Now, I've tried checking DeviceConfig. Initially, it said:
MaxActiveLots 12
NumMaxActiveLotOptions 4
I tried changing NumMaxActiveLotOptions to twelve, but of course the game ignored it while in play and reset it upon reinitialization. I then tried changing the file to read-only in a last ditch effort. My changes are completely ignored. The game will still only present the option to show up to four lots.
Has anyone else had this problem? If so, how did you fix it?
First, delete your caches and also DeviceConfig.log from Documents\ Electronic Arts\ The Sims 3. In Electronic Arts\The Sims 3 [Latest EP/SP] \Game\Bin find graphicsrules.sgr and MAKE A BACKUP.
Open graphicsrules.sgr with notepad.
find:
option NumMaxActiveLotOptions
setting 4
prop $ConfigGroup NumMaxActiveLotOptions 4
prop $ConfigGroup PlatformMaxActiveLots 4
setting 6
prop $ConfigGroup NumMaxActiveLotOptions 6
prop $ConfigGroup PlatformMaxActiveLots 8
end
if ($os64Bit == 1)
setOption NumMaxActiveLotOptions 6
else
setOption NumMaxActiveLotOptions 4
Change it to:
option NumMaxActiveLotOptions
setting 4
prop $ConfigGroup NumMaxActiveLotOptions 8
prop $ConfigGroup PlatformMaxActiveLots 8
setting 6
prop $ConfigGroup NumMaxActiveLotOptions 8
prop $ConfigGroup PlatformMaxActiveLots 8
end
if ($os64Bit == 1)
setOption NumMaxActiveLotOptions 6
else
setOption NumMaxActiveLotOptions 6
This will force the game to allow the option of up to 8 lots visible whatever your specifications. What it defaults to will still depend upon your specs, and of course lower end systems may not actually render 8 lots simultaneously in high LOD.
You may have to replace this edited file with the original copy when patching, and if you add any more EPs/ SPs you will have to edit the graphicsrules for those instead.