The new update does not fundamentally change The Sims 3. In fact, it doesn't change The Sims 3 at all. Instead, the update fixes an issue that prevented players using computers with 12th Gen Intel processors from playing the game. Players with these CPUs would see the game crash on startup. In 2022, a prominent The Sims 3 Modder LazyDuchess fixed the issue with her own modified patch. Electronic Arts' Tuesday update is the official fix for people using the EA app launcher. Steam players do not appear to have received the update.
Naturally, The Sims 3 the community is a bit hesitant about the patch; They've spent over a decade accumulating modified and scripted content, and they're worried that an official, forced patch will ruin everything. A community member has created a detailed guide for the update, including how No to update your game, if that's something you want to avoid. The mods appear to be safe, said Reddit user CowardlyCandy.
Polygon has contacted Electronic Arts for comment.