EA CONFIRMS EARLY ACCESS IS NOT ALLOWED

Major Update 8/1/2022
EA has just publicly stated that they no longer allow Early Access.  I'm forced to release sexy gigs to the public.  If this affects your support this month please be aware the mod releases FREE.  I think you can still cancel if you want before they charge you or anything like that.

If you still want to support the mod please do at any tier.  It's needed and much appreciated.

This certainly changes a lot for me immediately but I'm prepared for this change in terms of providing content on a donation basis. 

Changes I'm making
The Wicked Pixxel "brand" has to evolve in response to this. Because my content is 18+ only I can't monetize my website with ads or affiliate marketing.  The ad networks that are available for adult sites don't seem to be the safest.  I'll continue with a donation only model.

New Adult Mod Directory
My website wickedpixxel.com will convert into a mod directory.  Similar to modthesims but for adult mods only.  I'm prepared to start creating and releasing a higher volume of smaller mods that are adult themed and offer new gameplay to The Sims 4.  This change starts immediately.  I already have over 30 new ideas and have begun development them.  You'll first see a change in the design of my website, and then a steady flow of new mods.  You can download those mods on patreon for free.

Type of mods I'm creating.  New sex mods, drug, mods, crime mods, and misc adult themes.  If for some reason even this isn't allowed for the sims 4 brand, we'll simply convert to renaming the strings and basically cleaning it up a little.  The gameplay will remain adult oriented.     

I ask for your continued support and in return more content you can enjoy.  

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EA updated their official policy on modding and payments.  You can check it out here.  

https://help.ea.com/en-gb/help/the-sims/the-sims-4/mods-and-the-sims-4-game-updates/

This statement will go into what that means and what I need to do moving forward.

First I don't know what to do exactly in terms of my Patreon account and early access.  EA's policy has always been the same as it is in the policy update from my understanding.  It was the Sims who allowed the early access.  They stated they didn't have a problem with it.  So it's unknown if Early access is still allowed.  I'm waiting on the official word from the Sims.  

When you create on anyone's platform or use their assets you have to expect change.  I've seen it happen on almost every platform I've ever created on.  That includes Youtube with ads, Zazzle taking away certain items I created, and even Etsy.  These are all sites I've been active on in the past, had a store or something going and then a part of that is taken away.  As a creator you have to expect this and have mitigation on the risk.  

The good news in all of this is we can still make mods.  They didn't outright ban that.   If it turns out early release is no longer allowed from all official sources I will definitely comply with that.  I love modding so much and will continue to do so under a new donation model.

Early Access and Donation Model
As of today I'm still using the early access model.  The only mod that'll be in early access will be Sexy Gigs Mod - Version 12.  This model will continue through August for 2 weeks.  Starting in September I'll switch to a donation only model if it turns out that indeed all official Sims team and EA prohibit Early Access.  If a statement clarifies early access is allowed, things will stay the same beyond September 2022.  I hope this isn't confusing.

That being said there's no guarantee that the Sims will come out with a more clear updated stance.  I will revert solely to the EA policy.  Take that to mean no early access and the Donation Model goes into effect September 2022.

Gives us all a month to adjust.

Donation Model
The 3 tiers will remain roughly the same.  All mods will be released free to the public without an early release.  Choose if you want to support or not.

Why Support Wicked Pixxel
Your support allows me to do this full time.  Above all you're supporting mods that you enjoy, want to see improved, and expand into even more ideas.  I'll never go above the $4.50 tier.  You're support helped me create the Sexy Gigs Mod which is a crazy mod.  

Whatever happens please know I'm still going to mod and I won't remove my mods.  I have appreciation for being able to do this in any capacity.  

For Modders
If it turns out we can no longer accept early access and this is your only form of income do not panic. Find a way to survive while rebuilding if needed.  First diversify your income and keep it that way.  Platforms will always change especially when there's abuse by a few or they're changing their business model.  Since we're still allowed to mod you do have options for growth.  Create your own platform, find ways to monetize your platform with free mods as your traffic generation asset.  Learn how to optimize your mods with keyword targeting.  This will further increase your website traffic.  Allow supporters to continue to donate to your work as well.  Use affiliate marketing on your platform, other types of exclusive content that you own.  Just make sure you're creating win/win offers and opportunities.  Grow your Youtube channels and social media platforms.  If you're family friendly so many more opportunities are out there to work with brands once your social media accounts and traffic are large enough.  Use your creations as a portfolio to find something else.  Some can even launch their own small indie games.  Some game devs started out as modders.  

Hope this helps.