The Sims FreePlay has been downloaded more than 100 million times worldwide, and EA Mobile is celebrating this milestone with the launch of a hefty new update for the life simulation game. This "Saddle Up" update brings multiple hobbies to the game, as well as the ability to buy and raise horses in a stable.
This update contains new quests, which see players restoring an old Stable before unlocking access to purchase horses for their Sims. Once they own a horse, players can complete hobbies with their new animal friends, and even eventually unlock a unicorn. There are six different breeds of horses available in all.
Elsewhere, the game's beach has been updated with a surfing hobby, along with another set of themed quests.
We had a chance to chat with Amanda Schofield, Producer on The Sims FreePlay about the Saddle Up update, and what players can expect from these new hobbies.
Inside Mobile Apps: What level do players need to reach before unlocking the horse and stables?
Amanda Schofield: Players who are at Level 11+ will have to complete the Need for Steed Quest. As part of that quest you have to restore a fallen down Stable. Once your Stable is ready you can move your horses into their new home!
IMA: How many hobbies come along with this equestrian update?
AS: There are three new horse-related hobbies; Tricks, Vaulting and Show Jumping. Show jumping is my favorite, but you'll have to wait until May 22nd to see it. I know a lot of people are as excited as we are about the Unicorns, so I'll add that you'll be able to unlock them by collecting the Show Jumping ribbons!
For those who are working on their beach, there's also a new Surfing hobby available at level 26.
IMA: Can you explain a bit more about buying and unlocking horses? Will these horses be like other animals, where one may be available for Simoleons, and the rest cost premium currency?
AS: After rebuilding the stables and learning how to care for them, you'll be able to purchase different breeds of horses for Simoleons, Social Points or Life Points.
Horses are a bit different to the other animals in Sims FreePlay. Players will have to take good care of their Horses to keep their happiness up. Unhappy horses don't like galloping about playfully in the Paddock or doing hobbies with your Sims!
IMA: It's advertised that players will be able to "ride [horses] with friends." Can you explain how that will work? Is this a reference to visiting friends' towns and their stables?
AS: While you'll certainly be able to visit friend's towns to check out their Stables and horses, the friends we're referring to are your Sim's friends!
IMA: What's up with the surfing update? Do players need to reach a certain level before unlocking the Surf Van, or is this the prize for completing the hobby?
AS: What's a beach without surfing? The surfing hobby is at the beach and you can unlock it with Sporty Life Orbs after completing the Life Dreams and Legacies quest at level 26. There is also an awesome Surf Van that pro surfers can unlock.
IMA: Will surfing resemble diving, where players collect medals associated with "surfing moves?"
AS: Yes! Surfing is similar to the other hobbies and collections that you can unlock. Players can hit the waves and collect different kinds of surfboards rather than "surfing moves".
IMA: Will surfing and equestrian hobbies be represented at the competition center?
AS: The new hobbies aren't in the competition center at this stage. It's a long way to ride your horse to Sim Town!
IMA: What can players look forward to in future The Sims FreePlay updates?
AS: We'll be improving and building on the game experiences, adding in new Personalities and places to go, as well as more ways to customize your Sims and houses. Obviously, that's just scratching the surface – it's going to be a big year!
The Sims FreePlay is available to download for free on iOS, Google Play and the Amazon App Store.
