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Buy Sims build/buy items without full gameplay packs

Sims players who mainly build want to purchase only the build/buy catalog items from expansion packs without buying the unwanted gameplay features, willing to pay separately for items.

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FL score

25

out of 100

Verdict

SKIP

medium confidence

Competition

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Trend

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A feature request for The Sims that requires EA's cooperation to unbundle expansion pack content.

The pain

Build/buy mode enthusiasts spend $40-60 on expansion packs but only want the 200-300 build items, not the 50+ gameplay features, careers, or lot traits they'll never use. They feel forced to pay for unwanted content.

The gap

The Sims' monetization model bundles gameplay and build content together. No mechanism exists to purchase à la carte. This is a deliberate business decision by EA, not a market gap.

Build angle

This cannot be built as an independent business. You would need to either: (1) convince EA to change their $2B+ annual revenue model, (2) create a competing game with modular purchases, or (3) build mods/tools for existing Sims games (which EA actively restricts).

Strengths

  • Real pain point, build community is vocal and large
  • Clear willingness to pay, builders already spend heavily on packs
  • Addressable market, millions of Sims players globally

Risks

  • You cannot execute this without EA's permission and cooperation
  • EA has zero incentive to unbundle, it would cannibalize pack sales and reduce ARPU
  • Building a Sims competitor takes 5-7 years and $50M+
  • Mod-based solutions violate EA's terms of service
  • This is a feature request, not a business idea

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