I was able to play past generation 3 and even did a legacy challenge with 24 generations. I was so surprised by that!

When and how did you come to be involved with the d.n.a team? I was invited into the team several years ago. I can’t remember when it was. One of the DNA members asked me if I’d be interested in joining. I felt honoured by the invitation and accepted it. I enjoyed doing requests for others.

Which requested favourite?

creation

your

It’s hard to choose because there are many that I love. I’ve done many look-a-like sims or pets of which I am proud how close they look to the provided photographs. Making someone’s pet always feels special. Though I think my favourite creation is Denford Victorian Mansion because I had a lot of fun with that project. I love how the garden turned out.

What is your own favourite building style?

Victorian houses, both Queen Anne style and Second Empire. I love the elegance of the buildings.

When creating for yourself, if you get time, do you use CC or just use in-game content? I don’t like using CC, so I use just in-game content.

Do you prefer build requests or Sim requests? I don’t really prefer any, since I enjoy both. I can spend hours on either a house, a sim or a pet. Those are projects I enjoy. I think it depends on my mood. Sometimes I am really inspired and want to start building, while at other times I feel more like playing around in CAS.

Is it nerve-wracking creating for others? No, it’s not nerve-wracking. As I work on a request I like to send WIP pictures, so I give my requester the chance to give me suggestions or let me know if they don’t like something. That way I can be sure the

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requester loves what I create. I think it is very rewarding to create something for others. I love seeing the reactions. I especially like it if someone shares in-game screenshots of something another DNA member or me created.

How long does an average request take to build? It depends on how big the requested project is and what kind of style it is. For instance, a Victorian house usually takes me a month, sometimes longer. It also depends on how inspired you are.

What is the weirdest request you have undertaken as part of the team? We don’t get many weird requests. I do remember we once got a request for a house with 20 bedrooms and 20 bathrooms. That sounded insane! It was one of the few requests that got rejected. Did you play any previous Sims games? What tools do you miss in TS4? I played all of them. I miss the ability to adjust

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colours and patterns in Sims 4. It was so much easier to match things in Sims 3. Yet, when I rebuild one of my Sims 3 creations in the Sims 4 they always turn out more elegant. So despite missing things from Sims 3 I am quite happy with Sims 4.

What is your EAID illusie

Cevans1962

We’d love to get to know you a little better, can you tell us a little about yourself and how you came to play The Sims. Hello, my name is Christine aka masajo and Cevans1962 in Simland. Been married for years and have three grown-up sons (Matt, Sam and Joshua) which is how masajo came to be. We were also blessed with a beautiful granddaughter earlier this year. Apart from Granny duty, I work part-time for a small architectural practice. Greatest passions are yoga which I practice daily and gardening. Really enjoy treat days out at the theatre and spa and of course shopping. After completing all the Tomb Raider missions I discovered Sims. Sims 2 was about to be launched so I made a start on Sims 1 and have never looked back.

When and how did you come to be involved with the d.n.a team? During Sims 3 I always admired the work of the DNA team and really liked the fact they all kindly supported each other. After creating for many challenges I felt I needed something more so I applied in the summer of 2018 and have totally enjoyed creating for many people since.

Which requested favourite?

creation

your

Not sure if I have a favourite as such but I did enjoy building Sunnydale High and Stonegate Castle. Wolfstone Heights was fun and I am revamping this one at the moment as a further request. Beware, I think the original really has a haunted room!

What is your own favourite building style? I really like trying all different styles, it depends on my mood of the time or a place I’ve visited and gained inspiration from. If I had to choose it would probably be French country.

When creating for yourself, if you get time, do you use CC or just use in-game content? I used CC in Sims 3 and it messed my game up so badly I swore never to use it again so it’s in-game content only for me.

Do you prefer build requests or Sim requests? Definitely build requests.

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Is it nerve-wracking creating for others? Not at all, it’s lovely getting to know the requester, communication is key in order to get it right.

How long does an average request take to build?

No weird requests really but Hotel Dusk which is based on a Nintendo DS game was different. It’s an old motel which is dingy, dirty and dated and in need of great repair.

Did you play any previous Sims games? What tools do you miss in TS4?

I only play Sims in the evenings so an average build would take around 2 weeks.

I’ve played all of them and don’t miss any tools, quite happy with what we’ve got at the moment.

What is the weirdest request you have undertaken as part of the team?

What is your EAID Cevans1962

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Bree Miles soon after I got the PC version I started building and never looked back. I wanted to do more though and that soon caught the eye of a wonderful and very amazing builder TarynTempestWind she introduced to me the DNA team. The founder of DNA was ZooProfessor3. She would hold classes to learn more about building and things, after joining a class of hers she had TarynTempestWind ask if I was interested in joining the DNA team. I was so honoured that they would even give a newbie builder like me a second glance. I put in my application and was again surprised that they chose me to join their team. It was such a great and wonderful honour to be part of and amongst some of the grandest builders around at that time. I still look back in awe of how far the team has come and continues to go forward.

We’d love to get to know you a little better, can you tell us a little about yourself and how you came to play The Sims. My daughter talked me into playing The Sims on Console back in 2011, we had so much fun together with it! Even though it wasn't a multiplayer game we would talk with each other as we played and try to do similar things, it was super awesome. By Fall I was so in love with the Sims, my niece had told me about the PC version of Sims 3 but warned it took a pretty good PC to run, so I ran out and got myself a huge gaming desktop PC and my love for She Sims had started all over again, it was like a brand new version of Sims 3 but on PC. I was totally in awe with the game from then on!

Which requested favourite?

creation

your

I have done a few that still catch my eye when I look at them The Sims 3 Ally Kats Grocery https://www.thesims3.com/ assetDetail.html?assetId=8791116 The Sims 3 Free Weeds Community Garden https://www.thesims3.com/ assetDetail.html?assetId=8986091 The Sims 3 Le Belle Scale

When and how did you come to be involved with the d.n.a team? After playing on the console Sims 3 version I knew I would love building but the console version was limited to what you could add to your home, but the PC version wasn't and

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https://www.thesims3.com/ assetDetail.html?assetId=8782904 The Sims 3 Honey Dew Resort https://www.thesims3.com/ assetDetail.html?assetId=8466296 The Sims 3 Philander's Rest

Do you prefer build requests or Sim requests? I prefer building rather than sim making. I feel I'm not the best at creating look-alikes and most of our sim requests are for look-alike sims

https://www.thesims3.com/ assetDetail.html?assetId=7894151 Is it nerve-wracking creating for others? The Sims 3 Palace Vanderburg https://www.thesims3.com/ assetDetail.html?assetId=8382396 There really too many to list here

No, I would say it is not, most of our requesters are returners so they are pretty easy to work with and know the limits to building with the game and are understanding when we just can't make it happen.

The sims 4 Windmire Way https://www.ea.com/en-gb/games/the-sims/ t h e - s i m s - 4 / p c / g a l l e r y / BD8543900A6F11E781E3C842D0CEE8B2

How long does an average request take to build?

The Sims 4 Ole Time Wedding Venue

Depending on the time that the builder has in Real Life. It could take anywhere from a day or two to three weeks.

https://www.ea.com/en-gb/games/the-sims/ t h e - s i m s - 4 / p c / g a l l e r y / 08F5F38F40D111E48784236AAAF0D2BC The Sims 4 SpringDale House

What is the weirdest request you have undertaken as part of the team?

https://www.ea.com/en-gb/games/the-sims/ t h e - s i m s - 4 / p c / g a l l e r y / 001D110B830011E98C992D54BEA86DDE

Can't think of any right off the top of my head, not really even sure if I've had a weird request before.

What is your own favourite building style?

Did you play any previous Sims games? What tools do you miss in TS4?

Not sure I have a favourite building style. I really enjoy all of them.

When creating for yourself, if you get time, do you use CC or just use in-game content? I build with game items almost all the time. It’s a very rare occasion that I add CC to my game builds

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I have played Sims 2, 3, and 4 so far, and some of the Sims city games Mobile: I've played Sims Free Play and The Sims Mobile

What is your EAID BreeMIles

airis6962 We’d love to get to know you a little better, can you tell us a little about yourself and how you came to play The Sims. I am a retired teacher due to an illness, called lupus. I have a son and a daughter and I lost my husband last July to sudden death.

I was ready and I could fit, they sent an invitation to me to join. The team is great because we teach and learn with one another. And now I am very proud to have twice been one of the top Spark’s Builders last year.

I knew about the Sims from my children and my pupils. But I started to play and build with The Sims 2. I gifted them to my daughter but, since I spent more and more time at home due to medical leave, I took possession of them or better I should say that they took possession of me. And so it continued with The Sims 3 and now with The Sims 4.

Which requested favourite?

When and how did you come to be involved with the d.n.a team?

What is your own favourite building style?

If my memory doesn't fail, I think it was 2003 when I joined the DNA Request Team. I admired and followed them for their brilliant and outstanding creations. I wanted to be like them. I wanted to be one of them. To be admitted you had to show high skills in building and/or in CAS. So when they thought

creation

your

Dr Spencer Reid CAS Request https://www.ea.com/en-gb/games/the-sims/ t h e - s i m s - 4 / p c / g a l l e r y / E0429704C0AB11E88040B573E4FD424D

I could not say. I try almost everything. Some friends say that I am very good at Spanish houses. "Logically, I was born and live in Spain LOL" I used to answer. But if I have to pick one I should say I love tiny houses or starter homes in any style.

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When creating for yourself, if you get time, do you use CC or just use in-game content? I never use CC, although I love and admire many CC content that other players create or use. I had very bad experiences with them in The Sims 3 and, although I really know it's not the same in Sims 4, I still prefer to use just ingame content.

Do you prefer build requests or Sim requests?

inspiration and the complexity/size of the building.

What is the weirdest request you have undertaken as part of the team? Usually I don't claim a request if I don't see it clearly. Once a claim a request and I start to work on it, it's not just a request but I feel it like my own creation. So maybe the weirdest one I ever completed was one for which I never had news from the requester. And we had no news from them anymore. I went ahead and finished it.

I like both but lately I prefer building requests, as long as I see one that it's "calling" me. Did you play any previous Sims games? What tools do you miss in TS4? Is it nerve-wracking creating for others? It is not, in general. I used to get nervous when I felt it's taking too much time for me to complete, usually huge lots. But most of the requesters are very kind and patient.

As I said before I started to play and build when The Sims 2 was released. Nowadays I think I don't miss any tool from another before Sims version since they have been improved. But I still miss some stuff like spiral stairs.

How long does an average request take to build?

What is your EAID

It depends on many factors: spare time,

My EA ID is Airis6962

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Written by TheSimmingSpoonie

Day four of Star’s new adventure arrives and with it comes the rain. She heads out to start her day the only way she knows how since moving here to Henford on Bagley, by checking on her crops.

She can’t quite believe her eyes as the mushrooms she planted just last night have matured and she has some to harvest already! “Wow,” She thinks to herself, “Henford must have some incredibly fertile soil, no wonder I haven’t seen Chocberries anywhere else!”

She also harvests some more carrots and green peas, she has enough peas and carrots in her inventory for their relevant crop bundles, that she can start to sell some of them to make a little extra cash!

As the rain doesn’t look to be easing off any time soon, Star thinks a day indoors might be the way to go today though as she really doesn’t want to catch a cold. So, she heads back inside and has yet another portion of Michael’s delicious Shepherds Pie, yes that’s right, Shepherd’s pie for breakfast, don’t judge her, she really hasn’t got 126

the simoleons or the skill to create her own meals just yet, she really doesn’t know what she’s going to do once she runs out of it! Star decides to have a go with a cross stitch pattern today, as luck would have it she discovers that one of the patterns that she has uses blue llama wool, and she was fortunate to have been gifted some by another flock of birds on her second day in here in Henford, which brings down the cost of creating it. “Score!” She exclaims out loud. Things don’t go easily though, she keeps pricking herself on the darn needle. As she sits and stitches she thinks about the challenge that is before her. She is not sad about coming here and leaving her old life behind and the people here have been so wonderfully friendly so far. She actually feels incredibly lucky to have been given the opportunity to try something new. She is sad that it had to come at the cost of her Grandfather, and wishes that she had made more time to come and visit him while he was still around.

Feeling a change in the sound around her, Star feels a little disquieted. She also feels a chill in the air, so popping her cross-stitch down she goes and changes into a jumper. Then, she takes a peek out of the front door.

“Snow!!” Star exclaims. She hasn’t seen snow in such a long time. “Boy am I glad I packed my winter woollies.” Remembering that she hasn’t fertilised some of her crops in a couple of days, she gets down to work.

Whistling away, she enjoys the calm and tranquillity that the snowfall adds to the air. Star has always loved the snow, when she was little, her grandfather would take her sledding down the hills surrounding his farm. And she remembers winning a lot of snowball fights, although she can’t help wondering now if he let her win. They made snow angels and snow 127

Sims and then they would head back inside his shack and warm up with hot chocolate, made from his own farm-grown chocoberries. As she finishes up with the garden tasks she heads back inside. She is an adult now and that means that snow isn’t all fun and games. She remembers hearing tales of her grandfather being cut off from the town for a fortnight or more during the depths of winter. She stands and looks out the window. She can’t help worrying about what will happen if it settles. Will she still be able to get into town for supplies? Or will she be cut off?

Then, with a shake of her head, she decides that she doesn’t have to worry about that just yet. She will just have to wait and see what happens. She does however take a quick trip into town to stock up on some supplies just in case. No harm in being prepared right? And she might just be able to sell her crossstitch too!

She pops her hat on and makes the walk into town. She is pleased to see Agatha Crumplebottom manning the gardening stall, haggling for a moment, Star is able to get a 10% profit on her cross stitch and a 25% discount on the seeds that she wants. They chat for a moment and Agatha says that she doesn’t think that this snowfall will come too much. She has lived in the village all her life and says she has almost a sixth sense when it comes to the weather here.

Star bids Agatha farewell and heads into the pub to try to warm up a bit. She finds Sara and Simon chatting at the bar. Asking Sara if she has any chips that she can have somewhat cautiously joins their conversation. As luck would have it they are discussing gardening techniques, apparently Agatha was telling Sara that she has befriended some wild rabbits that come and help keep her plants, um, fertilised, while a local flock of wild 128

birds help by singing to them and removing weeds. How fascinating. When she has warmed up enough to brave the outdoors once more she heads back over to ask Agatha about what she just heard. Sure enough, Agatha informs her that befriending the local wildlife can have some amazing benefits, she confirms the information that Sara and Simon gave her and gives Star some advice on what different wild animals may like as gifts. The two are soon chatting like old friends and Star feels like she has made her first friend in Henford on Bagley. She can’t help wondering if Agatha knew her grandfather, but she feels like that may be a conversation for another day. When Star arrives at home, she can’t help but notice how dusty the place has become and she is sure that she hears a little squeak somewhere in the house. “Surely I can’t have mice?” She thinks to herself, she barely has enough to feed herself, let alone another creature and their probable offspring. As she looks around though, she is amazed to find a small bunny-like creature rolling around on her dusty floor. The thing really is quite adorable though, so she feeds it the only thing she has in spades, more dust! It makes contented little squeaks and Star can’t help but feel like she is now responsible for this adorable little creature.

With the snow continuing to fall and wind howling outside, she decides to catch up on her reading, Lucas Dark is calling her name! It is soon time for bed and Star cannot wait until she awakes in the morning, will the world around her be blanketed in snow? She knows one thing though, she’s not one to turn down help, so she makes a resolution to go and befriend some of the local wildlife. Find out what happens in issue 17. 129

Godmothered

Miracle on 34th Street

Scrooged

Elf

The Home Alone Christmas Chronicles 2

The Man The Muppet Let It Snow Who Invented Christmas Christmas Carol

Arthur Christmas

Die Hard

Gremlins

The Grinch

The Christmas Chronicles

White Christmas

The Santa Claus

Lego Star Wars Holiday Special

Bad Santa

Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale

Jingle Jangle: Edward A Christmas Scissorhands Journey

Gremlins 2

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Happiest Season

Klaus

Winterfest Movie Bingo How many can you watch over the christmas period without choosing them yourself!

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the ess Gu S lysQcc ore A C m ove nd GL o fi ery By here t e gall k th Clic On

Learn Simlish Dis Wompf Es Fredesche - This Food is Delicious Mychuno - Bingo! Ohh Be Gah - Very Good 133

CAN YOU FIND THEM ALL?

ON YOUTUBE

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SimScopes Sep 23 -Oct 22 Nothing hurts worse than a broken heart, but hearts heal don’t they? No matter what is breaking your heart this month, stay strong because you are worth so much more than you give yourself credit for.

Oct 23 - Nov 22 Nothing can seem like a lot, and a lot can seem like nothing to some people. You are much more balanced than that this month and can see right through all the ahem Bullpoop. Keep your head on straight and this will see you through until the new year right.

Nov 23 - Dec 21 If you continue to believe you are worth nothing, then you will never be able to pull yourself out of that slump this month. You are amazing, now say it with us, YOU ARE AMAZING and keep saying it until you start to believe it.

Dec 22 - Jan 20 Don’t worry Capricorn, we promise to keep your secret this month, but don’t you think someone needs to know whats going on? OK we will leave it at that, mums the word!

Jan 21 - Feb 18 If I saw you standing on a corner of a street I would have to stop and stare in awe, you radiate positivity this month for all to see and this is encouraging for those around you. Keep inspiring and being well just you.

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Feb 19 - Mar 20 When you sing it lifts your spirit and you feel as if you can reach the stars, well you can so whats stopping you? Take a leap of faith this month and do something you have never tried before, just make sure its the safe option OK.

Mar 21 - Apr 20 Last month you had a few troubles to deal with and we think you have finally got your head around the problem, albeit still a little confused, but don't worry December will bring that clarity and January well, whoop whoop..

Apr 21 - May 20 If you want to make amends then this is the time to do it, swallow that pride and realise sometimes we have to agree to disagree, don’t be alone this Christmas Taurus its not good for your mental health.

May 21 - Jun 21 Why do you have to change so quickly? You are all over the show this month Gemini, whats got your cage rattled? Sit down and think about what you are really doing and why then make sure to fix it before it is too late.

Jun 22 - Jul 22 When someone tells you that you have changed and they don’t like it, what they are really telling you is that they can see you doing well and they are jealous. Don’t let the nay Sayers ruin your December, you have worked hard for it, so now enjoy it.

Jul 23 - Aug 22 Leo Leo Leo you could have made a difference, you could have made a step in the right direction but your stubbornness has brought you to another Christmas where you wonder what you did! Really Leo? Isn’t it time you took some responsibility and started to finally make amends before it really is too late.

Aug 23 - Sep 22 Smile Virgo the world is your oyster this month, if you dream it, it ill come. Keep marching forward with your head held high and watch as all your ducks line up in a perfect row.

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What’s UP Find The Sims Challenges and Competitions Throughout December HERE

SimsWorldBuilding Christms Card Challenge Create a room 5X2 (any wall size is fine) Create a card, All packs allowed Please upload to instagram & the gallery #simsworldchristmas2021 Doesn’t have to be functional Deadline 22nd December Prize: Stuff pack for 1st Place Kit for 2nd place

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create4sims Christmas Room Challenge || You can change the floors/ wallpaper Hi, everybody! Today I want to share with you my room challenge for this Christmas You may know is my favourite time of the year and I want to celebrate it with you all! Also, with this I want to thank you all for reaching over 2.7k! You are all amazing and I thank you very much for your support.

Here are the info about the challenge. Rules : - don't change the wall hight (medium) - add platforms, half walls, fences - keep/remove the stairs/window - uploade as many entries you'd like - you can't change the shape of the room - don't use CC, use any pack - make sure you post pictures on instagram so I'll be able to see all the entries (because I don't own all packs) This challange is just for fun and because I love so much Christmas Time. Uploade the room in the gallery & instagram using #create4simsroom1 hashtag. All the entryes will be shared on my story and I'll make a post with my favourites. Don't forget to have fun!

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MEET TH LaarStudio/ Maria

SimSimmerly

The Flaming Plumbob

You

John_Gylor

SueSimming

SphereArcana You You

K8Simsley

Grace

SulziSim

Granny Ruth

Ivana

HE TEAM GhostFace2018xx

MyCupofCC

KawaiiFoxita

The Simming Spoonie

StassieJSims

You

To find out more about our amazing team visit our website. Top - from left to right: Maria Lead Graphic Design, SimSImmerly CEO, TheFlamingPlumbob Content Creator, Izzy - Aka MorganEmersisagenderfluiddaddy Content creator. Ghostface2018xx Content Creator, MyCupOfCC Custom Content Creator, KawaiiFoxita Content Creator, Middle Row from left to right: John_Glynor Graphic Design, SueSimming Director, K8Simsley Content Creator, Laireen Content Creator, TheSimmingSpoonie Director, StassiJSims4 Content Creator, Bottom Row from left to right: Ivana Aka BunnyBananaSims Deputy Graphic Design, Grace Events Manager, SulziSim Director, Granny Ruth Awesome.

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& a c i D e l iL tt aloney M a t r Ve

SimmedUp Magazine Issue 16 - December 2021

Articles inside

Star Dew continues

DNA: Behind the scenes with spoonie

Whats Up - Featuring challenges from social media ready for you to join throughout December for fun and with prizes.

EXCLUSIVE: SimScopes

Facebook Showcase

Retro Corner: Christmas

Off Topic: Get

Making a Simmer

Titan Architects: Titan

The Sims 2 Staying Alive with a mod review by Rachums

Meet The GC’s: Who are

Simspiration to light your

Little Dica Chats to Maria from LaarStudio about Custom Content & Spaghetto