The Sims FreePlay is a mobile video game where players create and manage their own virtual characters, known as Sims.

Released in 2011 and still available on iOS and Android devices, this virtual town and story builder is free to play, but users are able to purchase in-game items with real money to speed up progress or unlock additional features. If you have over 1GB of spare memory on your phone, download the game and see why The Sims FreePlay scores 4.5 out of 5 in the App Store and remains in the top ten of the Free Apps Charts.

David Hesmondhalgh argued companies involved in the cultural industries, such as EA, were just like any other business who wanted to minimise risk and maximise profit. The Sims FreePlay follows the freemium business model – a strategy commonly used in the media industry to attract users to try the product or service. The basic version of The Sims Freeplay is available to download for free and there are standard items and hobbies which can be unlocked as you progress through the game.

Although The Sims FreePlay looks like harmless fun compared to the more violent titles available to play, EA made the game unavailable in some countries in 2018 because of “regional standards”. Many users were quick to suggest the ban was implemented because of the possibility of establishing same-sex relationships in the virtual world. If you want to play the game in places such as China, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, you need to use a VPN and change your location.