Roadmap for Language Barriers

NOTICE: After splitting the update, v2.0 was still too large. So, I'm splitting it again, more details here.

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I’m done with college, and back to modding!

My priority at the moment is updating Language Barriers. I’ve been saying for months that the next update will focus on education and careers, but this update has ballooned to massive proportions. So, I’ve decided to split it in two. Both of these updates will be available to Patrons 2 weeks early.

NOTICE: LB v2.0 currently has an alpha release available to tier 2+ patrons. You can also stay up-to-date with its development on Trello.

v2.0 (Expected by Mid July 2021)

I am unhappy with the way that Language Barriers currently works, and this update will focus on improving its core mechanics before adding new content. I’m sorry to say that this will not include adding functionality for education and careers, but these changes are substantial and I want to get them out as soon as possible. More details will come as the update nears completion, but these improvements include the following:

Sims will only speak one language at a time. You wouldn't pick up every language someone else knows just by talking to them, and your sims shouldn't, either. Each pair of sims will now have an agreed-upon language, but you can always ask to change it.

Changes to miscommunication. The miscommunication mechanic can be a bit invasive. The chance of miscommunication will now be a curve rather than linear, so it feels more natural. The consequences of miscommunication will also be less dramatic, and you can completely disable notifications and emotional deaths if you'd like.

Spawning based on language. Windenburgish, Komorebigo, and Selvadoradian speakers walk into a bar in Sulani. There is no punchline - this scenario is just really annoying. The majority of sims in a world should speak the language of that world from now on. This will be an optional add-on.

Multilingual sims. Right now, every sim is guaranteed to spawn with one, and only one, native language, and their random language skills will only ever be levels 2-4. This system is... subpar. This update will make multilingualism more common, and make sense within the context of each individual world.

Introduction of language families. In the real world, languages exist in families. This will now apply to the languages in LB as well – some languages will be easier to learn depending on your sim’s native language(s).

The update will include some other changes and small features as well, but this post is already long and I don't want to overwhelm you with info.

v2.1 (Expected by Late Autumn 2021)

With all of that out of the way, I’ll finally have time to focus on the education and careers features that I have been promising for so long. Again, more details will come as the update nears completion, but these additions include the following:

Language of instruction will match the world. Students will have to know the language of the world they live in, or else their grades may suffer. This applies to university students as well, who should be able to speak the language of Britechester (Simlish by default).

Learn languages at school. Children and teens will automatically learn the language of their home world at school if they do not already speak it. If they do, they will have the choice to learn a foreign language at school.

University majors and electives. University students of any major will be able to take foreign language classes, and as an homage to my real-world studies, sims will be able to major in linguistics. Majors for foreign languages cannot yet be confirmed, but I'll try to add them if possible (adding just one major requires a LOT of code, so I'm not sure if I can commit to making 7 of them).

New careers. Sims will be able to work as translators, field linguists, language researchers, and more. Some will be traditional careers, while others may have freelance opportunities.

While this update will add content related to Discover University, do not fret: the mod will remain BG compatible. Anything pack-specific will come in the form of an add-on that can be deleted if you do not own Discover University.

And that's where things stand right now! This is my priority at the moment, but I have not forgotten about Simway - I cannot wait for pyramid schemes to wreak havoc in the game, but making these kinds of mods takes time. Thanks for your patience, and I'm excited to be back!