Lost 1999 Build of The Sims Unearthed Before Official Release
Lost 1999 Build of The Sims Unearthed Before Official Release
A fascinating piece of gaming history has resurfaced: a 1999 prototype build of The Sims the life simulation game that would go on to redefine the genre upon its release in 2000. Before The Sims became a global phenomenon, Maxis and Electronic Arts had already experimented with simulation titles like SimCity, but this early version of The Sims shows how the team refined the formula into the household name it is today.
The build was discovered and showcased by YouTube user LUCPIX, who uploaded footage of the January 1999 version, roughly a year before the game’s official release. Although not the earliest prototype, it represents a significant stage of development one that looks and feels noticeably different from the final game.
Players can spot numerous differences in the interface, menus, and visuals. The town map, for instance, features a large flat landscape, unlike the structured neighborhoods of the retail release. The character creation system includes personality and skill customization that never made it into the final version, offering deeper player control during the early stages.
Despite unfinished menus and visible bugs, much of the gameplay loop is already in place. The familiar top-down camera, UI icons, and home-building mechanics can be seen taking shape. The graphics, while less polished, clearly point toward the charm that would later define the finished The Sims.
For longtime fans, this discovery provides a nostalgic look into the creative evolution of one of gaming’s most iconic series. It’s a rare chance to see the early building blocks of what would become a cultural landmark still going strong over two decades later.
