'The Sims 4' readies for Mac release

Having made its debut in September 2014, "The Sims 4" is now being prepared for release on Mac in February.

Having made its debut in September 2014, 'The Sims 4' is now being prepared for release on Mac in February.

Owners of 'The Sims 4' will be given access to both versions once the Mac version launches next month, the game's Twitter account explained.

With a greater emphasis on the creation, customization and sharing of avatar designs and building plans, 'The Sims 4' is also now receiving its first major expansion.

'The Sims 4: Outdoor Retreat,' made available on January 13 for $20/€20, invites players to send their sims on a camping vacation and provides a new lakeside environment for them to relax in as well as togs to wear and skills to learn.

In the four years that followed its 2009 release, predecessor 'The Sims 3' was accompanied by 11 expansion packs -- the first of which arrived five months after the main game -- as well as nine stuff packs containing various themed digital accessories, and a further 11 additional environments.

By contrast, the 'Outdoor Retreat' package is what 'The Sims' developer and publisher are calling a 'game pack,' and it combines elements from the Expansion Packs, Stuff Packs and Downloadable Worlds created for 'The Sims 3.'