Maxis announces The Sims 4, saying a new installment in the lifestyle simulation is on the way for Windows and OS X next year. Details are scant at the moment, but they promise more later today. Here's word:

Today we are revealing to our top fans the fact that The Sims™ 4 is coming to PC and Mac in 2014.

The Sims franchise is fueled by the passion and creativity of its millions of fans around the world. Their continued devotion to the franchise ignites the fire of creativity of the team at The Sims Studio, driving them to continually improve and innovate on one of the world’s most successful simulation game that has sold more than 150 million copies worldwide.

More information will be revealed later today here on The Beat, so stay tuned.

Share your excitement for the game on Twitter with the hashtag #TheSims4.