The Sims 2's re-release's crashes, it's possible to spot that one Stuff Pack didn't make it into this version.

Although it's less common now, The Sims used to have a fair number of packs that included licensed brands, but they tended to be smaller packs instead of full expansions, meaning players wouldn't miss out on big additions if they decided to skip purchasing them. At the time, the developers likely worked with the brand to create a pack that satisfied both parties. However, that development choice can come with unique problems if the game is re-released in the future.

Sims 2: Legacy Collection Doesn’t Have The IKEA Stuff Pack

IKEA Home Stuff Brought Unique Furniture Options

The IKEA Home Stuff pack included new items without gameplay changes, because it wasn't a full expansion. These items were all based on IKEA designs, and they were mostly for bedrooms, living rooms, and office spaces. However, this pack didn't make it into the new Sims 2: Legacy Collection, and that's likely due to licensing issues. While it's disappointing, it's understandable that agreements with brands can be tricky, and it's lucky that this affected a small pack and not a large expansion.

Brand Licenses Are Always A Gamble Later On

EA Has Shied Away From Brands Since

Seeing that a pack wasn't included in this re-release is likely due to brand license issues, it makes sense why EA has avoided releasing branded content for The Sims 4. Despite it being a decade old, The Sims 4 doesn't have many packs that are associated with a brand, except the Moschino Stuff Pack and kits that were created with content creators. As for the Star Wars pack, EA had game rights for the franchise for a while, so it's unlikely that there will be a licensing issue in the future that affects it.

Part of the fun with branded content in games like The Sims is that players are able to bring unique items into their virtual world, whether that's through clothing, furniture, or worlds crossing over like Journey to Batuu. A virtual dollhouse is the ideal game type for brand collaborations, and the popularity of The Sims would be good publicity for smaller brands. However, the issues that it can cause in the future and the way that can be a legal issue makes it understandable that branded content has become rare in The Sims.