The Resurrection of MySims: Cosy Nostalgia or Corporate Ploy?

EA bets on cosy vibes and nostalgia, but will the return of MySims warm our hearts or just our wallets?

In a gaming landscape where nostalgia sells, EA is dusting off the cobwebs of its once-beloved MySims franchise and reintroducing it to a new generation on the Nintendo Switch. Slated for a 19 November 2024 release, the MySims: Cozy Bundle promises a revamped experience of two fan-favourite titles: MySims and MySims Kingdom. But is this just another money-making scheme banking on our collective yearning for the past, or is it a genuinely exciting return for a series that never got its due?

For those who may have missed the original 2007 launch, MySims was a quaint, cartoonish spin-off of The Sims franchise. Unlike its more famous sibling, MySims eschewed the drama of suburban life for a more whimsical and approachable adventure. You, the player, are dropped into a dilapidated town and tasked with rebuilding it through a series of creative, child-friendly activities. Think of it as Animal Crossing’s lesser-known cousin—a simpler, more task-driven world where creativity is not just encouraged but required. MySims Kingdom, released shortly after, took the concept to a medieval fantasy setting, where players took on the role of a magic-wielding “Wandolier” to save a crumbling kingdom.

Fast forward to 2024, and EA’s decision to revive these titles is an intriguing one. For many, this is a comforting re-entry into a universe they once loved. The Cosy Bundle will feature Switch-optimised controls and a fresh graphical update, making it both a nostalgia trip for older fans and a viable option for younger players who never experienced the originals. In a market starved for new cosy games—particularly after the dormancy of Animal Crossing: New Horizons—MySims could carve out a niche for itself.

However, there’s something slightly cynical about this move. EA has dubbed the re-release as part of a “Retro Re-Release” label, a marketing strategy that feels more like a corporate buzzword than a heartfelt revival. Are we looking at the start of a trend where every half-forgotten franchise gets a polished reboot and slapped onto modern consoles? And at what point does this become less about celebrating beloved games and more about milking them dry?

The timing of this release, too, feels calculated. The bundle is set to drop just as the festive season kicks off, ensuring it lands on many a gift list. There’s nothing inherently wrong with that—gaming companies have always aimed for holiday releases—but it does add to the sense that this move is more about filling EA’s coffers than giving fans something they truly wanted. After all, the MySims franchise has been dormant for over a decade; why resurrect it now?

Yet, there’s also an argument to be made that this revival is a good thing. The gaming world has been saturated with intense, high-stakes experiences, from sprawling RPGs to hyper-realistic shooters. In that context, a return to the light-hearted, low-pressure world of MySims could be exactly what’s needed. With its emphasis on creativity and customisation, MySims offers a welcome break from the more demanding titles that dominate the market.

Moreover, for those who grew up with the original games, this bundle is more than just a re-release—it’s a chance to reconnect with a piece of their childhood. The nostalgia factor cannot be underestimated, especially when so much of today’s media consumption is driven by a longing for the past. Whether it’s a remastered movie, a rebooted TV show, or, in this case, a resurrected video game, there’s comfort in revisiting something familiar in an increasingly chaotic world.

In the end, the success of the MySims: Cozy Bundle will likely hinge on whether it can appeal to both its original audience and a new generation of players. If it manages to do so, EA may well have a hit on its hands. But if it’s merely a half-hearted attempt to cash in on nostalgia, it will likely fade back into obscurity as quickly as it re-emerged.

For now, we can only wait and see. The return of MySims is either a heartwarming blast from the past or a calculated move by a mega-corporation—but perhaps it can be a little bit of both. As gamers, we get to decide if we’re ready to welcome this cosy world back into our lives or if it’s better left as a fond memory.