SIMS 4 will use an all-new technology not found from previous series instalment and currently planned to be accessible to as many players as possible. For SIMS 3 players, know the remedies to fix the game crash that normally occurs on Windows 8 and 8.1.

SIMS 4 New Technology

SIMS 4 developers are going to use new technology to make it more enjoyable than previous SIMS versions. It features new Create-a-SIM mode, new emotion aspect, new voiceovers and less online requirements to play.

- More intuitive Create-a-SIM mode using the mouse cursor.

- Create-a-SIM allows voice editing and how-they-move customisation.

- Easy Build Mode with new intuitive tool.

- Pick-a-Room to transfer rooms from one location to another inside your lot.

- New Emotion feature among SIMS.

- Emotions show status, new opportunities and richer story.

- Emotions can be affected by surroundings such as music or decorations.

It is expected that the fourth instalment of the SIMS series won't have similar issues reported by many players of SIMS 3 such as game crash.

SIMS 3 Crashing Remedies

Players of the SIMS 3 reported several issues and game crash is just one among them. If you're one of the unlucky SIMS 3 players getting game crash using Windows 8 or 8.1 on laptop or desktop, here are ways to solve the problem.

1. Game Update
There are some players who do not suffer game crash on Windows 8 computers which may have been fixed by the software update. According to the SIMS 3 game patch lists, update 1.63 version fixes several issues including crash on Into the Future Expansion Pack, correct loading on University Life and Base Game improvements after save or loading the game.

2. Compatibility Issue
SIMS 3 works fine on Windows 7 and if your machine runs Windows 8, you may need to set the compatibility mode to fix the game crash. Right-click on the SIMS 3 shortcut found on the desktop > click Properties > Compatibility tab > Check 'Run this program in compatibility mode for' > Pull-drop down menu then select Windows 7.

3. Dark Screen on Compatibility Mode
This may be caused by ALT+TAB or ALT+ESC to view other windows during minimisation. Possible ways to fix it include running SIMS 3 in window mode rather than in full-screen found in Options, update the video card drivers and make sure that the resolution of your screen and SIMS 3 are the same.

4. Minimum Hardware Requirements
Make sure that your machine has hardware components above the minimum system requirements of SIMS 3. The game itself will consume 1 GB of RAM on the memory, features heavy graphics and will use everything to make it run. If you want smoother game play, upgrade something or buy a new computer.

5. Data Execution Prevention
DEP or Data Execution Prevention feature on Windows 8 or 8.1 affects SIMS 3 Ambitions EP according to some report. You need to modify the security feature to make SIMS 3 play smoother. Go to Control Panel > System and Security > System > Advanced system settings > Performance > Data Execution Prevention > Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select > add the following executable files:

a. C:Program FilesElectronic ArtsThe Sims 3GameBinTS3.exe

b. C:Program FilesElectronic ArtsThe Sims 3 World AdventuresGameBinTS3EP01.exe

c. C:Program FilesElectronic ArtsThe Sims 3 High-End Loft StuffGameBinTS3SP01.exe

d. C:Program FilesElectronic ArtsThe Sims 3 AmbitionsGameBinTS3EP02.exe

Click Ok then restart your computer to take effect.

SIMS 3 game crash is caused by several problems and can be very difficult to pinpoint. You may need to use the remedies above individually or by combination and see which works on your machine. The best way to avoid data loss in case of future crash is to constantly save the game.