The FreeSO Server has completely shut down as of December 9th 2024.

After a week full of crazy events, we finally said goodbye to Sunrise Crater. It has been a wild ride, and I’m glad I shared it with all of you. The ending might have been a little dramatic, but I think after 8 years a boring sendoff would have been a letdown.

There were a few server hiccups due to how many people returned to see the ending, and because I unleashed the sim equivalent of a nuclear bomb on the crater, but with some tweaks it was able to mostly hold steady for the final hour. It was really nice seeing so many lots open and filled over the past week, but a bit heartbreaking to see each of them face the apocalypse. I hope you all got a chance to say goodbye.

The later events of the week were all livestreamed on my Twitch channel, so you can check out the VODs there to relive them or just see what was happening if you weren’t able to make it. I’ll probably mirror the vods on YouTube at some point. There are a lot of screenshots and videos of these events and more on the Discord server, which will remain open forever, even if it might eventually become read-only.

I have to again extend my thanks to everyone who contributed objects, code, properties, ideas… really anything towards making the game as amazing as it became. There are some real unsung heroes out there, like Sim who built the and maintained the FreeSO launcher the whole time the game was up, Aquila who has been managing the community since the early 2010s, and S1ndle who contributed objects and art for nearly every single event. Later on, I’ll add full attribution for all objects, animations, accessories, events and lots on a future version of this site, so these contributions can be properly recognized.

A more unusual mention now – thank you to EA for allowing this project to exist without any kind of legal battle. While FreeSO took great care to avoid infringing on The Sims IP by being 100% free, only providing new objects, delta patches and fully recreated client/server code on top of an original TSO client downloaded for free by the user… there are other companies that don’t seem to respect this distinction and bully players out of building fan projects when it is entirely within their rights to. The Sims community is sustained by content creators and I’m glad that respect has also extended to what the FreeSO team worked towards, allowing many tens of thousands of players to experience our vision for a future with TSO in it.

TSO is a unique experience that I don’t think competes with anything The Sims has at the moment, so it really deserves to stick around. That’s why the next step of this transition includes releasing technical documentation so that future developments can begin from others, and the Archive Client so that the world we built together can be explored forever.

Technical documentation and the Archive Client will release at some point in the future. I’ll put out another blog post and a Discord ping when these things happen, so if you’re interested be sure to stick around. The website may also reshape itself on the way there, to properly honour the contributions of the community and FreeSO’s new status as a technology base for future TSO/TS1 projects.

Technical Documentation

Part of the sunsetting of FreeSO includes the addition of detailed technical docs to the GitHub repository. These will be markdown `.md` files that you can read on GitHub, and each will describe its own aspect of the game and how it works. The documentation will be categorized as follows:

• Server Hosting
  • Information about how to host the game server, and tools that server administrators can use to author their own city and push their own client updates.
  • Technical information about the VPS FreeSO was hosted on, its cost and some learnings from previous server hosts.
  • This section will be completed first.
• Technical Details
  • Technical details on The Sims, The Sims Online, the FreeSO client/server and more.
  • The goal is to allow developers to pick up the project and add to it in a reasonable way without breaking anything, or causing themselves any future hassle.
  • Will include information on existing PIFF object patches, what they do and if they might be FreeSO event specific.
  • This section will be the longest, and may be the longest to be complete.
• Issues & Future Work
  • Existing issues that have been identified with the client and/or server to be fixed by someone in future.
  • Previously planned features that could be picked up by someone else, as well as explanations into what they entail.

The Archive Client

As mentioned in previous Blog Posts, on “The Save Date” (December 6th) the entire server was backed up and exported to be released to the public in a playable form, and also so we could literally blow up the crater on the last two days. All of that is over, so now all that’s left to do is release the data so it can be explored at any time, by anyone. You’ll be able to do this with a special version of the FreeSO client called “The Archive Client”.

The Archive Client will allow players to explore Sunrise Crater by themselves, or by inviting other players to join their self-hosted server. Once ingame, the game will function very similarly to the FreeSO server and support all features you interact with there. Special configuration will be available when creating the server, for example one that allows the host to play the game as Admin or as a visitor, and control whether people who join them also join as admin or visitor. Other tuning, such as April Fools “features”, payout multiplier etc will also be selectable.

The client will be open source, similar to FreeSO, but it will exist in a separate repo and will NOT be network compatible. The server data will obviously be released with the client with sensitive data stripped, and converted to be compatible with the client.

All of this will take a while. I can’t give a hard deadline for this work, but the client will likely become available early next year. I worked pretty hard on all the final events, so more immediately I’ll probably be taking it easy over Christmas. That doesn’t mean there won’t be any work done, just that I won’t be going all cylinders like I did for the Finale. There is a lot to do, so it’s probably best to be transparent about exactly what needs doing.

So, here’s a rough list of all the work that needs to be done:

• UI Work
  • Title screen with host/join selection
  • Server configuration and server join dialogs (with history/favourites?)
  • Avatar selector. Users can’t select the same avatar, so there needs to be some way to track “ownership” of any avatar someone plays.
•  Networking
  • New logon method without user/password, create/select any avatar, etc. May completely skip hosting the HTTP server.
  • Maybe some way to use lot thumbnails from local storage instead of asking the server, since the vast majority will not change.
  • Support for UPnP for easier port forwarding? A lot of network configurations now block it, so might not be worth it.
• Database Work
  • Convert FreeSO database (including functions + triggers) to SQLite compatible format
  • SQLite backend for the database, may need to modify a bunch of queries for this
  • Remove tables and data that contain sensitive info (users, auth, ingame mail etc)
  • Process lot data to determine what objects with plugin data are accessible. Anything that isn’t needs its plugin data deleted.
  • Run FSOF generation for 3d lot thumbnails. Maybe find a way to do this for 2d thumbnails too, as a few are really old or broken.
  • Finalize lot links on The Final Town Hall, patch up all event lots.
• Would be nice
  • Automatically schedule events for certain time periods, such as the city view snow, Halloween sky etc.
    • Potentially fix the event objects to work on every year.
  • Optionally, the server should be able to run separately from the game, so that the game crashing or closing doesn’t disconnect your friends. It’s not appropriate as an MMO server, but it can still work as a multiplayer server for a tight group of people.

Hopefully it isn’t too long a wait. As I said above, there will be a new blog post and Discord annoucement when the client is ready.

The Final Town Hall

The Final Town Hall Mayors and their nominated donators were working tirelessly over the last week on The Final Town Hall… and just in time for the server save, it was in a fully complete state! They’ve done a fantastic job, especially considering it was completed in less then 5 days, and all the stuff that was going on around it. I will add lot links to the event lots, staff picks and player’s choice picks myself, once the voting on those is complete and the archive client is ready to release.

Here’s the final list of contributors:

• Natasha Nahdoe (M.O.M.I. Mire)
  • CherryRose (builder)
• Metamorphic (Meta Mesa)
  • Remie L (builder)
• Sparkling (Multilevel Metropolis)
  • sunz (builder)
  • Serinah
• Tragic Hoe (Volcanic Springs)
  • morgue (builder)

You’ll get to explore this lot properly when the Archive Client releases. It’ll be the main landing spot for anyone opening the archive for the first time, so people less familiar with the game can get some direction before they begin exploring.

The End

Thank you all for playing. The Finale wouldn’t have been the same without so many players, and I’m glad that everyone got another unforgettable experience out of a game that lasted almost 8 years. Entirely off the back of hobbyists and volunteers, such a long runtime and so much original content really is a blessing – even more of a blessing that so many people played for so long. All of you are to blame for making FreeSO so unforgettable.

There’s not much I can say now that I didn’t say on the 20 year anniversary post, but I can reaffirm that I do not think this is truly the end. As long as there is someone remotely interested in TSO, the game will continue to live on, even if that’s in a smaller circle or an entirely new format. FreeSO is open source, client AND server, so anyone is free to evolve it however they choose. The only difference is that it won’t be us in charge. Be the change you want to see in the world!

Whatever happens next, I’m wishing all of you the best. I’m maintaining a list of FreeSO contributors on Bluesky so that you can follow whatever anyone who helped out FreeSO is doing now, so give that a follow if you want to know what any of us are working on in the future. I’ll be adding more contributors to it as they get bsky accounts, (or… if?) so follow the list if you don’t want to miss anyone.

https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:ccyy7boyss37jmhol22hcgs6/lists/3lcxupwtfua2k

I guess that’s it for now – next update will be on the Archive Client and Documentation.

See you around,

– Rhys

On December 7th 00:00 UTC (in around 6 hours), the server will shut down to perform a full data export of the database and lot/object save data. This save is what will be used for the archive version of the client. Please use today to get everything on your property in shape, as it any changes after this time won’t count. You wouldn’t want a plate on the ground to remain there forever… right?

Just before this, we will be present at the Sunrise Crater Town Hall for a countdown. You can remain home if you have some furniture you want to frantically arrange.

After the save and export is complete, the server will restart with an update that enables some experimental objects and for the last two days of the server. On Saturday night, there will be a special object distribution at the Sunrise Crater Town Hall. Then on Sunday night, the server will shut down permanently.

Check the older blog posts for more detailed information.

 

Jams vs. Money Results

 

On Tuesday, the people of Sunrise Crater came out to earn money for the last time, and choose which was really more important. Jams, or literally anything else?

…they chose Jams. 2851-2547.

I would like to issue a formal apology for all times I have ever said a bad word about Jams or any affinity towards it. I feel compelled to say that though this affinity may seem misguided, it actually originates from a greater knowledge that many (such as myself) cannot properly comprehend. If only I had known this sooner, the game may have lived forever. If only.

Thank you all for participating, Jams, money or otherwise. The battle was well fought, with money taking an early lead but falling behind later on. I hope you all had a good time with it.

 

M**** is Over

 

If you missed the fun last night, or just want to relive it, check out the VOD of my stream here: https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2319505729

The event itself lasts for just over two hours, everything after that devolves into chaos. Congratulations to all 15 players who finished the course – it ended up being much harder than I expected. Here’s the finishing order:

Event start: (0:09:48)

1. Jeremiah Joints (0:45:50) (was not on camera )
2. Link Lancaster (0:54:47)
3. FlashBreakfast (0:58:55)
4. Cihan Rules (1:03:20)
5. Raeganonmics Lamborghini (1:19:02)
6. Andrew Arcade (1:31:16)
7. Jeremy Ibiza (1:37:14)
8. mrpenguinb (1:53:19)
9. John Maxis (1:59:10)
10. Mars Belli (2:01:44)
11. djchaos (2:04:19)
12. dotequals (2:09:11)
13. MonotoneTim (2:11:02)
14. Marlena (2:41:56)
15. Trica Lynn (some time before 3:02:50)

That’s all for now, but there’s a little more to come over the weekend. I hope you’ll join us for the end!

– Rhys

As you are hopefully aware by now, The FreeSO Server is closing on the 8th of December. However, we aren’t done quite yet! The FreeSO Finale will take place over the final week, giving you one final chance to experience and celebrate the game.

The final week will be packed with unique events, reruns of favourites and ways to leave your mark on the Sunrise Crater before it closes for good, on the night of the 8th of December.

Here’s a schedule of everything we have planned, day-by-day. More information will be posted on the day of each event. Feel free to pop in if you can!

Monday 2/12: The Final Town Hall

This week, the final mayoral elections of FreeSO are taking place in the following neighbourhoods:

• Volcanic Springs
• Meta Mesa (new!)
• MOMI Mire
• Multilevel Metropolis

The four mayors elected will obviously be able to shape their Town Hall one last time before the server shutdown, but in this election there is a greater purpose.

Starting on Monday 2nd, the Final Four Mayors of Sunrise Crater will be placed in charge of The Final Town Hall – a special property designed to show people accessing the Sunrise Crater Archive history told and shown by its residents, and links to the best and most unique properties across the crater. This property will be a first landing spot for users of the Archive client, so it’ll be important to make a good first impression!

Each of the four mayor will be able to invite donators and build donators to the project to help build the property, but the mayors will be in charge of the project’s direction. All organization should be done in the FreeSO Discord, so the process can be streamlined and we can build something great by the end of the week.

On Discord, users will also be able to nominate and vote for their own favourite properties of all time to link to and immortalize in this Town Hall, alongside links to all previous event lots, and a few Staff Picks.

Make sure you get your mayoral nominations and votes in this week!

Tuesday 3/12: Jams vs. Money

Over the last decade, we’ve observed an unusual obsession with a certain type of single money object. Despite having a simple animation, little visual flair, no significant difference in pay or completion time, the Canning Station has taken the crater by storm as the community’s shared hyperfixation, to the surprise of nearly everyone with some level of analytical thought. This hasn’t come without detractors, of course – big potions, gnomes and painting fans have been feuding with them since day one, chalkboard and typewriter fans have been actually making money, pinata… exists, and who can argue with a little cold calling?

On Tuesday 3rd December, we’re finally going to settle the score, letting YOU decide whether Jams truly is the king of all money objects, or if the variety and flexibility of the others outshine it.

To collect points for either Jams or Money, simply complete any money object and collect your profits. Alongside your profits, you’ll see a point added to a token in your inventory for each sale. These points will be tallied on the Jams Vs. Money Battlefield, where a live updating score will tally all points earned across the crater and display them in realtime, so you can see which team is ahead. Your personal score will remain in your inventory even after the server has closed, so your allegiance and level of dedication is permanently recorded.

As usual, this property can be visited by using the payphone at the front of your property, and selecting “Go Somewhere Nice”… but you should remember that doing money objects on any property counts, so you can use the opportunity to fill your favourite money lots one last time.

If Jams wins, we will concede that it is The Best Money Object. If it loses, however, it will be labelled as The Worst Money Object, forever. It’s this kind of decisive end result that makes The FreeSO Finale so dramatic and emotionally rewarding. Please look forward to the community meltdown at its conclusion.

Wednesday 4/12: December Fools

Remember, remember, the… 4th of December? On the 4th of December, all previous non-fire April Fools effects will be enabled. This includes some that haven’t been seen for a long time! Stack as many hats as you can, take a dip in a ball pool, and parkour around your property with a tiny version of yourself. Occasionally, you might have to get creative to talk to other sims. Remember that pressing : will get you a nice autocomplete search of every emoji that your heart may desire.

Fire will not be enabled due to the approach of The Save Date. Wouldn’t want the Sunrise Crater Archive to include a save with your limo actively burning up.

Thursday 5/12: M****: One More Platform

With players given ample time to practice their parkour skills on Wednesday, we’re going to put that to the test on Thursday evening, with an all new platforming course designed to test the limits of what insane levels you can build… in The Sims Online. There’s no strict start time for this, but it will be around 10pm GMT on Thursday 5th December. Stay tuned to this blog and the discord for more information on the course, and how to get there.

The camera, performance and general smoothness of the platforming have been improved since last time, alongside neat improvements such as regenerating health, so there will be no excuses for failure. You’ll only have yourself to blame…

A prize will be given to players for completing our killer platforming course – they will get the giant 3×3 cake from the Fructose Monsoon event, just in time to save it in your property forever. You’ll finally get that cake that She promised, all those years ago…

Friday 6/12: The Save Date

Join us at the town hall for a countdown to The Save Date – the moment where all database, avatar and lot save data will be locked in and backed up. This will be released with the Sunrise Crater Archive at a later date, where all player properties will be made accessible via a client that self-hosts a server for you to explore, potentially with friends by invitation. Much data will be wiped, so to ensure your property and all its signs are incluided (or deliberately _exclude_ your data from being included) please check the paragraph in the shutdown blog post for more information.

We’ll likely be present at the last half-hour of the server uptime, so around 23:30 GMT on Friday 6th December. Remember that anything that happens after this point won’t be saved, so make sure everything in your property is how you want it to be! After this event, the server will be down for multiple hours to save and backup the city data.

Saturday 7/12: The Final Object Distribution

After the save date, we will make available to the community various objects with… destructive capability, and that are generally unfinished. Fire will be enabled. Most special objects will become available via the catalog immediately… though at the Sunrise Crater Town Hall at Saturday 7th December, 10pm GMT, we will be revealling and distributing a special object that the community has yearned for almost a decade. My sources tell me that the object is completely unmodified, and everything will happen exactly as expected. Please look forward to it.

The Sunrise Crater Town Hall may not be openable after this point. I’m not sure if we can reverse what will be put in motion.

Sunday 8/12: FreeSO Sunset

The sun will set on the game at midnight on Sunday 8th December. There will be some special visuals for this moment. There is no formal event planned for this time, as it’s really up to players how they say goodbye to the game, though I imagine it will be easy to find somewhere to hang out.

All of that is our plan, but you can obviously run your own events and use these tools to your advantage to have a blast on the game’s last week. Updated information on events will be made available on the dates they occur, so keep posted on the Discord and this blog!

Rhys

After almost 8 years of operation, the FreeSO Server will shut down on Sunday 8th December 2024.

We will host one final week-long event, The FreeSO Finale, featuring returning April Fools pranks and events (and some crazier ideas) before finally shutting the game down on midnight UTC of the 8th of December (9th December 00:00 UTC). There is more information at the end of this post, though another will be made closer to the start date detailing specifics.

This decision has not been taken lightly, and this blog post will explain how it came to be. But first, there is something important you should know about:

The Save Date

On the night of the 6th December (7th December 00:00 UTC) the server will be taken down temporarily, and all game data will be saved and exported. Some time after the server shuts down for good, this save data will be made available in some form so that players can explore the city offline, to visit properties across the city immortalized forever. See “Shutdown Plans” for more information on what information will be saved, and what properties/data will be omitted.

This is a perfect opportunity to finish off that renovation that you were putting off, revisit and update your property that was last opened a half decade ago, or clean up all the puddles that have been slowly accumulating over these long 8 years. Make it Christmas forever, transform the whole thing into a maze, or go full old school and make a hardcore money/skill lot… the decision is up to you! It’s the ideal moment to show off what you achieved in the game, and how you and your roommates played it.

On the final two days of operation, any changes made to properties WILL NOT be saved, so that we can unleash wilder dev objects and features onto the city as a final celebration.

Continue reading “FreeSO Sunset” →

Greetings fair resident of the Crater!

I, the great Madge Cal, Wonder Witch of the Hallowed Village, have an announcement to make!

With the destruction of the Abyssal Torment Manor, the redevelopment of the Hallowed Village into luxury condos, and my parole over and done with. I’ve no reason to stay within the confines of the Crater anymore, and have decided to be a Wonder Witch elsewhere…

But I, your long-time magical friend, refuse to leave without a proper goodbye. Which is why I am cordially inviting you to my going away Halloween Spook-tacular Candy Bash at the scenic Party Island!

Simply call a taxi to get there, it’s super easy:

There will be music, dancing, and of course, candy-galore! It simply wouldn’t be a Halloween party without candy! However there’s a rather slight problem at hand. The closure of the Sunrise Crater Candy Foundry after that awful caramel explosion has made the general candy supply rather scarce, but I have it on good authority that there is just enough candy remaining in the Crater to ensure this party will be a success! I just need everyone to bring some…

Gather up as much candy as you possibly can by any means necessary, and bring it to the party venue. Mr. Tickles will keep track of it, and I will make it worth your while with these fabulous prizes that I found while cleaning out my closets!

What is number 8, I hear you ask? You’ll just have to see. This will be your last chance to collect candy for me and Mr Tickles, so bash those zombies like you mean it!

Yours,
– Madge Cal