What is downwithpatreon org?
Downwithpatreon org was a website that offered free downloads of custom content (CC) for The Sims 4 game that was originally created by Patreon creators. The website claimed to share the files with the Sims community to protest against the practice of charging players for accessing player-made content, which violates the terms of service of the game and is frowned upon by many fans.
According to downwithpatreon org, they were formerly known as EmmasSimposium.com, and they posted new files every Friday. The website was popular among some players who wanted to access CC without paying or waiting for the creators to release them for free.
Why was downwithpatreon org shut down?
Downwithpatreon org was shut down in 2020 after receiving multiple complaints and legal threats from Patreon creators whose content was stolen and redistributed without their permission. Some of these creators claimed that they lost income and followers because of the website, and that their work was disrespected and devalued by the piracy.
The owner of downwithpatreon org announced on their Tumblr page that they were passing the content to someone else who would make a new site, but it is unclear if this ever happened. The website is no longer accessible, and the Tumblr page has been deleted.
Is there an alternative to downwithpatreon org?
Some players who used to visit downwithpatreon org may be looking for an alternative website that offers similar services. However, there are not many options available, and most of them are risky or unreliable.
One possible alternative is Dollhouse Mafia, a website that claims to offer free CC for The Sims 4, including some Patreon content. However, the website has a poor reputation among some players who reported malware, viruses, and broken links on the site. The website also does not update regularly, and some of the content may be outdated or incompatible with the game.
Another possible alternative is Paysites Must Be Destroyed (PSMBD), a website that has been around since The Sims 2 days and offers free CC for various Sims games, including some Patreon content. However, the website is not very user-friendly, and some of the content may be low-quality or stolen from other sources. The website also does not update frequently, and some of the links may be dead or slow.
A third possible alternative is TS4_Rebels, a subreddit that shares free CC for The Sims 4, including some Patreon content. However, the subreddit is not very easy to use, and some of the content may be missing or incomplete. The subreddit also requires users to join a Discord server and follow certain rules to access the CC.
What are the pros and cons of using websites like downwithpatreon org?
Some players may argue that using websites like downwithpatreon org has some benefits, such as:
- Saving money by not paying for CC
- Accessing CC that may not be available elsewhere
- Supporting a cause against paywalled CC
However, using websites like downwithpatreon org also has some drawbacks, such as:
- Risking malware, viruses, or other security issues
- Encountering broken links, outdated files, or compatibility issues
- Disrespecting the original creators and their work
- Violating the terms of service of the game
- Missing out on updates, fixes, or improvements from the creators
What are some alternatives to using websites like downwithpatreon org?
Some players may prefer to avoid using websites like downwithpatreon org altogether and opt for other ways to enjoy CC for The Sims 4. Some of these alternatives are:
- Supporting Patreon creators who offer quality CC and reasonable prices
- Waiting for Patreon creators to release their CC for free after a certain period
- Using free CC from reputable sources such as The Sims Resource or Mod The Sims
- Creating your own CC using tools such as Sims 4 Studio or Blender
- Playing without CC or with minimal CC
Conclusion
Downwithpatreon org was a controversial website that offered free downloads of Patreon CC for The Sims 4. The website was shut down after facing legal issues from Patreon creators whose content was pirated. There are not many similar websites available, and most of them have drawbacks or risks. Some players may prefer to use other alternatives to enjoy CC for The Sims 4 without violating the terms of service or disrespecting the creators.
