For 26 years, the life-simulation genre has been largely synonymous with one name: The Sims. Created by Will Wright, the mastermind behind Sim City, EA’s virtual dollhouse franchise has blossomed into a billion empire, consistently releasing new games, expansion packs, and collaborations that have solidified its status among the top-selling video game franchises. However, the landscape is shifting as new contenders emerge, capturing the attention of even the most loyal fans of The Sims.
The latest and most promising challenger is Paralives, initially a solo endeavor by indie designer Alex Massé, who has since expanded his team of developers. Launched on Steam in May 2026 as an early access title, Paralives sold an impressive 250,000 copies within just eight hours. On its debut day, the game boasted a concurrent player count of 78,603, approaching The Sims 4’s peak of 96,328 players recorded in 2022. This remarkable success can be attributed, in part, to the recent controversy surrounding EA’s acquisition by a Saudi-backed consortium, prompting some players to seek what they perceive as a more ethical alternative. Yet, the game’s appeal extends beyond this context; its emphasis on creativity over realism resonates with players who cherish the whimsical charm that originally drew them to The Sims.
What is Paralives?
Paralives invites players to orchestrate a vibrant virtual world, managing the lives and homes of their simulated characters, known as Parafolk. This gameplay mirrors that of The Sims and its newer competitor, Inzoi. Players can create and fully customize their characters, adjusting everything from hair and skin tones to body shapes and heights, all without gender constraints. The game even allows for realistic features such as cellulite, freckles, and medical apparatus like hearing aids, showcasing a commendable breadth of representation and body inclusivity—especially when compared to Inzoi, which has faced criticism for its lack of diversity.
Once players have crafted their households, they can move their Parafolk into homes. Paralives stands out with its impressive building and decorating tools, not only for the variety of architectural styles and furnishings available but also for its user-friendly quality-of-life features. Unlike The Sims, where item placement can be restrictive, Paralives allows players to position objects almost anywhere, adjusting their dimensions to fit their creative vision. This includes editable items such as gravestones and doormats, as well as the ability to upload personal images into picture frames, enhancing the personalization aspect of the game.
However, the art and animation style of Paralives has sparked debate among players. Departing from the hyper-realistic approach of Inzoi, Paralives embraces a heavily shaded, comic-book aesthetic reminiscent of the animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. While this style may not appeal to everyone, it complements the game’s quirky design. The playful details—like the way characters butter bread or fry eggs, alongside whimsical elements such as secret town hall mazes and random meteor showers—evoke a sense of nostalgia for earlier iterations of The Sims, particularly The Sims 2 and The Sims 3, which have gradually lost some of their eccentric charm in recent releases.
Is Paralives an ethical alternative to The Sims?
The timing of Paralives’ early access release aligns perfectly with the current sentiments of life simulation enthusiasts. In 2025, EA announced a billion buyout deal involving private equity firm Silver Lake, investment firm Affinity Partners, and Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund. This acquisition sent shockwaves through The Sims community, particularly among players who value LGBTQ+ representation and are concerned about the implications of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record on the game’s content. Many players have expressed their discontent, leading to boycotts and frustrations over the perceived lack of meaningful content in recent expansion packs.
In stark contrast, Paralives is rooted in independent development, with a strong emphasis on community feedback and devoid of corporate influence. The project began in 2019 as a solo venture by designer Massé, funded through Patreon, where he garnered nearly ,000 monthly from around 9,000 supporters. Now, with a team of approximately 15 people, the game is priced at £33.50, with plans for additional downloadable content to be released as free updates. This roadmap includes features like changing seasons, customizable pets, and gardening—elements that are available in The Sims 4 but often come at a premium through expansion packs.
While Paralives may still be a work in progress, its community-driven ethos and whimsical design evoke a sense of nostalgia for a time when The Sims felt more like a shared experience among players. For those who miss the delightful absurdity of The Sims 2, it may be time to consider making the move to Paralives.
