Some Clarification on the Marketplace
The dust has settled and my anxiety has calmed down for now (my brain is no longer threatening me with unlikely scenarios like someone doxxing me because I have a different opinion about a video game). However, I still need to clarify a couple of things. I am not going into the hows and whys because that is draining, but I chose to join not because of money, but seeing a benefit to the silent part of the community that is often left out of CC/Mod conversations. Those people don't download third party items for their own reasons, want Maxis-approved content that's safe for their games, or are on a console.
This does not mean I am solely making content for the marketplace. Far from it. I will still be sharing my regular content freely and anything on the marketplace is supplementary (extra). I see it more like continuing making Creator Kits, the only difference is my ideas don't need to be approved by Maxis anymore. They will also be focused on areas that are lacking, so they will serve a different, separate purpose to my regular content. This will happen at most once a quarter and the creator pack will be priced at the lowest point I can within the tiers Maxis has outlined which are based on the number of items the set contains . If people buy them, cool. If they don't, that's fine too.
I see no benefit in the Marketplace to players that are on PC and are comfortable downloading and using custom content and mods. They can completely ignore it, and can still have an enjoyable time. That doesn't mean others will not find it beneficial. I know this is divisive, and some people have already voiced their disappointment quite loudly, but this is the decision I have made and any consequences are also mine to bare. So if you feel you can no longer support me here or in other ways, then do what you need to do to adhere to your own views and beliefs, because i wont hold it against you. I just ask that you respect that others may have a different opinion.
Comments (24)
I'm coming back several months after everything has happened. While I'm not entirely sure about the direction the company is heading, I'm happy to see you and other creators getting the chance to share your creations with other players and get the recognition you and others deserve. Always happy to see your content; I've been a fan for years.
I respect your reasoning, even though, personally, I believe that the Marketplace as it is now is basically cancer for the community and the future of the Sims franchise. I do believe that creators, ideally, should be pretty unanimous to beat this cancer, but no one can force anyone to do what they don't want to do. I still respect you as a creator and as a person.
Everyone has a right to their own opinion. I agree with how you feel. I don't know why some creators are making so much noise about it. I think the percentage they are keeping is disgusting especially since their stuff never comes close to what you creators do. If you want to do it, go head and if you don't, just don't. I like supporting you because the content you create is fantastic.
Thank you for clearing things up again. I'm old school and probably won't be using Marketplace. I play on my PC and I feel comfortable downloading and using custom content and mods here. Of course it took me a long time for my daughter to convince me that I needed a cell phone too. LOL. I pray all things go well with you.
If you are comfortable downloading and using mods, I doubt you will have use for it unless you like a new kit (which have moved there). It is in my opinion completely separate and optional which is how I prefer it. Honestly, it's much harder learning to wade through all the rigmarole of third party cc and a lot more options (since only cc are on the marketplace) so you are all set.
I think EA/Maxis could have done a better job to explain how the MP would work exactly. A lot of people still think we can't use cc now, or some of their fav creators are leaving for the MP. I've been doing my best to explain things lol I think it's 100% ridiculous that players have been so rude and mean to creators - it's their creations, they can do what they want, whether you agree with the Marketplace or not. Personally I won't use it, but let me tell you I really APPRECIATE creators like yourself who make such beautiful stuff, and don't perma paywall etc. Really appreciate. Times are hard right now, and this game is definitely an escape, and I have mad respect for those who help it stay that way, like you Peace.
If I had to exclusively create for the Marketplace, I would have turned it down. The fact I have a choice with the when and what I can share, that is the freedom I like having. I think regardless it was going to be divisive so I can understand the discourse around it. The assumptions was the part I had to clear up.
I'm saddened that any creators who choose to create for the marketplace are being hit with any negative feedback; and I appreciate you, your creations, & your stance. That being said, as others have stated, I'm glad that you are going to continue to create & publish here as well! Grange mudroom is in my top 3 favorite kits for Sims 4 & I use those items in almost every single one of my builds/remodels. I am glad for console players that they will also be able to get CC in their games; however, I myself do not intend to purchase much if anything from it for myself. I would much rather support my favorite creators here in the "Patreon" world. :) You are one of the most talented CC artists I know.
I liked the challenge of creating a KIt. It is a very different mindset of just making I want. It's "What would a person who never used CC need in a game with just Kits and Packs?" and this is inspiring in itself. But yes, I really just see this as catering to another part of the community, not replacing an existing one.
You know I think you're amazing already. 😉 But no matter what I think, or anyone else, creators need to make the decision that is best for them. I won't be buying anything, but that has nothing to do with who provides content. Besides the money grab by EA, I'm also mad that creators are getting such a small portion of the money made from their work. I will be a patron of my favorite creators whether or not they're on Marketplace.
I think the gripe that some of us have is moreso just the cash grab of it all. We already support our creators on Patreon and now we have to double pay to access Marketplace content. I think it's kinda shitty that EA bars creators from sharing access to Marketplace content with Patreons...but as you said, that's a beef we need to take up with EA. However, you put something into perspective that I never thought of. It's no different than a creator kit. And you're right, as a PC user why does it even matter other than envy and slight FOMO.
I can understand that aspect, for sure. Idealistically, a free moderated cc marketplace would exist, but with the walled gardens of Microsoft and Sony, exchange rates, regional tax laws, QC and the cost of servers, it wasn't going to happen. We live in a capitalistic world unfortunately. I will say this though, anything I design will be separate from at set I have currently made. So for instance you will never see a Kitayama or Hinterlands set up on the Marketplace. Hopefully that helps a bit with easing any FOMO
Thank you for letting us know! As a PC player, I have no intentions of ever using Marketplace, but I DO understand wanting to offer CC to those on console. They do deserve the opportunity to get fun stuff like the rest of us. I do wish EA was giving you a higher cut of the profits, considering you're the one doing all the work and they're just putting it up on a shelf for you. But I do get it. If I have any frustration, it's not at a single creator. It's at EA for what they've been doing this past year or more.
I don't think it's that bad, but more is always better. Devs get about20-30% after publishers and Valve take their cut from Steam, and apparently 30% is about the same for Bethesda mod store too. So it's on par at least with similar things. Better then authors only getting 5-15% from books..... But honestly, I just wanted to get my hands on the officially developed App. I love spelunking into the inner working of package files with S4S, so this really tickles my fancy.
It seems like there's a really immature element of the community that wants to take out their EA-related frustration on creators who aren't choosing to start boycotting. It's so inappropriate and I'm glad you're continuing to offer your creations! I know console players who are so excited to be able to have more of your stuff in their games.
My sisters might be one of them, her and her partner have it on Playstation so I occasionally get questions about it 😅
Peacey this right here is why I follow you and have done for nearly a decade. It’s also why I decided today to to become a paid supporter. Not much, fixed income blah blah but we need a little more levelheaded talk and I believe in putting my money, (such as it is), where my mouth is.
Thank you! I really do try to be level-headed and not make knee-jerk decisions. It was one reason why I held off posting something as I didn't want it to be reactionary to the discourse that was ongoing. I also know that most people stay out of the discourse for their own mental health.
Well said! I think you made a great, well thought out decision.
I'm sad people are being rude to you. You are an excellent creator and have been important to the Sims community for years. Please know there are many of us who respect you and your choices.
Honestly, it's not that bad, but I also don't go looking for the comments. I don't hate myself that much. But I really needed to clarify it for all those who do support and download my creations. The reaction is is far better then I could have hoped for ❤️
You have always been very generous with your excellent CC, and I'm certainly not going to stop supporting you now.
I support this POV. I won’t be using marketplace but I am happy for whatever players want to in order to have access to cool stuff.
💯 👏…. On a side note can you please make some extensions to castle kit pleeeeeease 🥰🥰🥰 like the arches made for 1st tier floors and have the arches as wall decos aswell to match the walls 🥰🥰