The Sims 4 is a 2014 social simulation game developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts. It is the fourth major title in The Sims series, and is the sequel to The Sims 3 (2009). Like previous titles in the series, The Sims 4 allows players to create and dress characters called "Sims", build and furnish houses for "Sims", and simulate their everyday lives. The game introduces a newly-developed custom game engine, with improved character creation and house-building tools, as well as deeper in-game simulation with the new emotion and personality systems for Sims.