First look: The Sims 4 gameplay trailer unveiled (+video)

The Sims are getting in touch with their feelings.

The fourth edition of Maxis' successful life-simulating game will include more emotional versions of the virtual people whose lives players can manipulate.

The Sims 4 producers said developers had focused on crafting more believable Sims who can perform multiple actions - like walking and talking - at once.

"Over 10 years ago, we created a genre, now we're taking our most revolutionary step forward by focusing on the heart of the franchise, the Sims themselves," said Rachel Franklin, VP and Executive Producer for The Sims 4.

"The magic of The Sims has always come from the combination of the player's creativity and the Sims' free will, and in The Sims 4 we're taking this further by unlocking more possibilities and deeper gameplay opportunities.

"The Sims 4 is the bold leap for the franchise where each Sim now has a rich emotional center that drives meaningful social interactions.

"Our ability to affect the mind, body and heart of these new Sims brings your stories to life in a way that is more personal than ever before."

The sequel also will make it easier for gamers to build homes for their Sims by picking pre-designed rooms and plopping them together to create a house.

The Sims franchise has sold more than 170 million copies worldwide. The Electronic Arts Inc people simulator is the best-selling PC game franchise in history.

The Sims 4 is set to launch in 2014 on PC.

- AP with nzgamer.com