Simlish, the made-up gibberish language in The Sims, effectively conveys emotions without relying on specific meaning.
Simlish, created through an improvisational theater exercise, allows for expressive and varied character communication in The Sims.
Deep dives
The Sims: A Unique Life Simulation Game
The Sims is a renowned life simulation game that gained popularity around the time reality TV was on the rise. Players create customized characters who live their everyday lives, from decorating their house to finding a job. One distinct feature of the game is the quirky gibberish language called Simlish, which conveys emotions effectively without relying on any specific meaning. Sims speak Simlish, making the conversations varied and allowing players to imagine what characters are talking about. The game's audio experience also includes music in various genres and even Simlish versions of popular songs.
Developing Simlish: From Blending Sounds to Gibberish
The development of Simlish involved experimenting with blending sounds from different languages. However, this approach was not satisfying, and the creative team wanted to avoid repetitive language structures. Eventually, they drew inspiration from an improvisational theater exercise, deciding to make up a gibberish language similar to translated gibberish poetry. Improv actors were brought in to record Simlish voiceovers, allowing for expressive and animated character communication without being restricted by a real language's rules. This free-flowing approach created a wide range of emotions and interactions in Simlish conversations.
The Impact and Expansion of Simlish
When The Sims was released in 2000, it became an instant hit, selling millions of copies. As the game grew in popularity, expansion packs and sequels were released, attracting a dedicated fan base. Simlish gained recognition outside the game, with famous artists re-recording Simlish versions of their songs for in-game radio stations. The distinctiveness of Simlish, both in language and music, added to the game's comedic and universal appeal. Today, The Sims continues to thrive, with Simlish remaining a crucial and inclusive part of the game's culture.
When The Sims was first being developed, the creators faced a problem. They knew they wanted these characters to talk and interact, but they were worried that using a real language would quickly get repetitive and annoying. So, they decided to make one up. This is the story of Simlish: How it was created, why it works so well, and why artists ranging from The Black Eyed Peas to The Flaming Lips have re-recorded their songs in this gibberish language. Featuring Sims Designer & Voiceover Director Claire Curtin, Composer & Audio Director Jerry Martin, voice actress Krizia Bajos, and Youtuber Rachybop.