The Sims franchise recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, and in true Maxis fashion, the festivities were packed with nostalgia. From themed events across titles like Sims FreePlay and MySims to rereleases of The Sims and The Sims 2, longtime fans were treated to a heartwarming trip down memory lane. The Sims 4 in particular received new DLC, throwback-themed Kits, and limited-time in-game events that paid homage to the series’ early days — a clear sign that Maxis is open to more nostalgia-focused content.
And yet, despite everything from the “Blast from the Plast” event to Kits themed around Bella Goth and Don Lothario, there’s one big idea that still hasn’t come to life: a Townie Expansion Pack. It’s a concept that has massive potential — but also one that’s complicated.
The Sims 4’s Nostalgia Wave Is Picking Up Steam
Let’s take a quick look at how The Sims 4 has already tapped into nostalgia. During the 25th anniversary celebration, the “Blast from the Plast” event gave players the chance to earn iconic items inspired by early 2000s fashion and furniture. Meanwhile, the Secret Sanctuary and Casanova Cave Kits leaned into fan-favorite Townies Bella Goth and Don Lothario. The Cozy Gamer Kit, while less specific, offered items that reference The Sims franchise as a whole.
Together, these additions show that Maxis understands the power of nostalgia — especially when it’s used to bring beloved characters and aesthetics back to life. But so far, these nods have mostly been limited to smaller-scale content.
A Townie Expansion Pack Could Be Huge
Imagine an Expansion Pack that fully revives classic Sims Townies. While Bella Goth, the Calientes, and the Pleasant family have returned in The Sims 4, many fan-favorites still haven’t made their way back into the neighborhood. Think Goopy GilsCarbo, the Brokes, and the iconic feud between the Capps and Montys — the latter being inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet.
A dedicated Expansion Pack could not only reintroduce these characters but also include themed Build/Buy items, CAS assets, and gameplay features that reflect each family’s legacy. For example, the Brokes could come with new aspirations or traits tied to generational storytelling. The Capps and Montys could bring back rivalry mechanics or family loyalty gameplay.
Better still, such a pack could expand on what the Secret Sanctuary and Casanova Cave Kits started, allowing players to truly build worlds around these reimagined Townies.
But Not Everyone Might Be On Board
Of course, turning Townies into paid DLC could stir controversy. In past games, these characters were baked into the base game — they weren’t something you had to pay extra for. That’s a valid concern, especially since characters like Agnes Crumplebottom and Bonehilda (technically not a Townie, but still iconic) were already reintroduced through paid content like Cottage Living and Paranormal Stuff.
What’s more, most players didn’t purchase those packs solely for returning characters. They bought them for the new gameplay mechanics and features. A Townie-focused Expansion would need to offer more than just nostalgia to justify its price tag.
Is EA’s Current Approach the Best One?
In some ways, The Sims 4 has already been bringing Townies back — just more subtly. Maxis seems to be strategically reintroducing them when they make thematic sense. The Capps and Montys, for example, would’ve fit perfectly into High School Years or Lovestruck, while the Brokes could’ve debuted in For Rent. Goopy GilsCarbo might not have a natural fit yet, but that’s exactly why an Expansion Pack could be the ideal format to bring him and others back in a meaningful way.
Still, Maxis may believe that peppering these characters into existing content is a better long-term strategy. It avoids paywall backlash and allows for more natural storytelling integration.
Final Thoughts: Will a Townie Pack Ever Happen?
It’s clear that fans are hungry for more legacy content — and Maxis knows it. Whether through Kits, Expansion Packs, or surprise cameos, The Sims 4 continues to find ways to celebrate its history. A full-blown Townie Expansion Pack might not be in the cards just yet, but as long as the nostalgia keeps hitting, the possibility remains.
And let’s face it — Sims players love to dream. So until Goopy GilsCarbo finally walks through our virtual doors again, we’ll keep wishing for that ultimate Townie comeback.
