Promising Sims-like Paralives gets seven-minute gameplay video, is hitting Steam early access next year

If you're a fan of The Sims and Sims-like experiences, it's quite an exciting time; work on The Sims 5, or whatever it'll be called, is officially underway. Then there's the imminent release of Paradox's Life By You following a number of delays, and even the charmingly lo-fi Tiny Life for old-school Sims fans. The game that's generated perhaps the most excitement since its unveiling in 2019, however, is Paralives, and after a long old wait — and five years of crowdfunding support — its developer has announced it'll be entering early access next year.

That bit of information comes via Paralives' new live mode gameplay video (live mode in Sims parlance is the bit where digital chracters actively go about their daily business, as opposed to the customisation-focused build mode) which charts the life of Anisa as she moves into a new apartment and begins to get to know the neighbourhood and her new neighbours.

There's a look at how a Para's personality can be created — initially by raising or lowering their physique, mind, creativity, and charisma attributes, as well as adding a «vibe», social perk, talent, and various lifestyle toggles — and after that it's time to go outside.

First, Anisa looks for a job at the local coffee shop — with applications requiring Paras to have reached certain levels across a number of specific, job-relevant skills — then, with some cash in hand, a delve into build mode provides her with a new guitar to play. This fulfils one of her needs and wants, and improves her guitar skill and music knowledge at the same time — the latter being one of several 'umbrella' skills that make it easier to learn sub-skills as they increase.

Another successful day at work gives her another upgrade point to spend on a new skill, perhaps improving her current job level or a related skill that might prove valuable elsewhere. Then there's a look at group interactions, and how filling a Together Bar