EA has released twenty minutes of new footage from The Sims 4, and hidden within the various new features, bells and whistles is a new Premium membership option.
During the video a message pops up mentioning the Premium feature, which apparently offers "early access and exclusive items".
Seems like it's a similar model to the one currently found in Battlefield 4. The good folks over at Joystiq have managed to examine the entirety of the text, and it reads as follows;
“The Sims 4 Premium. Save on new packs with early access and exclusive items. Become a Premium member to get early access to three new packs, with exclusive items. Your Sims can throw a spooky costume party, camp in the great outdoors, and toast to the new year in style.”
While previous Sims games have had buckets of additional content and lots of online shop options, this is the first time there's been a season pass-like feature. If it operates like BF4 it'll give buyers early access to several content packs over the course of the game's lifespan for one set price - only with Ikea cabinets and new pairs of trousers rather than high-tech military vehicles and new guns. Actually, on reflection I think The Sims 4: Close Quarters Combat Pack would sell pretty well.
EA hasn't responded to any speculation regarding the Premium feature, but we'll keep an eye out for any official statements. The Sims 4 comes to Windows PC on September 4.
