The Movies – After 20 Years, We Need an Epic Sequel to This Underrated Sim Gem

The Movies was a sim game released in 2005 where you played the role of a film CEO who must manage an entire studio. The game was complex, involving maintaining your studio lot, keeping your stars happy, researching the latest filmmaking technology, and keeping ahead of the competition. You could also create your own movies, but limited technology meant limited options. However, a sequel could solve that problem.

The Appeal of The Movies

There was a lot to do in The Movies. Peter Molyneux of Fable fame may have a reputation for lying and exaggerating, but this game still delivered a satisfying experience. You began in the 1920s and went all the way to the present and beyond, watching your studio grow as new film trends and technologies developed. When you had a prestigious studio, you would be rewarded with new goodies such as sets and decorations. Despite the game’s complexity, it was easily accessible, meaning anyone could enjoy it.

Now, About Making Movies . . .

However, one of the game’s main selling points was the ability to create your own movies. Indeed, you had a creator’s studio where you could pick your genre, your actors, your sets, and your costumes, but there was one drawback. The movies had to be made by editing together pre-existing clips. Players expecting total freedom were likely disappointed with this limitation.

What a Sequel Could Do

Now there are other Hollywood sims such as Blockbuster Inc. and Hollywood Animal, but the charm of The Movies couldn’t be matched. With today’s technology, players could finally be given free rein to direct their actors the way they want. The editing tools could be made more sophisticated, letting the players put their camera anywhere they want in the set. Plus, people could now share their movies on YouTube. In addition, the simulation aspect could be expanded, adding more features while maintaining the feel of the original.

Will It Ever Happen?

Given that The Movies was not a huge hit, a sequel is unlikely. However, we shouldn’t lose hope. Should the game be released on Steam and other modern platforms, it could gain a second life. Perhaps a cult following would form, and demand for a sequel would follow. It may be unlikely, but in the world of gaming, you never know which older game will find the spotlight next.