The Sims is a strategic life simulation video game developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts in 2000. It is a simulation of the daily activities of one or more virtual people (Sims) in a suburban household near a fictional city. Players control customizable Sims as they pursue career and relationship goals. Players can also use their Sims income to renovate their living space, purchase home furnishings, or clothing for their household. Players can also choose to pursue a social and successful life.

The games development was led by Will Wright and the game was a follow-up to Wrights earlier SimCity series; Wright was inspired to create the game by Christopher Alexanders 1977 book A Pattern Language, and Scott McClouds 1993 book Understanding Comics later played a role in the games design. Seven expansion packs were released from 2000 to 2003, each of which added new items, characters, skins, and features.

Upon release, it garnered generally positive reviews and was described by Wright as being successful in attracting casual and female gamers. It also won several awards, and placed 31st on Times The 50 Best Video Games of All Time list. Several sequels were released?The Sims 2 in 2004, The Sims 3 in 2009, and The Sims 4 in 2014.