The Sims 4 Adds Virtual Currency

The new marketplace is set to launch on March 17, 2026, for PC and Mac, with a console release on PlayStation and Xbox scheduled for the coming months. This marks the first time console players will have official access to custom content. Aspiring creators could apply to the "Maker" program starting March 5, but they must be at least 18, proficient in English, and pass a technical evaluation of their work. Creators, dubbed "Makers," will receive approximately 30% of the revenue from their sales. For example, for every 100 Moola a player spends on a creator's content, the creator earns about $0.30 USD. This 70/30 revenue split in favor of EA has drawn criticism from some parts of the community. The virtual currency, Moola, must be purchased with real money and cannot be earned in-game. Prices for Moola packages range from 200 Moola for $2.49 to 5,500 Moola for $49.99. While creator-made "Maker Packs" and official "Kits" will require Moola for purchase, other content like Expansion, Game, and Stuff Packs will still be bought with standard currency. This move represents an evolution of EA's strategy, which previously included co-developing "Kits" with community creators. Historically, charging for mods has been against The Sims' terms of service, though unofficial monetization through platforms like Patreon has been common. EA has stated that free custom content distributed outside the official marketplace will still be allowed. The announcement has been met with mixed reactions. While some console players are excited about gaining access to custom content, many PC players have expressed concerns about the introduction of another layer of microtransactions to a game already heavy with paid DLC. The structure is reminiscent of The Sims 3's "Store," which also utilized a virtual currency system.