Several Sims 4 players have voiced their discontent with the game's time-gated content, complaining about the pressure to constantly engage with the game.  Despite these complaints, the likelihood of EA changing its approach seems minimal.

The introduction of in-game events coincided with the release of The Sims 4 Riviera Retreat and Cozy Bistro kits in late May 2024. These events were presented as limited-time experiences intended to encourage regular gameplay through themed content drops.

Less than a year after the introduction of events, some players are expressing frustration with how these limited-time events impact their gameplay. Reddit user LeahIsAwake shared their experience of returning to the game after a six-month hiatus in 2024, only to find several desired items, like The Grimophone and Grim’s Cruiser Bicycle, locked behind the now-expired Reaper's Rewards event.  This event ran from late September to mid-November 2024, with each item only available during a specific week.

LeahIsAwake's post resonated with many players, garnering thousands of upvotes on the r/TheSims subreddit in early March 2025. The ensuing discussion highlighted players' criticism of the game's time-gating practices and its reliance on the fear of missing out (FOMO). Some argue that the limited availability of certain items effectively turns playing the game into a chore, requiring constant attention during specific time windows.

While some criticize the practice, other players have proposed compromise solutions.  One suggestion involves offering past event items through paid kits, typically priced at $4.99. This approach could potentially provide a second chance to acquire these items without completely diminishing the value of participating in the original events.

However, given that the time-gated content model is relatively new and characteristic of many live-service games, EA appears unlikely to alter its strategy.  These games often rely on consistent player engagement to maintain activity.  Currently, the only way to bypass these events without missing out on rewards is through PC mods, such as the popular FOMO Unlock mod created by Sejian.