Why we're making Paralives

I’ve played the entire sims franchise and it’ll always be close to my heart but it’s no secret that the quality of their games has gone down a lot in the last few years. I’m so excited to see a whole team of people dedicated to making a new simulation game that embraces all the good parts of simulation games and brings some fresh ideas to the table too. It’ll be nice to see Sims with some competition finally. L

My very first simulation was making towns, with my brothers match box cars, in our dirt driveway as a kid in the 1970s. I love building little towns 😃

Sherri Small

I played sims 1 since I was about 5 or 6 and that really got me into life simulation games! I also really enjoy roller coaster tycoon and sims 3. I honestly just love the feeling of creating stuff (custom content of not) and I really love how I can put a unique personality on it! It’s just endless things you can do! And I don’t know why, but creating sims makes me feel organized and in control, especially playing as myself. I’m very excited to play this game! It looks very fun and I love the details and things you can do that you can’t with the sims games. I also love how you guys are very passionate about making this and it just makes me want to play it even more! Thank you ❤️

Omg I forgot zoo tycoon!! Omg. Yes. That was the shizniz. Minecraft more recently since 2009ish. SimCity 2000 was also golden. Man. Reading these other comments is bringing back so many memories. ☺️

The Sims Deluxe edition was my first real computer game. I saved my lunch money up for weeks without telling my parents so I could order it though the book club magazines we had in literature class. I had all the expansions. I was the kid who was at Walmart at 12am when I new expansion came out. I had to ask if it was out yet multiple times. They always gave me a weird look and said idk let me look. Multiple times of them having to open a box because it wasn’t even on the shelves yet. I loved the build aspect the most and eventually learned to enjoy the sims themselves more. Sims 3 was probably my favorite aside from the glitchyness at times. Being able to customize as much as possible was incredible. I remember when sims 2 came and looking at the back of the box to realize I could build more than 2 stories...I may have cried tears of joy. It became an addiction. I HAD to have every expansion. I spent over $2000 between sims 2 and 3 on the online store. EA had me in their clutch. I was paying $1 for a door or window or couch. It’s ridiculous but somehow seemed worth it. My dad undated our computer just so I could play the new versions. Sims was life...then sims 4 happened and I haven’t looked back since. Same with SimCity. I wore out 3 and 4. Those were my go to for years. Then the latest one came out and it was garbage. Absolute garbage. And it’s like they don’t even care. It’s say really. I could tell you all the simulation/strategy games I’ve played over the years. Lately I feel like I’ve lost the creative side of myself and have little interest in games anymore. Maybe it’s cause I’m 30 now...but seeing this game has made me feel like the 12-13 year old kid opening that first sims game all over again. Man I can’t wait. I’m pumped guys!!!

My brother and I have loved games for as long as I can remember. (We used to play Lego Creator Harry Potter and Rollercoaster Tycoon 2 too!) I remember his friend came over with one of the best laptops at the time, and he had the sims 1 on it. Since they were playing the playstation, he let me play sims on his laptop and I became hooked. If I tried to list all the games we used to play, I'd be here forever, haha. (and I'd probably forget some- but animal crossing, sims and rollercoaster tycoon are the simulation games I played the most as a child) Seeing the develpment of Paralives gives me the same excited feelings I got the first time I saw the sims. The more I see of this game, the more excited I am for it's release! I just want to say thank you to guys for the hard work and for the love and attention you are giving this game.

I've been following you for a while now and am totally excited at the development of this game. I was having issues running the Sims on my computer and have given up on Windows. Now I'm with Linux and even though may not be able to play it, I am so Friggin happy to be apart of the crew to support the development of this awesome game!

Aquiona Russell

I´m absolutely amazed at the passion you guys have! And that makes us, the apassionated players, really excited for this project! I loved hearing your stories because you can tell how much you really care about making it right.. we´re always going to root for you and your passion guys! <3 because we´ve been huge fans of simulation games and want the best for this genre! xoxo

<3

Alex Massé

I keep going back to this post, thinking about how, within the Paralives team, there are gamers with very different play styles and tastes. There are so many more in the comments. It's hard to please everyone, and I don't think any game has ever accomplished that, but I think a life simulation game stands a chance to please a lot of people when they make room for different styles and tastes to express themselves, and most importantly, when that game allows itself to grow with its audience. I've been playing videogames since the early 90s (on of my first loves was Sim City 2000) and my tastes are both very defined (I want to BUILD goddammit :P ) and very fluctuating (a few years ago for the first time I started playing a game where I have to shoot things, Ark Survival Evolved, and it's become one of my favorites now). There are games that accompany me through that and there are games that I leave behind because they don't. Seeing all the different people who have things in common, but also very different styles and tastes, come together around Paralives, gives me a lot of hope. Thanks for this post.

ladyteruki

I have been playing The Sims since I was 8. Now, almost 20 years later, I've found myself gravitating more towards indie games-- Stardew Valley, Dead by Daylight, 7 Days to Die, My Time at Portia. I have put more time into these than I have some big name titles. When I first discovered Paralives, I instantly felt a connection. Like we have the same dreams when it comes to a simulation title. I have been so impressed with what your team has put together over the last year. At first, I was worried that it might be over-ambitious and didn't want to get my hopes up. But I love how transparent you've been throughout your development and it really seems like you're following through with your plans. This makes me want to support you all and your dreams of creating Paralives. I realized I'd much rather fund a smaller team that will produce a game that they really can put their souls into.

cindersanguine

OMG "...consistency in the universe, townies with a story, real personalities, rich lore and secrets to discover." YES PLEASE WE NEED DRAMA

When I was 7yo, I went to my dad's friend house and her daughter, 3 years older than me was playing The Sims. They showed me the game and told me "look, you can do anything, change everything, everyone, walk freely, anytime" and that... amazed me. I've always played games, since I learned how to talk! and even if it was not a life simulation game, I would love to wander around, roleplay, almost as I could turn any genre of game into a life simulator myself lol, so when I discovered The Sims, it felt like it was meant to me! >That< was what I've !always! wanted, what I was searching for. That happened 2007-2008 so I've been playing those games for quite a while now. That's why I'm so excited for Paralives!

I'm kinda young, still a teen, but I've also always loved simulation games. As a young kid, I always loved the dollhouse, and when I was seven, I was introduced to Animal Crossing Wild World on the DS. I played that game for a few years, until New Leaf came out and I HAD to have it. All the while, I also got into Minecraft, and started watching videos about The Sims 4, which I only got a few months ago. I found out about Paralives just this month and it is looking fantastic! No matter the price, I'll find a way to buy it when it comes out!

Sieben Starlight

I wish I have a Nintendo Switch

My first simulation game was Sims 1 i played a lot with my sister and her bestfriend, then i ask my father to buy all the packs from Sims 2 and he did and we loved everything about the Sims 2, then i ask my father too to buy all the packs from Sims 3 and he did and i loved everything about the sims 3 we played so much and came Sims 4 and mu father bought the Sims 4 and we played Sims 4 but we really didn't like it so much and now we only play Sims 2 and Sims 3 😅

Just wanted to say that y’all won me over by mentioning not only your love of The Sims, but Rollercoaster Tycoon and Zoo Tycoon. My top 3 favs of all time, so after reading this, I’m even more convinced that this game is going to be pure magic. Then I read this statement: “townies with a story, real personalities, rich lore and secrets to discover!“ and was crying tears of joy!!!

Simulation games are the first ones I really got into (SimAnt and SimFarm were on my school's computers). When The Sims came out I was totally in love and played that and Sims 2 for years. I loved the ways in which it could be any sort of game I wanted and got very into using it to help me with storytelling when I didn't want to sit down and write. The ways in which the world could play me just as much as I played it was fun. I wasn't as in love with Sims 3 though I loved the concept. I've always enjoyed how simulation games can be very basic on the surface but have enormous depth. I've always been eager for more life simulation games that provide that sort of framework and then let me play however I want within that framework. I was so excited to see Paralives shaping up in this fashion without the gimmicks that the Sims series gradually acquired over the course of the sequels and expansions (which have their place).

Clara Rose Elliott

I played all types of simulation games as a child, like Rollercoaster Tycoon, SimCities, even Thrillville on the Wii (that is a classic game of my childhood for sure). I never played the original Sims (maybe Bustin' Out, can't really remember), but I was 8 when I first got the Sims 2 Double Deluxe and Apartment Life. 2008. From then on, I was hooked. I got all expansions and most of the stuff packs. I also got it for PlayStation 2, and I got Sims 2 Pets for the Wii. I have a special place in my heart for Sims 2. In 2013, I switched to the Sims 3 finally, and I ended up getting all expansions for that game as well. While Sims 2 has a special place in my heart, Sims 3 was my favorite. Open worlds, traits, etc. was amazing to me. I was never hooked on Sims 4. I didn't get it until this past September when it was on Origin for free. Maybe one of the only things that intrigued me was emotions, but even those ended up being disappointing. It seems to lack in a lot of areas. And that's what makes me excited for Paralives is that you all are so dedicated and putting your absolute passion into this game, interested in what the consumers really want and have to say.

Lauren Belcher

I love simulation games because they are relaxing and fun! Simulations are nice because they can be played at a more relaxed pace. I started playing the sims as a kid when I saw it and begged my mom to buy it for me. I was probably 8 years old when I got it and was playing it on my family's home computer before we even had internet! lol!!!I loved that I could recreate real lives, and play with different lifestyles that I might never have any insight into. Seeing my sims live through their memories, and building a family tree. I've always wanted to be able to get nice family photos to put up on the walls so that they could be passed down for generations. I just loved how fun and chaotic it was. The sims has unfortunately lost a lot of the things I used to love! I miss the robbers, and the feeling of evolution from the sims to the sims 2. Sims 4 has ALWAYS felt like a step backwards.

Bree

I think I first started gaming with rollercoaster tycoon and zoo tycoon, then I bought sims 3 with some birthday money in 2009. I was hooked and only had base game for a while, I could spend over 5 hours a day on the sims when I wasn’t at school. I asked only for money for birthdays and Christmas (or for specific packs), I now own all but 3 stuff packs. I have all the packs for sims 4. I love creating sims and building and I’m so excited to utilise PAM and build in paralives!

Julia Samantha

Will there be room in paralives for your characters to have grittier personal stories? I'm finding that a big part of why I'm no longer enjoying the sims is that there's no room to explore trauma with my characters.

Luciana Keil

Thank you for sharing this with us !

For me it was a way to escape my life and tell the story I've always wanted. loving parents annoying siblings to play with and learn from. It was the therapy I needed to survive my childhood. Thank you for making a game that allows others to heal from a hurt place

Antwionette Sexton

Hehe, thank you!

Alex Massé

I got hooked on simulation games from playing Simcity 3000—released almost a year before the first Sims game came out. Back then we didn't have internet at home, so I didn't discover Sims up until late 2001. I've always been an architecture nut as a kid, and I'd often make floor plans and drawings of houses as a kid. Simcity opened me to designing public living spaces, and I got so hooked I had graph paper notebooks filled with maps and sketches of how to layout my cities. I'd always fantasize about being able to "zoom in" to a house level though, and really wanted to get to design individual houses as well. Come Sims (1) those graph notebooks were filled with house plans. It was easy to sketch then because one tile = one item. There were a lot of things I wanted to do but wasn't able to do—placing objects on diagonal walls, multiple floor heights, visiting other houses in the neighborhood—but boy I was hooked. And customizing wall paint and floor titles were kind of easy to do in the first game too, so I made lots of custom stuff just for the game. Good times.

i am so excited i stumbled upon this game! it looks amazing and cant wait to see it develop and grow.... it think its going to blow the sims out of the water

I have always loved dollhouses. When The Sims came out, I was so excited! It was a LIVING dollhouse! After playing the first one, I was addicted. When I found out there was a SECOND ine, I became more excited! Every time they have come out with new Base Games, Expansions, Game Packs, and Stuff Packs, I get excited. Now, I am just anxious ( but want you all to really take your time and get it right) about playing!

Léa's character is too cute

Jacob✨

You're so cute as a kid Alex haha

Maddy

OMG I love this image from Animal Crossing! <3

I think we all have a great story to tell about this type of games I discovered the sims in 2011 was going through a depression is amazing what a game can do

I grew up in the 90s playing PlayStation, I was born in 90’ the best decade to be a child ever. And had been playing video games for years already when I started playing the sims in 2000. I was at Kmart (oh how I miss that store) and saw it on the shelves and being the spoiled brat I was and still am , my grandparents bought it for me . Here I am still interested in Sandbox games .

Meby I should continue....The sims 2 brought me a lot of joy and gameplay and of couse CC because my simmers had to be anatomically correct. In sims 3 i build a lot, and made worlds. I especially loved one wold og my own..a big one with wide open spaces...and not made finish, so I could create whatever I wantet in it. I have always lovedes the wide open spaces..så sims 4 was a big disappointment in that direction.

Bodil Bührmann

Des bisous de France !

Well The sims was an eyeobener for me. I got an old windows 95 from my sister and that was my fist computer. I remember I parted it because I was curious..I always managed to reassemble it again. Then someone told me about sims 1, and I knew I had to get a new computer...alone with 2 kids it was a costly thing to buy such in 2000 . I took a PC driverlicense an that really interrested me. I was completly hook when I played the sim 1. I learned to make wallpapers and clothes to the sims. When the sims 2 came it was a must have to get my 56kb modem...and that opened up a whole new world. WWW. I spend half of my time playing and half of my time surfing the internet and the hundreds of sites with interesting things to sims 2. I lerned about software..win Zip and a whole lot of other stuf. Today I can thank the sims for all that I know about computers. And a computer is still the mainstation in my house. I almost build them myselves...I prefere it that way! And im excited about the future and paralives in it...so thanks for working on that!

Bodil Bührmann

It’s really great to know that you guys have that amount of dedication and feel so strongly about simulation games. I definitely can relate, especially to Léa being glued to the computer with her bff. I started playing simulation games with the Sims 2 once it came out, it was definitely too early for my age, since I am a 2000s baby and I was about 4. My bff, who was two years older, got the game for her computer (I didn’t own one yet, obviously). Her and I would spend hours playing together at her place. My first own game that I got was the Sims 3 of which I had 3 PC base games, one for Wii and one for my Nintendo. Yep, you could say I was hooked on that game hahahahaha My mom was always worried about me playing the Sims because I would get too attached to the characters 😅 Now, I own the Sims 4 with almost all of the DLCs and I am pretty disappointed, not gonna lie. I have not a lot to say about that game. BUT I heard of Paralives and was pretty surprised to learn about a new simulation game on the horizon. I think you guys are doing a great work and I can’t wait to hear more updates. No rush though, take your time and I hope you’re staying safe and sane during these times :)

That was lovely to read, thanks! I can totally relate to Roxane with the plasticine and barbies. I started playing the first Sims when I was about 8, my older sisters had it on their computer. I had a bit of a rough childhood and had trouble socialising with others so The Sims became (and still is!) a bit of an addiction, although not a bad one in my opinion :P I also played Habbo Hotel when I was younger, I loved that game! There's something really special about customising your characters and your house/town, then playing out a life that you create. It's like an escape for me. But I love that it never feels unproductive like some other games because I'm always creating and thinking of new ideas! Lately I've been making Harry Potter and Charmed characters in the Sims 4, that look exactly like the real ones. I've been filling the towns with witches and fairies (with CC). I can't wait to see what Paralives will be like, and whether there will be any supernatural elements to it!

Happy to hear about the passion, inspiration and the really well rounded vision you all have for the game! I'm a huge fan of where you guys are heading and I'm excited to see Paralives in its glory when it's ready. I could relate so much to all of your individual stories and love for simulation game. I too wanted to become a game developer, and in the end, I chose Data Science as my path, but I wouldn't have reached that if it wasn't for the Sims. I still remember my dad telling me how he recognised my passion when I was in 9th grade and started saving up for uni. 3 years later I flew across oceans to attend college in the US. Such a huge ripple effect for what regular people would say "just a video game" xD

Divya Rustagi

The picture of all of you in animal crossing is just too cute! I absolutely love the bond that you all have ❤️. What drew me to simulation games was the endless possibilities to create a world of my own! Growing up I was a shy child always buried in books and daydreaming of stories to write. When I was introduced to sims 2 by my mom I was hooked! My favorite thing to do was film stories using the sims. I was very much into machinima, designing my own sets, styling characters and bringing the stories in my head to life! When I wasn’t creating my own my favorite thing to do was watch other content creators sims 2 series. My FAVORITE was a series called Venin abyss which funny enough the creator recently turned it into a book!

Simmons

For as long as I can remember, I've always been a frustrated interior designer. Not really big on architecture and stuff, but interior design has always been my passion. So when I got introduced to The Sims, I was in heaven! That was way back in 2000. A co-worker was the one who introduced it to me. He even let me take home his laptop so I could play it. (Such a sweet guy) After that, I was hooked. Got my own computer, installed it, and played it until the wee hours of the morning. I was really addicted to the game. Twenty years later, I'm still playing the game. Although I find Sims 4 lacking SO much in terms of gameplay and a lot of other things. I even wanted to learn how to do mods and stuff but I guess I'm just not cut out for that. :P Anyway, really happy to learn more about the creators and to know that you guys are super passionate about what you do. That's what's lacking with EA right now: passion and vision. I keep wishing for Paralives to be released soon 'cause even though I have all the Sims 4 packs to date, it still feels so empty. I'm rooting for you guys. More power to you ✊

Thanks for sharing, I'm really excited that I can see all the creative process of this beautiful project.

As a child, other then paint, we only had jump'n run games or puzzle games on the computer until the sims 3 were already a few years in. And from TS3 we also only got the base game. Before I had that I played with barbies a lot (with friends, siblings or alone), recreating tv series or telling my own stories. my mom said, she was always surprised when she found me playing alone, because it sounded like at least 3 kids playing together. When I finally finished school, got a job, a decent computer and still money to spare the Sims 4 was already out 2 years. That's when I got it and since then nearly all the DLCs (except the last, bought nearly everything as bundle). When I met my boyfriend, he introduced me to RPGs (namely the Final Fantasy Series) and we still like to play FF14 together (or separatly, if the other wants to do something else). Although lately I've been mostly seizing my boyfriend's Nintendo Switch to play Animal Crossing New Horizons and occassionaly building and refurnishing things in TS4.

In my case, I started playing simulation video games since I was a smol bean. I remember that the first one was The Sims, the very old ones, and I was probably 5 years old, when my father got his first laptop. But The Sims 2 were already a thing so when I asked for it and my parents gave it to me as a present, the difference between them shook me to the core and from that moment I knew that I loved to create stories.

Laura Candil

I'm an animation student and I plan to use your game to learn more about 3D modeling through custom content. I'm so excited and this game is overall perfection, thank you all for your amazing drive and hard work.

What I really love about lfe simulation games is the oppurtunity no other genre give you, at least to such a great extend: not only to create your own character, but to create their own story as well. To give them lives so much different from your own but making you connect with them so much, because sometimes these characters are like children to you. This may sound pretty cheesy, but those games got me through quite a few rough times because they were both a distraction and also a way to express my emotions and learn how to deal with them/how certain situations can be dealt with. But the second big point of why I love life simulations is the ability to create extraordinary characters with unique and crazy backstories. Playing a 'normal' day to day life can get quite boring sometimes but being able to let your character travel through time or even interact with OCCULT BEINGS (caps bc PLEAAASE INCLUDE THEM AT SOME POINT) is both really funny to watch and also really exciting. Life sims let you create your own characters and explore new worlds through their eyes, so I guess that's why the community love deep characters, backstories and open and unique worlds so much. Sorry for the looooong message, I just feel like you really care and that makes me feel safe about expressing my own passion for this genre. Xx

Weeeh123

This message really touched my inner child who also wanted to create my own life simulation game due to my love for the Sims and also my TONS of ideas to make it an even better game (at least in my eyes haha).

Weeeh123

Thank you for sharing ☺️. This is what is great about indie projects. They're driven by passion and love!

:D <3

Alex Massé

I played Sims 1, 2, 3 and now 4, and I also played Roller Coaster Tycoon and Zoo Tycoon. I'm glad to know so many others who did as well! I was definitely the odd one out in my family (I have one brother who used to play Roller Coaster Tycoon, but that's it).

Alani Mason-Callaway

Alex your first paragraph practically describes my childhood 👀😆

Love knowing more about the creators! I can see where your passions come from! Great stuff. ✨

And here I thought you were making Paralives to put EA in it's place... Thanks for all your hard work and dedication, I will be buying 2 copies when the game is released.

AlasdairPlays

This is so amazing, your first experience with The Sims is almost the same as mine!! 😃🙌

Thank you for sharing this special part of yourselves :) I got into simulation games when I was 10 years old, through a friend who had a copy of The Sims 2 (which is still my favorite of all) . I immidiately fell in love with it and the idea of it and since then I never stopped playing The Sims franchice plus some other simulation games like Sim City, Zoo Tycoon and such. Cannot wait for the parafolks reveal <3

I just pledged and I just want to say I look forward to what you guys do with this game. It’s obvious you’re all very passionate about it. Thank you. :)

The fact that youre a passionate developer who is creating the video game that you would want to play already blows all other game developers out of the water! EA could NEVER

Hanna

I really enjoyed reading about each of your passion for stimulation games. Like you I have a love for stimulation games. My gaming love started with Sims 1 because it let me build like I did with my Barbies only less mess to clean up and I could make my Sims lives as good or bad as I liked lol. My aunt gifted me all parts to Sims 1 and I was so happy. Then Sims 2 came and I got all the parts plus cc to make the best game ever. I would play after work and after putting my daughter to bed lol I would be so tired the next day but I was hooked. I got Sims for PlayStation as well. I love building and dressing my Sims but the most fun was the stories I made for their lives. Sims 3 was my 2nd fav, 2 was my 1st fav. I even gave ps3 Sims 3 2nd place too. I love the open world and driving. Didn't think I would miss driving as much as I do with Sims 4. I like 4 but not like 3. I look forward to Paralives because you care about gameplay and I can't wait to play. Thank you for making this game ❤️

Rachel Boyd

Thanks for sharing your stories you three, they were a joy to read. :) What a cute little kidlet you were Alex. ;) (I think you're probably about the same age as me. :p ) Lea your childhood sounds very much like mine! Although my husband was the Fable fan. ;) Keep up the great work!!! This let's me know just how passionate you all are about this project and how you're willing to listen to the fans because you've been fans of similar games yourself. I can't WAIT to see the Parafolks! <3

Keep up with your dreams and your amazing talents. You are a wonderful talented team and we love you ❤️👏🏻

Becky

Home computers hadn't been invented, yet, when I was born 55 years ago, so there were no computer games for me as a small child. However, I had the requisite Barbie dolls, then later my sister and I got a dollhouse. She wasn't interested in it, so I took it. It was my favorite toy. I played with that thing for hours and hours! In fact, I even recreated the house and people in The Sims 4! When I was in 8th grade, personal computers started coming on the scene, and I took a class. I used to love to play Oregon Trail on the teletype (you young people will have to Google that), logging in to the mainframe that ran the game, then waiting for the printer to print out the questions and responses to my actions. I never touched a computer or arcade game again, and even though my first date with my husband was at a video arcade attached to a mall, I left to go shopping, instead. He was a huge computer geek (still is, and works in IT as his career), and built his first computer himself. Then we got a Commodore 64, and there were some fun games to play on it, but it still didn't hold my attention. Of course, as time went on computers got more and more sophisticated, and we replaced ours to keep up. Then one day in 2000 when I was 35 years old (my husband now regrets this) he bought me The Sims. He had read about it in a magazine or something, and thought it would be a nifty little thing, along the lines of the C64 game we used to have called "Little Computer People". That was it for me. I've been an addict ever since (although TS4 had almost destroyed that for me for reasons too long to go into here). It was a virtual version of my favorite childhood toy, the dollhouse. My kids each had their own computers, and their own copies of The Sims, too, growing up. The only one not interested was the computer geek that sent me down the road of PC gaming (ironically, he no longer plays games, anymore) where I love simulators, city builders and *some* RPGs.

Maiden Minnesota

First off I hope the three of you are keeping yourselves safe. I really enjoyed hearing a little bit about each of you and was able to identify with something from each of you. While I consider myself a creative old lady the idea of creating computer games just boggles my mine. If I didn't know how to reboot my computer I'd be lost :) Be safe.

It's always so wonderful to learn more about this amazing team! Thank you guys for sharing.

That was wholesome and awesome! Thanks Alex, Léa and Roxane

h2o Queen

i started with the sims when i was around 7 and have been obsessed since then. the sims made me realize my passion for interior design, id spend hours decorating and remodeling houses, and is what made me want to pursue it as a career. i actually just got accepted into an interior design uni! also the passion you guys have is very evident and it shows in the game so far.. always the key ingredient to making something amazing :)

Luciana

I am very excited to see the rest of what you three create. Being the middle child of three, my oldest sister was a huge girly kind where she never cared for video games. My mom had bought a copy of the deluxe video games and somehow at 7 years old where I dont even think I could read I was so addicted. The Sims for console was actually one of my fave console games because it was like a challenge to get to the next level. I look forward to what all your talents can do. I, myself am currently trying to make it out in the gaming industry but I am from a small town and its been hard trying to get out of here with everything going. I hope my day comes soon to make the plunge and get out to Montreal or Van city and see what the gaming world can offer. Stay safe guys, thanks for sharing with us and I am looking forward to what's in store for the parafuture.

Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful stories, I’m so happy to be able to support this extraordinary team. I started playing sims 1 when I was 8 years old, before that I would spend hours playing barbies with my friends (neighbors), I had a low immune system so I couldn’t run or play sports like other kids. I enjoyed making up crazy stories and building houses, we didn’t have barbie’s actual house, so we would use random things In our house to play pretend. Some days we would spend hours “building” the house (layout) that when we actually finished it was already dinner time n my friends would have to leave, so we could only play out the actual story the next day. But then my friends moved towns, I was so sad we couldn’t play anymore, so I had to go back to playing by myself . When I discovered the sims I was so excited, I didn’t feel alone anymore and all the characters had somewhat free will and would interact with my pretend self sims lol, I’ve been a fan ever since, I would always save from my lunch money until I could buy the packs, collecting all through out as they came, sims 1, 2, 3, 4. Had countless hours of fun, still do. I’m 28 now & hold them dear to my heart, even play along with my husband (I got him into it). We both have Paralives on our steam wishlist and can’t wait! Seeing all your process and being part of this community already makes Paralives so deep and personal, Thank you. Keep up the great work, and please be safe. ❤️

Genelle Mosquera

I started playing the sims on my brothers ps2 and naturally I was hooked. My brother continued to buy sims games for every console they came for, and I would literally spend hours playing and making unique stories for all my sims. Then I got sims 4 for pc and even with its certain drawbacks I still played for hours and hours. My love for simulation games is deep and I am so excited to support you guys on this amazing project for our community. Happy Developing!

I think that’s amazing, I love you guys and can’t wait to see what paralives gets to be behind such an awesome team!

I started playing the sims 3 because that was the latest sims game at the time. And then a year after the sims 4 was released I started playing that. I also played sims 2 before sims 4. I still love playing the sims and I also love stardew valley. I just love the romance combined with farming and being able to do whatever you want with just one computer program.

Lèa, if you enjoy the Witcher and games if that find, you’ll LOVE Kingdom Come Deliverance. It has such a realist aspect to it. It’s on the Game Pass if you wanna give it a try. I cannot wait for this game to come out. I’m bursting at the seams!! ❤️❤️

Krista Allen

Thank you for sharing your stories with us! I've been reading people's comments on here too and love that we all have similar experiences with simulation games. The first computer game I played was when I was 9 years old at a friend's house. She would play the Sims on her older brother's computer, and I we would make her sims kiss and we'd giggle and get scared whenever we thought we heard someone coming home! After that, I got my mom to buy me the sims and zoo tycoon. Now with the quarantine, my sister and I have found our old cds and have been playing sims 2 together! She's been getting annoyed with me, but I can't stop talking about paralives, and how much we're gonna play it when it comes out xD. Even if we're all moved out by then, we're going to have our game nights like we're kids again. I'd really forgotten how much joy these types of games gave me until I saw someone share the video of Maggie's loft. Thank you guys for bringing these memories back!

aza

beautiful read <3 thank you guys!

Zinck

Thank you for sharing with us!! Sounds a lot like my childhood TBH! I want to get into programming eventually too. Wish I had learned some when I was learning HTML back in high school. I love Animal Crossing so much too - that pic of you all is adorable! Stay safe <3

This post is amazing, thank you guys for sharing your stories with us! They give more depth to the great work you're doing, I can't be more excited to see the game now!

Francesca V.

We love you too ! :D

Léa (Paralives 3D Artist)

I remember the first game i ever really loved was sims 2 on pc. my mom had a bunch of random game cd’s and i decided that sims looked interesting so i put it into the computer and was instantly hooked. I have vivid memories of playing as Angela Pleasant and having her first kiss with Dustin! Also playing as Cassandra Goth getting left at the alter every time by Don Lothario. I was hooked on the sims and my mom got me a bunch of other sims games like the sims 2 for PSP and the sims 2 castaway on PSP. During quarantine i’ve been trying to find more simulation games that scratch my itch which is why paralives is so intriguing to me. :)

Thank you for sharing your story, it brought tears to my eyes! I wish you many hours of fun on Paralives!

Léa (Paralives 3D Artist)

We love you, guys💙

Em Cottone

all of your stories are so relatable & because of that i know u guys are gonna make an outstanding game :) i got into life simulation games thru the sims like most people. i grew up playing barbies with my childhood best friend & i loved being able to create new worlds and characters with her. eventually we grew out of it and she showed me the sims! soon we transitioned from running straight upstairs to her dolls to running straight downstairs to her dads computer as soon as i got there. we would take turns creating sims & playing while the other watched intently and made suggestions. i remember when i finally got a copy for myself we tried setting it up on our crappy windows xp computer. it didn’t work and i was beyond sad, but fortunately for me my grandpa no longer needed his laptop and thus began my journey. although we grew apart i still have such a huge love for life simulations & everytime i open the sims i think of her :)

katdiane

I played sims through my parents. I got hooked, constantly begging them to play. Until I was on my own. I had the freedom to do it and I played even more. So much it would make my brain hurt from all the stimulation. lol I always wanted to create a simulation game, but felt I never had the smarts to do it. So I use my imagination and creativity to write my novel and now I am almost published. Dreams are so important and when those dreams come to life, a deep satisfaction from within is released because you know people get to enjoy it as much as you did creating it! I intend on pushing Alex, Roxane, and Lea for a para-zombie mode in Paralives...future speaking! No, not like sims zombies where they just walk around but an actual para-zombie mode, where you work to survive with having to deal with the dead. Ya'll can imagine it:D Ah, would be so awesome!

All of these stories were so nice to read! It's so great to see really creative and passionate people behind this project. But I especially connect with Léa! Her love of story writing and lore and choice games match mine! Being able to create and take hold of stories has always been a passion of mine. I can't wait to see what Paralives lore brings to the table. Thank you so much guys for creating this game that'll truly make you feel like a storyteller and creator!

Thank you guys for making this game! I love it already.

That is so awesome! (Adhd) so I can relate to a certain bit. (And it's true) a world where you actually know what's going on

Kiiiwiii

I loved playing with Barbies all. Day. Long. Then I discovered the game Sims 1 and I was hooked then 2 came out and I had dreams of buying this game. When it finally came true I was in love all over again THEY HAD PLAYABLE BABYS 👶 then sims 3 i looooved the open world and and cars and horses 😍 needless to say how exited i was when sims 4 came out. And how disappointed I was that the baby's are objects and in the beginning there weren't even toddlers 😡 when I first heard of Paralives i got so so so excited and the more I read the more I get excited. Please make the baby's playable thats one of the most important things for me in a game

these were so nice to read! i'm the youngest sibling so i discovered life simulation games watching my sister play the sims and the sims 2 on our family computer, but was unfortunately too young to properly play myself. even so, i loved taking out a notepad and drawing up characters and stories for them. something i still do to this very day. eventually i got old enough to play the sims 2 and 3 and 4 this fixation to create characters and give them stories transported to these games. being able to make your own characters and influence their lives was such a magical feeling, but i always felt like it could be so much more. so seeing the paralives team also want to create a more in-depth game is very exciting and why i look forward to the game's development!

I think it was either The Sims or Zoo tycoon. I've aaaaaaaallllwwaaayys been a fan of animals (dream job besides what you guys do) the building your own zoo and just looking at the animals mesmarized (not native in english). But the graphic wasn't the best so immediatly when they started making custom content for zoo tycoon 2. I was there, every day, every free hour I had!. And ofc playing sims! (But got tired of all the fixed you had to do to be able to play with custom content). So a game called planet zoo was released, and boy oh boy. They tried mixing the building with animals. Holy lord, my favorite type of game! Now I am waiting for your game since I already can tell that you think alot about costum content, diversity, customazing and I really hope, from the bottom of my heart, that the animals you make will be just as the parafolk! (Please make more than cats and dogs). I am soo exited for your game and to be able to build my dream community! I will be waiting (kind of patiently) ;). All the best to you guys!

Kiiiwiii

Yes, we're from Montréal :D <3

Alex Massé

Such a wholesome post! You guys are amazing and I'm glad you're working so hard towards this game! It's gonna be great!

You three are such match makes in heaven, for this game. Each one of you bring amazing qualities that in the end - I have no doubt - will show an out of this world result! You all seem so down to earth and kind, wich makes it so easy to want to support everything you guys do. I’ve never been much into gaming, other than the sims. I started as 10 years old, sitting beside my three year older sister while she played “livin it up”. I remember she accidently had installed the game with dutch language (wich I don’t speak. Like. At all.) i asked her if I could try, but she continiously said no, as I would probably fuck up her family, but at last she approved. And what happend? I burnt the kotchen to the ground. Couldn’t for the life of me figure out wich option would put out the fire, as everything was in dutch. My sister screaming beside me, and me having a total heart attach while crying my lungs out pf pure panic! 😂😂 anywys, my sister lost the sims interest pretty quickly, but I became obsessed for the following years. I reconnected to my best friend after sims 2 just launched, as she had bought the game, and I still couldn’t afford it. So I sat at her hous watching her play for hooooours! Eventually I bought my own, and all of our free time was spent on sims. Countless of times, crying from laugther together as we made up the most fucked up stories together and countless of frustrating moments, as our games crashed, and we hadn’t saved for three hours (stupid) 😂. Wonderful times. My friend and I have played sims 1,2,3 and 4 together sonce then. Both of us are mums now, so we don’t have so much time anymore. But I actually told her about Paralives, and she instantly put it on her wishlist on steam. I can’t wait for her to show up on my doorstep with her laptop, and us sitting side by side playing paralives! Keep up the amazing work, and you can count on us, buying this game! 😍😍

Barbara

I’ve always loved making up stories ever since I was little. I started writing them as a kid and my sister and I would create whole cities with our toys as characters with rich backgrounds and the furniture as the buildings. I watched my older cousin play Sims 1, perplexed by everything. Then my mum got the Sims 2 after it came out and I got hooked. Just like every other game that allowed me the slightest freedom of customisation. It became an outlet for self expression. I love seeing what you’re doing with this game and I’m so happy to support such a passion project.

Lorena Santos

Wow, so much your stories relates to my own fond early gaming memories!

Melissa Toothman

This is so cute ! And if I remember correctly, I've heard you are from Montréal? I'm from there also. Just makes me.so happy to see someone from this place making such a great game and enjoying it. ❤❤❤ It's really refreshing.

Joanie Boissonneault

I discovered the Sims franchise through my dad. We started playing Sims 3 together and it created some of my most vivid memories (like the time I bought our sim a hover-bed instead of a youth potion and he immediately died of old age before he even got to sleep in the bed). I then got the game for myself and played constantly throughout middle school. I like to think I made some pretty cool builds, and I definitely fell in love with a few of my sims for life — I miss them a lot. The summer before my first year of high school, Sims 3 stopped working on my computer. It was about 10 years old, to be fair, and had almost no memory. So I got Sims 4, and I've been playing it ever since. I'm currently a junior in high school, so the franchise has been a huge part of my life for about 6 years. Sims 3 will always have a soft spot in my heart, and I hope I can someday get it working again. Even so, I have never been so excited for a game as I am for Paralives. I absolutely adore what you guys are doing and I admire your dedication and willingness to listen to the community <3

paleio

What an adorable picture! Thank you all for sharing your stories. I'm so old that I barely remember where it all started for me! It was more than likely Sim City or Civilization genres.

Maggie

I started playing simulation games with Sim City 3k Unlimited and Sims 1, when Livin' Large first came out. My boyfriend (now husband) had a pc in his apartment, and I'd go over there on days after class when I was off work and play. We created our simselves and he built us a [hideous] adorable house, and we had 2 kids! It gave us a unique pastime to enjoy together (and I learned that he'd always be tight with money, hah). The game could take me to so many places, all of these backstories to tell, so many possibilities - since childhood, I always had a passion for creating backstories and fleshed-out worlds. As a little girl I played with dolls AND GI Joes, and Sims was like this marriage of different worlds, where there was no "right" way to play, or gendered way to play. Sims 2 and 3 just expanded on my storytelling options and gave me the courage to actually create real (amateur) fiction stories and digital art projects with my sims. Even though I started playing as a very young adult, I've grown up with simulation games, and a little later rpg's. It's been a significant part of my life for 20 years, and while I have a tolerate/hate relationship with Sims 4, I feel like Paralives will make up for that, and be a continuation of this love I have for simulation games. I'm so excited!

Eliason

Love read your stories!! I began playing Sims 1 when I was 15 years old (my parents bought me my first PC). Inmediately all I want for Xmas and bdays was sims games. Then I discovered Black&White, Roller Coaster Tycoon and Animal Crossing series. With faster Internet I was able to play more online games like WOW, StarSraft, Dofus (games with a good an rich stories). This words represents me and now I'm more excited to play this game: "I'm simply making Paralives for myself and for everyone who are passionate about this kind of games". PS: sorry my English...

Thank you for sharing your stories with us!

Earl Grey

Awww...you guys are the best! Keep up the amazing work!

Jake Sae-Tern

Omg you got cherries! I'm jealous. 😟

Thanks guys!! Keep it up~ looking forward to the game!! ^^

DARUNNI

My parents never really bought games for me but they did my older brother, my first game was Pokémon Sapphire, from then I’ve been hooked on games. I always tended to lean toward simulation games - any type of game where there is a story and customization. When I was old enough to get allowances and earn money through chores around the house I would always buy myself games and I liked making my characters work hard for their earnings too! I really appreciate underdogs and people who aren’t afraid to chase their dreams! I have big goals myself and that’s why I’ve been supporting you guys! Much luck and continued success to you guys!

Joanna Hinds

Amazing! Thank you for sharing this with us. That’s very interesting and fun!

I was 5 didn't understand English ( only language sim 1 had) and I found out how to play through trial and error, I eventually became quite fluent in English as you can see through those games and I liked it, as an autistic child who didn't know that she was autistic giving me this one thing that I had control over felt amazing

Béatrice Robidoux

You're the purest souls in the world omg

Víctor Fernández García

Thank you all so much for sharing that - like someone else said, it does feel good to be supporting this team. Thank you guys, I absolutely cannot WAIT to see what all of your creativity gives rise to!

Eliason

This is adorable. Thank you so much for letting us be a part of this journey. Sending good vibes your way ❤️❤️❤️

Thank you for sharing this with us! It really makes me more excited about Paralives as reading what you all feel and want makes your hard work super genuine

Thank you so much for sharing with us. The love and passion you’re all putting into Paralives is the main reason I’m so excited for it, I can tell it’s going to be a truly wonderful game. I can’t wait to see what you do.

Thank you for what you’re doing! Dedicated and ambitious Team

This so sweet and genuine! We love what you're all doing 💕

NHFoodie

Very inspirational how you all can take your childhood love for simulation game’s and progress and utilise that into creating such an in depth and quality simulation game. A really awesome set of creators!

Aww what a beautiful and amazing story and background of you all. Very happy to be part of hearing this and most importantly supporting you all! Thankyou for sharing Alex, Roxanne and Lèa 🥰👏🏻❤️ I’m a big fan of the sims and played it since sims 1, I always enjoyed the randomness and the open worlds in sims 3, but the in depth in sims 2 😁. Im also a big fan of zoo tycoon and have been playing Planet Zoo atm, along with the elder scrolls series. But to even see you play Animal crossing horizons is even better! I love that game too and that is what is keeping me sane right now! So I’m very happy to be a patreon. 💝

Becky

It is so nice to see how much passion you guys are brining to this ❤ also love the baby picture, too freaking cute!

Haley

So happy to be supporting such a great little team of people. Stay safe guys, wishing you all the best. Cannot wait to see more updates in the future. Much love ❤️❤️

HauntedMinistry

This is really nice! I’m glad to hear more about this and about you guys

Garst

Dream team!

Queen Alyssa