The life simulator game Palia is now available on Steam, coinciding with the release of patch 0.178 celebrating spring, introducing a new elemental temple, new flowers, and a roadmap for future development. Players can explore, garden, cook, and build in the peaceful world of Kilima Valley and Bahari Bay, while also befriending villagers and decorating their homes. Additionally, those who added Palia to their Steam wishlist can now enjoy the presence of a friendly giant frog named Frogbert in the game.
During a recent Behind the Sims stream, the team behind The Sims 5, known as Project Rene, showcased early prototypes of the highly-anticipated sequel. The stream revealed potential improvements in areas such as hair customization, lighting for building lots, and simplification of visual clutter during social interactions. The team also hinted at changes to how townie Sims will behave and navigate their homes. However, no release date was provided, and fans will have to wait for further updates on the progress of The Sims 5.
Jake Solomon, the designer behind XCOM, has left Firaxis Games after 23 years to start his own studio. Solomon wants to try something different from the turn-based genre where he made his name and is interested in creating a life simulator or simulation-style game. This could potentially put him in competition with The Sims 5, which is already facing competition from other life simulator games. Solomon's new studio doesn't have a name yet and he is still looking for funding.
Jake Solomon, former designer and director at Firaxis, plans to open a new studio and create a "systems-based game" that is more of a life simulator or simulation-style game. Solomon, who worked on XCOM 2 and Marvel's Midnight Suns, wants to move away from turn-based strategy games and focus on system design. He left Firaxis after two decades to pursue a new dream and is currently seeking funding to register an official name for his Baltimore-based studio.
