Ryan Vaughan on Content Sharing for The Sims 4

Producer Ryan Vaughan talked to videogamer.com on the future of content sharing in The Sims 4.

Maxis is integrating a digital platform into The Sims 4 that will allow players to upload and share content with other users, the developer has told VideoGamer.com.

Talking about the idea of developing a platform similar to Diablo 3's Auction House within The Sims 4, where players could share - and possibly even sell - their designs and lots, producer Ryan Vaughan revealed that it was "definitely" part of Maxis' plans.

"Unfortunately we're not going into too much detail on the sharing right now, but we are working on a way to bring all of that community, all of that sharing and connecting with people across the world into the game.

"In The Sims 3, you were doing a lot of it through the Sims website – you could upload creations and stuff. We're bringing all of that and making the experience in the game so people are able to connect with other people and grab somebody else's house and try it out in their own lot. We have a lot more detail to get into in the next few months but it's definitely a big part of what we're working on."

Vaughan wouldn't confirm whether players would be able to sell their designs, however, or whether everything will be shared for free.

"We're still working on that," he continues, "but the community for us is a really big part, we love all the creativity. Whenever we launch a game, the most exciting part is seeing how people play with it and share their creations, so it's definitely something we're focussed on."

Though players will be able to share Sims 4 content with other users, they won't be able to import their existing Sims 3 families or content.

"We have brand new technology driving the game so unfortunately none of that carries over," Vaughan said. "Especially with the new tools: It's a whole new way of building your Sims and building your families so it doesn't carry over."