u/YellowLlamaCo

https://preview.redd.it/6xrrou4h3w3h1.png?width=2767&format=png&auto=webp&s=c059cbde8b749274acb3667ce59bfb7efd40ad3d

Imo the pr0blem with most of the Sims tree apps is that they work more like pretty org charts than true genealogy programs. Sims tree apps can visualize connections but they don’t seem to track the deeper relational logic behind them in the same way GEDCOM-based genealogy apps do which is why I think its not possible for them to automatically do basic things, like having branching trees.

For example, I use the "My Family Tree" local app by Chronoplex which is a classic family tree app. If I highlight one Sim, the app understands and can automatically name how everyone else in the tree is related to them based on the connections I've already saved (see my screenshot where Roxy is selected and the relationship everyone has to her is displayed). And it's possible to click a character and see how the family tree branches out if they are married into another family, similar to the family tree in the game (which is also GEDCOM-based).

I'm not a dev but my impression is that many Sims tree apps don't actually "understand" the family relationships behind the connections. I think this is why they are limited in the way they can branch out because they don't have the logic to calculate the extended connections, they are just visual nodes.

I think that's why some Sims services rely on things like "subtrees" which have to be manually created. It feels like a clunky workaround for a system that can display branches but can’t fully calculate one big interconnected network of family members.

I think these types of Sims tree apps are very popular because they are aesthetic, offer a lot of customization and have a lot of marketing behind them with sponsored content creators but imo aren't necessarily always the best choice for some Simmers.

Apart from the surface level family connections, a lot of the Sims tree apps limit you to just one family tree and paywall a lot of basic features like branching family trees. A lot of the extra features like diaries, photo albums, customization and custom attributes are included in "true" geneaology apps, some paid (MacFamilyTree), some free (My Family Tree app by Chronoplex). Totally fair to charge for a service and valid if that's your app of choice. I just think the amount of coverage these Sims tree apps get is disproportional to the value they offer in comparison to classic genealogy apps.

I see posts all the time asking for family tree app recommendations and wish more people knew about My Family Tree app or Family Echo but these apps just don't have the budget to incentivize creators to talk about them. So Simmers end up choosing a Sims tree apps instead of knowing about the alternatives which may have been a better choice.

If you're looking for a family tree app, I recommend the free My Family Tree app by Chronoplex. It's so so good and such a hidden gem. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾