Developer Maxis has released a new video about Project Rene, the new The Sims game in development.

Among other things, the video showcases new lighting techniques that allow for “massively customizable spaces to be created and players to tell emotionally resonant stories.” Animation should also feel natural – players should only be able to tell how they feel through the behavior and attitudes of their Sims.

Maxis wants to ditch the usual bubbles and UI from previous Sims games and see “how little we can get away with”. The emphasis is therefore on “clear, playful and simple images”. The balance between too much and too little information is sought.

Furthermore, the video also covers some prototypes for neighborhoods where Sims can roam and adjust hair color. The video can be viewed below.

EA announced Project Rene last year. “We are building a next-generation Sims game that also serves as a creative platform,” said Lyndsay Pearson, Vice President of the Franchise. “We’re reinventing The Sims you know and love with new ways to play. This is the future of The Sims, built on the foundation of charming Sims, powerful tools, and meaningful stories.”

Unique to the game will be that players can work alone or with others. In addition, not only patterns and colors of objects such as furniture can be adjusted, but even the shape of objects. Furthermore, EA emphasizes that the same experience must be offered on all available platforms, including mobile.