Love it or hate it, we’re getting a new sims 4 marketplace in the game very soon. See community reactions and have your say here.
^^^ Vote in the community poll above if only for catharsis.
I was just discussing this marketplace development with someone over on Bluesky.
Am I missing something???
EA will be taking 70% for what is essentially hosting and distribution. As a creator, you're going to be giving EA 70% of YOUR profit to host YOUR content. From what I understand, Patreon takes up to 12%? I don't think even sh*tty Spotify takes 70%. WTF? Seriously.
Now, VISIBILITY. Being featured on EA's storefront might help boost recognition, help some folks get more subscribers, ya ya ya...
All I hear is, "Hey, do this gig for free/less. Do it for the EXPOSURE!" Every working artist has heard some version of this old chestnut.
But here's the thing: DISCOVERABILITY IS NOT GUARANTEED! Will EA actively promote and support smaller creators? I think a few popular creators (not necessarily BETTER creators) will absolutely dominate the algorithm. Also, EA controls distribution, pricing, and visibility. Creators lose ownership. They're locked into the platform. They can't even cross-post their stuff (explain that to any subscribers- that they're going to have to pay extra to get the thing from the creator they already pay to support).
Also, since it'll be EA's platform, there will be creative restrictions. Think content guidelines. Less creativity, more uniformity.
Ultimately, this is EA going, "Look at this beautiful sh*t sandwich! You're gonna eat it and love it!" It's a hit to a modding community that grew over the years thanks to free sharing and creating. This feels like an admiring nod to permapaywallers; instead of enforcing their own terms against them, EA wants in on a slice of their pie.
