United States of The Sims: AI Creates a Sim & Home for Every State

By Neal Taparia - Last updated: 10/14/2023

Table of Contents [Open]

Over 23 years after the release of the original version of The Sims, those loveable digital avatars of humanity’s aspirations and basic needs remain in the hearts and minds of countless Americans. With The Sims 5 in the “early stages of development”, a whole new generation will be able to experience the joys of building and furnishing homes in this iconic game.

At Solitaired, we surveyed Americans nationwide to learn more about their love of The Sims and used AI to imagine what a Sim and their home would look like in every state in the U.S.

Over 1 in 4 Americans Play The Sims Today

Top Version of The Sims - new survey data by solitaired.com

The Sims is considered one of the most popular computer games of all time, and it’s no surprise: 84% of Americans have played “The Sims.” Over 1 in 4 (26%) play The Sims currently, with Gen Z leading the crowd at 37% playing the life simulation game today. Behind them are the 24% of Millennials who practically grew up with the franchise, while only 20% of Gen X and 21% of Boomers currently play the game.

The Sims 5 is still in the early stages of development, but it still has a built-in audience; 28% plan on acquiring it upon its release. Gen Z is most excited, with 30% planning on getting the game, while Boomers are more subdued, with only 1 in 5 planning on doing so.

Favorite Versions and Modes of The Sims

Sims gameplay data - new survey data by solitaired.com

There have been four versions of the game so far, and the most recent, The Sims 4, is the most popular. Popularity evidently corresponds with chronological order: the original game, The Sims, is only popular with about 1 in 5, despite being the game that started it all.

Favorite Gameplay Mode of The Sims - new survey data by solitaired.com

The Sims has three core modes of gameplay: building and furnishing homes, helping your not-very-autonomous Sims navigate life in “live” mode, and, in later games, exploring the broader neighborhood and affiliate worlds of The Sims with their non-player characters and plotlines. Building and furnishing homes is by far the most popular aspect of gameplay, with 51% of those surveyed preferring it, followed by 32% enjoying the social interactions, and just over 1 in 6 enjoying exploration.

There’s another joy in gameplay, with a darker twist. The survey revealed that 47% have intentionally killed their sims. That translates to 1 in 2 women and about 44% of men choosing to end the lives of their characters. Watch out for those swimming pools!

While we anxiously await the next iteration of this beloved game, we used AI to pay homage to this nation of Sims players: here see Midjourney make a Sim (and their house) from each state.

AI Makes a Sim for Every State

Alabama

A Sim & their home in Alabama - New image by Solitaired.com

Alaska

A Sim & their home in Alaska - New image by Solitaired.com

Arizona

A Sim & their home in Arizona - New image by Solitaired.com

Arkansas

A Sim & their home in Arkansas - New image by Solitaired.com

California

A Sim & their home in California - New image by Solitaired.com

Colorado

A Sim & their home in Colorado - New image by Solitaired.com

Connecticut

A Sim & their home in Connecticut - New image by Solitaired.com

Delaware

A Sim & their home in Delaware - New image by Solitaired.com

Florida

A Sim & their home in Florida - New image by Solitaired.com

Georgia

A Sim & their home in Georgia - New image by Solitaired.com

Hawaii

A Sim & their home in Hawaii - New image by Solitaired.com

Idaho

A Sim & their home in Idaho - New image by Solitaired.com

Illinois

A Sim & their home in Illinois - New image by Solitaired.com

Indiana

A Sim & their home in Indiana - New image by Solitaired.com

Iowa

A Sim & their home in Iowa - New image by Solitaired.com

Kansas

A Sim & their home in Kansas - New image by Solitaired.com

Kentucky

A Sim & their home in Kentucky - New image by Solitaired.com

Louisiana

A Sim & their home in Louisiana - New image by Solitaired.com

Maine

A Sim & their home in Maine - New image by Solitaired.com

Maryland

A Sim & their home in Maryland - New image by Solitaired.com

Massachusetts

A Sim & their home in Massachusetts - New image by Solitaired.com

Michigan

A Sim & their home in Michigan - New image by Solitaired.com

Minnesota

A Sim & their home in Minnesota - New image by Solitaired.com

Mississippi

A Sim & their home in Mississippi - New image by Solitaired.com

Missouri

A Sim & their home in Missouri - New image by Solitaired.com

Montana

A Sim & their home in Montana - New image by Solitaired.com

Nebraska

A Sim & their home in Nebraska - New image by Solitaired.com

Nevada

A Sim & their home in Nevada - New image by Solitaired.com

New Hampshire

A Sim & their home in New Hampshire - New image by Solitaired.com

New Jersey

A Sim & their home in New Jersey - New image by Solitaired.com

New Mexico

A Sim & their home in New Mexico - New image by Solitaired.com

New York

A Sim & their home in New York - New image by Solitaired.com

North Carolina

A Sim & their home in North Carolina - New image by Solitaired.com

North Dakota

A Sim & their home in North Dakota - New image by Solitaired.com

Ohio

A Sim & their home in Ohio - New image by Solitaired.com

Oklahoma

A Sim & their home in Oklahoma - New image by Solitaired.com

Oregon

A Sim & their home in Oregon - New image by Solitaired.com

Pennsylvania

A Sim & their home in Pennsylvania - New image by Solitaired.com

Rhode Island

A Sim & their home in Rhode Island - New image by Solitaired.com

South Carolina

A Sim & their home in South Carolina - New image by Solitaired.com

South Dakota

A Sim & their home in South Dakota - New image by Solitaired.com

Tennessee

A Sim & their home in Tennessee - New image by Solitaired.com

Texas

A Sim & their home in Texas - New image by Solitaired.com

Utah

A Sim & their home in Utah - New image by Solitaired.com

Vermont

A Sim & their home in Vermont - New image by Solitaired.com

Virginia

A Sim & their home in Virginia - New image by Solitaired.com

Washington

A Sim & their home in Washington - New image by Solitaired.com

West Virginia

A Sim & their home in West Virginia - New image by Solitaired.com

Wisconsin

A Sim & their home in Wisconsin - New image by Solitaired.com

Wyoming

A Sim & their home in Wyoming - New image by Solitaired.com

Methodology

In September 2023 we surveyed 805 Americans nationwide on their preferences around The Sims gameplay. Respondents ranged from 19-80 with an average age of 36. 50% were men, 46% were women, and 4% were non-binary.

To develop the imagery, we used Midjourney version 5.2 and used the same initial prompt for every state.

From here, we used in-app commands to vary and upscale imagery to fit our needs. We prioritized accuracy to the look and feel of “The Sims 4” specifically as well as popular architectural styles and palettes in each state. We also sought to eliminate any typical AI-generated errors, like extra appendages or poor facial construction.

Fair Use

When using this data and research, please attribute by linking to this study and citing Solitaired.

About the author

Neal Taparia is one of the founders of Solitaired. He loves playing card games and is interested in understanding how games can help with brain training and skills building. In addition to card games, he also likes fishing and mountain biking.
×

Sign in to Solitaired.com with Facebook

Sign in to appear on the leaderboard and save your stats!