The Sims 5 open-world map leaks online, and it's massive

The Sims fans can start up celebrations early, as a leak for The Sims 5 has appeared online, and it seems to be an answer to prayers for those who felt the previous map was underwhelming.

For all of you who’ve been thrilled at the news that a The Sims movie is in the works, and it’s being produced by Barbie’s Margot Robbie, we’re certain this news will delight you just as much. Probably more so.

We're still living for the The Sims 4: Cottage Living

An image shared on Reddit, alongside a description that explained that it was “datamined” by the OP themself, has given fans hope that the next game will follow the superior ways of The Sims 3.

“So is the game expected to be open world like The Sims 3 was?” asked one gamer, while another posted, “if it is [open world] that's already an instant buy from me – [the lack of open world was the] sole reason I skipped Sims 4.”

However, while the OP is thrilled at the possibilities, they also proved to be a voice of reason. They asked fellow fans to proceed with caution before assuming that this leak is definitive proof of an open world map from this beloved EA series. Still, they also point out that there’s some key features from the project (so far) that supports the notion that The Sims 5 will be open world, like “no string references found for 'travelling' to other lots or locations”.

Add to that the sheer size of the map from the shared image, and the next Sims outing looks like it’s going to allow us exploration freedom once again. Honestly, we’re here for it, and while we’re going to be cautiously optimistic, we can’t help but already start planning how we’ll roam the streets of the map once it launches.