Remember “The Sims”? Brains Behind Viral Game Spill Secrets on the Memorable Music — and How ‘Simlish’ Came About (Exclusive)

Simlish Phrases Unveiled as Impromptu Creations by The Sims Developers

The Sims franchise, known and cherished by millions of players worldwide, has celebrated its 25th anniversary with fascinating revelations about the unique Simlish language ad-libbed in the game. From the initial release in February 2000 to subsequent instalments and expansion packs, The Sims has captured the hearts of both dedicated gamers and casual players.

Unlike traditional dialogue in real languages, Simlish is a concoction of sounds and phrases that convey meaning through tone and emotion rather than specific words. Chief Sound Designer Robi Kauker explained exclusively to PEOPLE how the team behind The Sims opted for a non-traditional approach to communication within the game to prevent repetitiveness.

In the early stages of development, the team experimented with various non-language sounds, including music instruments and playful ‘wah wah wah’ sounds reminiscent of Charlie Brown. However, it was the collaboration with local improv actors during a week-long recording session that birthed the iconic, gibberish language known as Simlish today.

During these recording sessions, snippets of sounds and words were pieced together to form cohesive phrases like “dag dag” and “sul sul,” which were originally not spoken in that manner. The emphasis was always on conveying emotions and intentions rather than sticking to a strict lexical translation.

As The Sims franchise evolved over the years, it also saw numerous musical collaborations with well-known artists, such as Aly & AJ, Natasha Bedingfield, and Paramore, who recorded Simlish versions of their own songs for the game. The process of translating these songs into Simlish involves working closely with Voice Director Jackie Gratz, who acts as an English-to-Simlish dictionary for the artists.

Gratz meticulously preserves the emotional essence and lyrical style of each track while crafting Simlish lyrics for the artists to perform. This collaborative effort ensures that the Simlish versions maintain the authenticity and spirit of the original songs, allowing for a dynamic and engaging experience for players.

Reflecting on the success of these musical collaborations, Kauker shared his admiration for The Last Dinner Party’s Simlish rendition of “Nothing Matters,” highlighting the transformative and enriching nature of presenting established songs in Simlish. This fusion of music and language not only enhances the gameplay experience but also broadens the creative possibilities within The Sims universe.

As The Sims continues to innovate and captivate players worldwide, the intricate process of creating Simlish dialogue and music remains a testament to the game’s enduring legacy and cultural impact. The dedication and creativity of the development team shine through in every aspect of the game, making The Sims a beloved and cherished franchise for generations to come.