'The Sims 5' release date: 'Discover University' pack launch hints at next game's imminent announcement?

EA and Maxis have been so silent about the development of “The Sims 5,” let alone its release date window. This has left many fans scouring for clues to estimate whether the next main series installment is, at least, close to getting announced.

‘The Sims 5' release date confirmation highly anticipated after the announcement of 8th expansion for ‘TS4’

Many gaming fans believe that the release of updates about “The Sims 5” is largely linked to the roadmap that Maxis has for the “The Sims 4” gameplay. This means that if the developer has more content to push for the latest series installment, the launch of the next game is further pushed to a later date.

This is why the announcement of the “Discover University” expansion pack is being linked to rumors about the release of “The Sims 5.” It should be noted, though, that the developers have yet to even recognize if they have plans to extend the series to a fifth title. But considering how the life simulation franchise is a staple in the gaming industry, it more far-fetched to think that the next game is not in the pipeline.

The hard part in thinking about the release date of “The Sims 5” is that the developers have not provided a definitive timeline for “The Sims 4.” This has made some fans think that the fifth title might not be conceived until EA sees more opportunities with the currently available game.

What’s looking more certain at this point is that an announcement of “The Sims 5” is unlikely taking place this year. The developers may be closing the year with the “Discover University” expansion.

'The Sims 5' gameplay: University-themed expansion could still be in next game’s roadmap

It is still too early to talk about the gameplay features and contents that would be released in “The Sims 5.” But there is a big chance that the “Discover University” expansion could make a comeback in the next title.

As fans have seen in “The Sims 4,” some of the expansions like “Seasons” and “Island Living” are the reimagining of similarly themed expansion packs from previous installments. University-themed gameplay has been a staple in the second through the fourth “The Sims” main releases. It appears to be a hit every time, so it would not be surprising if it returns somewhere down the road for the fifth title.