The Sims’ Project Rene Criticized for Ripping Off Roblox Game
Some The Sims fans are unhappy with the latest look at Project Rene, in part because it appears to be ripping off a popular Roblox experience called Dress to Impress. The Roblox-inspired gameplay was showcased in a recent playtest, which reportedly marks Project Rene‘s biggest departure from the classic The Sims formula to date.
Project Rene has been in development since at least 2022, having been announced in October of that year as “the next generation” of The Sims. Since then, Maxis has conducted regular closed playtests, offering limited glimpses into the game’s individual systems and mechanics. Although these sessions have been invite-only and protected by NDAs, leaks have been frequent, as is typically the case with any such initiative accessible by fans. As a result, screenshots and details from nearly every Project Rene playtest have surfaced online since its announcement.
The Sims’ Project Rene Launches New Playtest With Strong ‘Dress to Impress’ Vibes
Continuing this trend, the latest playable slice of Project Rene has leaked online via new screenshots and player descriptions within hours of launching in mid-November 2025. The playtest includes several mini-games, one of which is called Fashion Passion, which appears to borrow heavily from hit Roblox experience Dress To Impress. Like the 2003 original, Fashion Passion requires players to create outfits based on randomly selected themes within a time limit. Participants can also rate other players’ submissions on a five-star scale, with top-rated entries earning in-game currency and other rewards.
Sims Fans Unimpressed With ‘Dress to Impress’ Knockoff in Project Rene
Social media reactions to the latest Project Rene playtest appear to lean negative. “MovieStarPlanet and Dress to Impress are already here,” reads one widely circulated Reddit post, while another fan chiming in on the leak called the test an “abomination.” One commenter described Fashion Passion as “sad,” noting that it “looks way worse” than a similar Roblox game developed by a teenager rather than a professional studio—a description that fits Dress to Impress. The leak has also sparked a new wave of online complaints about Project Rene‘s art style, which some fans find to be too cartoonish.
Project Rene Could Be a Hit Despite Backlash from Sims Fans
The backlash does not necessarily indicate that Project Rene lacks commercial potential. The current criticism mostly comes from longtime fans of the mainline The Sims games, whereas this upcoming title appears to target a different, younger audience. This aligns with EA’s earlier statements that Project Rene is not The Sims 5, but rather a distinct experience meant to exist alongside The Sims 4.
Project Rene does not yet have a confirmed release window. EA previously stated that the game is in development for PC and mobile devices and will support cross-play.
Source: Sims Community, dannxit / Reddit, Artist6995 / Reddit