If you've been eagerly anticipating The Sims 5, here's a related surprise that might pique your interest—especially if you're in Australia, where it's already available. It’s not the full-fledged sequel you’ve been dreaming of, but rather a new mobile-based entry in the franchise currently in its playtest phase. The game is called The Sims Labs: Town Stories.

This title marks the latest addition to The Sims family, though it may not be exactly what fans are hoping for. As part of EA’s broader Sims Labs initiative launched last August, Town Stories serves as a creative testing ground for new gameplay mechanics and features that could potentially shape the future of the franchise.

At the moment, you can find a listing for the game on Google Play, although it’s not yet open for public download. To participate, you must sign up via EA’s official Sims Labs website. Please note, access is currently limited to players in Australia.

What’s Happening Inside The Sims Labs: Town Stories?

As soon as word got out about the game, reactions started pouring in—many of them critical. On forums like Reddit, some players expressed disappointment regarding the current visual quality and overall aesthetics. Concerns were raised that this could be another mobile title packed with aggressive monetization tactics like microtransactions.

In terms of gameplay, Town Stories blends classic Sims-style neighborhood building with engaging, character-driven narratives. You’ll design your ideal town, assist residents with their personal quests, advance your Sims’ careers, and discover hidden secrets within the world of Plumbrook.

Based on early screenshots and video clips shared by content creators, the game doesn’t appear to stray far from previous entries in the series—at least visually. However, since it's designed as an experimental platform for EA, it’s likely they’re using this space to test ideas that may mature over time.

Whether you're curious or cautiously optimistic, [ttpp] gives you something to explore while we wait for more news on the horizon. And don’t forget to check out our coverage of Shop Titans’ Halloween Celebration for all the spooky rewards waiting inside!