June 2015
So, I bought the Sims 3 starter pack for Mac/PC for $19.99. I went and downloaded the base game first, and when I went to click play, and it said it will be launched through an external application. Ok. But, when the Sims 3 app appeared, a few seconds later a window pops up saying "An unknown error occurred." I actually installed all 3 of the games earlier (like yesterday) and the App would run, but it'd be stuck for like an hour at the start up window for sims 3, and it was also not responding. I knew it wasn't going to work eventually because I let my mac sit there for an hour and nothing happened. I later uninstalled all 3 of the games, then reinstalled the base game and it stated, "An unknown error occurred.” I can’t even get back to the point where i had the Actual Sims 3 screen. Why is this not working on my mac? Is there something I can do to fix this issue? I've already tried restarting my computer, reinstalling my computer, etc, but nothing seems to be working. Please help me, if I can't get this to work soon, I want a refund. Thanks!
June 2015
i am sorry but we don't have mac player/helper here on the Sims 3 forums or see if anything here can help
or the mac forums on the TS3 site http://forums.thesims.com/en_US/categories/mac-discussions
and or if you wish to contact CS about a refund if it's possible
http://help.ea.com/en/article/contact-ea-help/
http://help.ea.com/en/contact-us/new/
September 2015
I have the same exact problem and its extremely frustrating. According to the sims 3 forums, the latest versions of the macbook air are not compatible with the sims 3. But then I can across a video of someone playing the sims 3 on macbook air(early 2015).
Heres the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYhxxz_WAYE
So now I'm just REALLY confused.
September 2015
Absolutely right, the game isn't compatible because of the graphics card. Some people have managed to run it with just the base game and a couple of EPs, dependant on what those EPs are.
There is a fix which, thanks to several Simmers who used trial and error to work it out, now does work. For full instructions please read this guide. It can be complicated but it does work, at least for every one who's correctly put in the right data.
April 2016
I have the same problem and I have done everything possible to get it working, it was a waste of my money buying it when I could have used that money else where.
June 2016
Okay so I had the exact same problem and I know that its a little late but for everyone else who is having trouble this is how I fixed it
(btw I also have a macbook air)
What I did was I created a new account on my computer(whatever you do DONT use the guest user. It will delete EVERYTHING if you log out. I learned this the hard way)
I got on that account and opened the game. (I bought the base game with Night life and High end loft stuff)
And it opened, but I went back to my main account and tried it and it still didn't open.
If this doesn't work then I would recommend reinstalling the game.
Reply if this doesn't work
Hope this helps!
July 2016
If I download the Sims 3 and packs on the main administrator account, will it automatically be there when I create the new account or do I have to install them on my new account?
March 2018
same
March 2019
So this literally keeps happening to me and CS is ZERO help. I have a 2012 macbook air and it refuses to work on it anymore. I’m beyond upset, Origin probably won’t get my money again and that stinks because the games were amazing :/
March 2019
@jadeestarz There are several issues associated with installing TS3 into the most recent versions of mac OS, but they're usually solveable. A 2012 macbook air might not run the game very well, given its older hardware and relatively weak cooling. Still, if you want to try, the unknown error you're probably seeing is most likely fixable. Just list your mac's specs here, as described in this post:
Please also list the packs you have installed, and those you would like to install going forward.