What’s going on behind the scenes
In a past interview with PC Gamer, Lindsay Pearson teased that any substantial technical upgrades for The Sims 4 would be announced. The latest patch notes may already be showing signs of those upgrades. Recent updates mention DirectX 11 performance improvements, including smoother rendering, faster responsiveness, and fewer crashes.
But now, a new discovery in the game files points to something bigger: a memory boost feature.
What memory boost could do
According to reporting by Sims Community, the memory boost tool appears in the game files but isn’t fully enabled yet. Early details suggest it will only work with DirectX 11 and could include toggle options such as automatic or manual activation. Potential benefits include:
- Freeing up memory
- Reducing lag
- Improving frame rates
- Helping prevent crashes
There’s even mention of switching modes, though this could impact save files. The abbreviation tied to the feature may reference “full power balance,” a term from computing and hardware design.
Technical upgrades aren’t new
This wouldn’t be the first time EA pushed technical improvements into The Sims 4. In 2015, they upgraded the game from 32-bit to 64-bit, improved indoor lighting, and have since tinkered with graphics rendering. More recently, players were surveyed about animations, suggesting EA is exploring broader overhauls.
Should EA keep upgrading Sims 4?
While memory boost could improve performance, Simmer Erin raises bigger questions. The Sims 4 has fundamental limitations that technical tweaks won’t erase. The game was launched in an unfinished state, and adding layers of upgrades may not change its core issues. Erin argues it may be wiser to move on to The Sims 5 rather than pour resources into prolonging The Sims 4.
Other concerns include:
- How much money is being spent on these upgrades
- Whether improvements will cause new problems
- The lack of clear communication, especially with no dev livestream for Enchanted by Nature
The bottom line
Memory boost could be a genuine improvement for players struggling with lag and crashes, but expectations should be tempered. It won’t suddenly turn The Sims 4 into an open world game or change its design philosophy. With EA signaling they want to keep The Sims 4 ongoing instead of launching The Sims 5 anytime soon, this may be their way of keeping the base stable while continuing to release content.
Source: Simmer Erin
Frequently asked questions
What is memory boost in Sims 4?
A new feature found in the game files that may improve performance by freeing memory, reducing lag, and preventing crashes.
Will memory boost make Sims 4 open world?
No. Performance tweaks won’t change the core design of the game.
Do I need DirectX 11 for memory boost?
Yes. Early findings show it will only work with DirectX 11.
Has Sims 4 had major technical upgrades before?
Yes. It moved from 32-bit to 64-bit in 2015, and lighting and rendering systems have been updated since.
Is Sims 5 still happening?
EA continues to expand The Sims 4 with updates and expansions, and there’s no official release window for The Sims 5.
