SimCity Societies Screenshots``xMatej``xEA has released screenshots of SimCity Societies. They can be viewed at <a href="http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=165831">CVG</a>. From the descriptions provided by EA and from the screenshots available at CVG, it appears that SCS is a fully 3D, glorified version of Simsville, the cancelled Maxis venture from 2001. Gamestop has SimCity Societies available for pre-order, with an expected ship date of November 13, 2007.``xEElkyupkuklRrzKOoQ``x1182636642``xSimCity``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Spore scare clarified...``xCameron``xSpore is now back on the table, and that news to the contrary was "misinformation". Read the full story at <a href="http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6083&Itemid=2">Next-Gen</a>. Hopefully, this means a Spring 2008 arrival - with EA's urgency to get some bread on the table, I wouldn't be surprised if we saw it on time...``xEElkulukuFxrmnNrje``x1182480643``xspore``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
First SimCity, now Spore...``xCameron``xIn a breaking news report from <a href="http://kotaku.com/gaming/pc/spore-slip-sliding-away-270324.php">Kotaku</a>, we have found out that Spore is now indefinitely delayed. Could this have something to do with EA's recent <a href="http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/070618/20070618006347.html?.v=1">restructuring plan</a>? It would seem that The Sims franchise is the only vestige left of Maxis, and even that has been milked dry by EA.``xEElkFykpFFHCXfiDJw``x1182358433``xspore``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
SimCity series passed off from Maxis...``xCameron``xAccording to <a href="http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=165432">Computer and Video Games</a>, the SimCity franchise as we know it is finished. Reportedly, Maxis has passed off the development of SimCity to the same team who developed Civilization IV, "Tilted Mill". The new incarnation of SimCity is said to be a far cry from the SimCity we all know an love.<br><br>R.I.P. SimCity``xEElEkVpAZphoMOPUVL``x1181247370``xSimCity``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
SimGlobal's 6th Birthday``xCameron``xYesterday SimGlobal passed its 6th birthday on the internet. 6 years ago SimGlobal was a much more modest looking website, however, our goal of providing news for Sim related games remains unchanged today! Thank you for your ongoing patronage!``xEElplEplyFTtshNuGW``x1180807263``x(default)``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Spore Delayed, Possibly Until 2009...``xCameron``xWell, it seems as though EA isn't counting on seeing Spore at the end of FY 2008 (March 31st 2008), so neither should you. Altough the most dire predictions see Spore being pushed out to 2009, my guess would be fall 2008. Still a long ways away, however! You can get some more details at <a href="http://uk.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUKWEN784620070509">Reuters UK</a>, however, we haven't heard anything from the Spore team themselves with regards to the delay.``xEEZllEEAZuMkGYhVvq``x1178808374``xspore``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
The Sims...in art?``xCameron``xIt would seem that EA has scored a further publicity coup by teaming up with several design schools to create exhibitions based on The Sims. The full article, entitled <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2007-03-21-ea-contest_N.htm?csp=34">EA asks artists to celebrate 'The Sims'</a> details that the exhibitions will be across multiple types of media and will compete for $36,000 in prizes. I'm sure that it will also be a great way for young artisits to get noticed by EA - not bad if they are heading in a graphic design or advertising route.``xEEZVFkAAZyrlblNoMX``x1175326376``xTS|x|TS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Interview with Will Wright by Popular Science...``xCameron``xYet another Will Wright interview has arrived on the scene to provide a better background on Spore and how Wright conceived of it. The interview, by <a href="http://www.popsci.com/popsci/technology/f1a18906612a0110vgnvcm1000004eecbccdrcrd.html">Popular Science</a>, also dives further into some of Wright's other games including The Sims, SimCity, and an interesting response on the relative failure of The Sims Online.``xEEZkFypkFZCHcLroWt``x1172356637``x(default)|x|spore``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
SimCity Product Manager Needed...``xCameron``xGamasutra recently took note of an <a href="http://jobs.gamasutra.com/jobseekerx/viewjobrss.asp?cjid=8695&accountno=178">EA job posting</a> seeking a "SimCity Product Manager". The position is in in the field of marketing and would seems to indicate a ramping up of SimCity 5 production. It is possible that upon finding a Product Manager, we might get some special SimCity 5 sneek peeks - as part of the manager's duties include promotion and product launch planning. Such a "sneek peek" would likely come in an exclusive story in a computer gaming magazine. I wouldn't be surprised to see such a sneek peek arriving along with Spore later this year...``xEEyAykylyEkEREVPWC``x1169623261``xSimCity``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Enjoy All Four Seasons With Your Sims! EA Announces The Sims 2 Seasons``xCameron``xREDWOOD CITY, Calif., Dec 12, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:ERTS) today announced that fans of the popular video game franchise, The Sims(TM) 2, will now be able to head outdoors for year-round fun with their Sims. The Sims(TM) 2 Seasons will be available as a PC expansion pack(1) and will build on the celebrated The Sims 2 experience that allows players to create and control virtual characters throughout their lives while determining the outcome of their relationships and choosing their destiny. The Sims 2 Seasons introduces all new ways for your Sims to enjoy spring, summer winter & fall! <br>Experiencing all four seasons for the first time -- from seasonal activities to all-new outerwear for unpredictable weather -- is guaranteed to provide a whole new level of excitement for your Sims! Not only will your Sims experience the seasons changing in winter, spring, summer and fall, but each season will deliver unique benefits, impacting your Sims relationships, mood, skills, careers and more. And be sure to dress your Sims appropriately for the weather -- freezing, sunburn and other unexpected weather effects can occur! <br><br>Whether you're strengthening family ties in winter, letting romance bloom in spring, deepening the bonds of friendship in summer, or fast-tracking your career in fall, the seasons have a whole new impact on your Sims' lives throughout the year! Avoid the heat; take a dip in the pool and play Marco Polo! Go skating on an ice rink; have snowball fights, build snowmen or make snow angels. Each season unfolds differently delivering stunning visuals of weather effects and seasonal changes including snow, rain, hail, lightning and more ensuring a unique gameplay experience for many seasons to come. Show Off Your Sims' Green Thumb; make your garden blossom and reap the rewards! And as an added bonus, crops that harvest at the peak time can produce varying juices that reap special benefits, from love potions and energy boosts to cold fighters and smart juices! Time to drink up! <br><br>"The Sims 2 Seasons really delivers what the players have been asking for -- a unique gaming experience offering new seasonal, outdoor activities that players can engage in. And because each season unfolds differently, winter, spring, summer and fall will look different than the year before, guaranteeing a fresh experience each season," said Vice President and Studio Head of The Sims Division, Rod Humble. "From fishing with Dad on a cool lake to catching fireflies on a warm summer night -- these are the great moments in life we remember either from growing up with our parents or growing up with our kids. The wonderful gardening system adds another layer of player creativity and nurturing which is the perfect compliment to the base game." <br><br>The Sims 2 Seasons will ship in Europe on February 23 and across the US on February 27 as a PC expansion pack(1) that builds on the original The Sims 2 PC game experience. <br><br>KEY FEATURES <br><br>Benefit from Each Season -- Each season impacts your Sims' relationships, moods, and more! <br><br>Share New activities -- New group activities in every season your Sims and their family and friends! Build snowmen, splash in the pool, play catch, ice skate, and more. <br><br>Reap the Fruits of Your Sims' Labors -- Harvest fruits and veggies all year round and blend love potions, energy drinks, health boosters and more. <br><br>Update Their Wardrobes -- Dress your Sims in seasonal outfits like winter coats, gloves, ear muffs, raincoats, summer dresses, and more. <br><br>Master New Talents -- Show off your Sims' green thumb! Join the Gardening Club for friendship and tips on how to make your garden blossom, and reap the rewards! Catch fresh Fish to grill on the barbeque -- but beware of unexpected catches! <br><br>Explore 6 New Careers -- Do your Sims yearn to be an adventurer or gamer? Perhaps they'd rather explore music, law, journalism, or education? Fun reward objects like the Heavy Metal Guitar await your Sims with each new career path. <br><br>Enhanced Visual Effects -- Dramatic and detailed weather effects bring a brand new visual experience to The Sims 2 universe! Snowstorms, thundershowers, lightning bolts and deadly hailstones, all spectacularly rendered to occur in both existing and new The Sims 2 neighborhoods! <br><br>Product Specifications <br><br>Publisher: Electronic Arts<br>Developer: Electronic Arts Redwood Shores<br>Ship Date: US: February 27th, 2006<br>Europe: February 23:<br>-- PC expansion pack(1)<br>Category: Simulation/Strategy<br>ESRB Rating: "RP-T" (Rating Pending - Teen)<br>PEGI Rating: 12+<br><br><br>(1) The Sims(TM) 2 Seasons for PC requires The Sims(TM) 2 or The<br>Sims(TM) 2 Special DVD Edition for PC to play. <br><br>``xEEyZuFAFVVdESVlWMG``x1167435755``xPR``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
EA Mobile Launches SimCity -- Players Can Build a City While out on the Town``xCameron``xREDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 28, 2006--Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) today announced availability of classic simulation game SimCity(TM) for mobile. SimCity, the game that launched the simulation phenomenon, now lets mobile phone users create and manage the growth of a living city in the palm of their hands. Originally created by Will Wright, SimCity is now available on major U.S. carriers.<br><br>"SimCity is one of the most significant game franchises of the past 20 years and we're thrilled to bring it to the mobile phone market," said Travis Boatman, vice president worldwide studios, EA Mobile. "For the first time, players will have the ability to pick up and build a city while on the go -- any time, any place."<br><br>Players take on the roles of City Planner and Mayor as they design and build the ultimate city on their mobile phone. Choose from a unique set of maps and then plan residential, commercial and industrial areas. Next, install roads and railways, police and fire stations, parks, stadiums and more. As the city begins to take shape, be prepared to deal with unavoidable challenges such as crime, pollution, fires, tornados, and even a monster attack. On top of that, players must maintain a balanced budget. The ultimate goal is to attract as many Sims as possible to one's thriving new metropolis.<br><br>Other features include building cities on multiple games maps with unique challenges, controlling the city budget and helping citizens cope with natural disasters. Remember to take care of the Sims or they may leave. Players also have eight tool categories that have the ability to plan, plot, build, bulldoze, re-plot and manage a city. An informational feature also will be included to keep track of your city statistics, like crime, pollution and traffic levels to determine which areas need the most attention.<br><br>Created by legendary game designer Will Wright, SimCity is one of the first games created that can never be won or lost. Originally released in 1989, SimCity has grown into a major franchise that has spawned many variations of the title, including SimEarth, SimPark and The Sims(TM).<br><br>``xEEyZuFAFkFchktTxGF``x1167435723``xPR``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
EA Rocks The Sims 2 Pets with Hot Tracks from Cool Acts; Musical Powerhouses Include the Pussycat Dolls, Aly & AJ, Flaming Lips and Hot Chip and Hits from International Superstars``xCameron``xREDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 14, 2006--Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:ERTS) today revealed a roster of more than 25 songs that will be featured in The Sims 2(TM) Pets.<br><br>Fans of The Sims will be thrilled to learn they can hear the latest hits from hottest musical acts including the Pussycat Dolls, Aly & AJ, The Flaming Lips and Hot Chip, in addition to theme and mode music from Mark Mothersbaugh. With songs that represent a variety of genres from indie and hip hop to country and pop, every Sims player will find something they adore!<br><br>"We had an absolute blast recording 'Don't Cha' in Simlish for The Sims 2 Pets! We were laughing the whole time, trying to communicate this chart-topping hit in a totally different language was such a riot," said Nicole Scherzinger, lead singer for the Pussycat Dolls. "I think we did a great job -- the song is definitely as catchy in Simlish as it is in English! And the pets -- they're so adorable and lifelike!"<br><br>"The Sims is truly an international phenomenon, and the music must reflect that. For The Sims 2 Pets, we wanted to present great artists with international appeal. Pop icons Aly & AJ and The Pussycat Dolls re-recorded their smash hits in 'Simlish,' while Flaming Lips re-recorded a song from their new album especially for the game. It is amazing to see these artists, as well as stars from Italy, Finland, Norway, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland get into the 'Simlish' spirit. It's a whole new world of music for an all-new world of The Sims," said Steve Schnur, Executive of Worldwide Music and Marketing at EA.<br><br>                    SIMS 2 PETS GLOBAL SOUNDTRACK<br>----------------------------------------------------------------------<br>Artist                   Track                         Platform<br>-----------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------<br>Aly & AJ                 Chemicals React               PC and Console<br>-----------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------<br>Brazil                   Candles Cast Long Shadows     PC and Console<br>-----------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------<br>Cowboy Troy              I play Chicken with a Train   PC and Console<br>-----------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------<br>Cut Copy                 Future                        Console<br>-----------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------<br>Dena Deadly              Fortuzala                     PC and Console<br>-----------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------<br>The Flaming Lips         Free Radicals                 PC and Console<br>-----------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------<br>Hot Chip                 Colours                       Console<br>-----------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------<br>Hot Chip                 So Glad To See You            Console<br>-----------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------<br>Isabelle Huang           Hit It                        PC and Console<br>-----------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------<br>Jessi Malay              Topsy Turvy                   PC and Console<br>-----------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------<br>Joanna J                 Unthinkable                   PC and Console<br>-----------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------<br>Kristen Dex              Come On Come On               PC and Console<br>-----------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------<br>New Amsterdams           Turn Out the Light            PC and Console<br>-----------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------<br>Prescott                 Dixie Dixie Where Have You    PC and Console<br>                          Been All My Life<br>-----------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------<br>Prescott                 Hurt Nobody                   PC and Console<br>-----------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------<br>Ralph Myerz and The      Boombox Breakdown             Console<br> Jack Herren Band<br>-----------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------<br>Saving Jane              Girl Next Door                PC and Console<br>-----------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------<br>Skye Sweetnam            Boyhunter                     PC and Console<br>-----------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------<br>Something for Rockets    I Never Know                  PC and Console<br>-----------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------<br>Tanaila                  Wow Wow Wow                   PC and Console<br>-----------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------<br>The Films                Black Shoes                   PC and Console<br>-----------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------<br>The Format               The Compromise                PC and Console<br>-----------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------<br>The Netw0rk              Topy Apa Ty                   PC and Console<br>-----------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------<br>Pussycat Dolls           Don't Cha                     PC and Console<br>-----------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------<br>Touchstone               Simpatico                     PC and Console<br>-----------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------<br>W of P3                  Aff Wubbas Doo                PC and Console<br>-----------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------<br><br>"We've always been known to jump at opportunities that challenge us to do something totally fresh that we've never done. Needless to say, recording 'Free Radicals' in Simlish allowed us to do just that," said front man Flaming Lips singer, Wayne Coyne. "The Sims 2 Pets was an ideal product considering we have three mutts, Ted, Max and the Dragon Dog. It will be interesting to use Create-A-Pet to create them in the game and see what kind of trouble they get into!"<br><br>The Sims 2 Pets will build on the celebrated The Sims 2 experience that allows players to create and control characters throughout their life while determining the outcome of their relationships and adventures. The addition of a new furry friend is guaranteed to enrich the daily lives of your Sims! Not only will players have the opportunity to choose from a variety of existing cat and dog breeds and hottest designer mixes, but they'll also be able to personally design their new friend with the Create-a-Pet feature. The ability to customize gives fans the opportunity to create their ideal pet by choosing their body shape, unique markings, even their pet's personalities! As in real life, your Sims' pet will benefit from care and training. A neglected cat with an urge to scratch might claw up your new couch if you aren't careful, and leaving your dog unattended near a freshly planted flower bed probably isn't wise! Be sure to expect the unexpected!<br><br>The Sims 2 Pets will be available on October 17, 2006 on the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the Nintendo GameCube(TM) and as a PC expansion pack(1) that builds on the original The Sims 2 PC game experience. Versions for the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable), Game Boy(R) Advance and Nintendo DS(TM) systems will follow in late October and November. A mobile version will be coming soon.<br><br>Product Specifications<br>----------------------<br>Publisher:    Electronic Arts<br>Developer:    Electronic Arts Redwood Shores<br>Ship Date:    October 17th, 2006:<br>              --  PlayStation(R)2<br>              --  Nintendo GameCube(TM)<br>              --  PC expansion pack(1)<br>Ship Date:    Late October/early November 2006:<br>              --  Game Boy(R) Advance<br>              --  Nintendo DS(TM)<br>              --  PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable)<br>Ship Date:    December 2006<br>              --  Mobile platforms (Europe only)<br>Category:     Simulation/Strategy<br>ESRB Rating:  "RP-T" (Rating Pending - Teen)<br>PEGI Rating:  12+ for PC; 7+ for console and handhelds<br><br>(1) Requires The Sims(TM) 2, The Sims(TM) 2 Special DVD Edition or The<br>    Sims(TM) 2 Holiday Edition to play.<br><br>``xEEyZuFAkVVmoKuWVsl``x1167435655``xPR``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
EA Announces The Sims 2 Pets; Fans of the Popular Video Game Series Enrich The Lives of Their Sims With The Addition of an Animal Companion``xCameron``xREDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 27, 2006--Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:ERTS) today announced that the popular video game franchise, The Sims(TM) 2, is going to the dogs -- and for that matter, to the cats, guinea pigs and birds too! The company is releasing The Sims(TM) 2 Pets on current generation console systems, handheld platforms and as a PC expansion pack. The Sims 2 Pets will build on the celebrated The Sims 2 experience that allows players to create and control digital characters throughout their lives while determining the outcome of their relationships and choosing their destiny. Each version will feature customized content tailored to the platform.<br><br>The addition of a new friend is guaranteed to enrich the daily lives of your Sims! Not only will players have the opportunity to choose from a variety of existing breeds, and hot designer mixes, but they'll also be able to personally design their new friend with the Create-a-Pet feature. The ability to customize gives fans the opportunity to create their ideal pet by choosing their body shape, unique markings, even their pet's personalities! With so many different animals to choose from, there's no telling what unpredictable experiences could occur!<br><br>Players will also be able to teach their pet new tricks, take them for a romp in the park, outfit them with new pet accessories and even give them a job! As in real life, your Sims' pet will require care and training. A neglected cat with an urge to scratch might claw up your new couch if you aren't careful, and leaving your dog unattended near a freshly planted flower bed probably isn't wise!<br><br>"The Sims 2 Pets captures the magic between pets and their owners," said Executive Producer Rod Humble. "A dog gnawing at his chew toy, a cat jumping at a dangled feather, a toddler stroking the chest of a big dog who sits by patiently -- even a frisky dog getting caught rolling around in the trash. These special moments all come to life through the lifelike animations and artwork of The Sims 2 Pets. There is something delightful about your Sim, a little pet person, having a pet of their own. Pets allows players to tell more stories with their Sims and helps create more emergent anecdotes within the game."<br><br>The Sims 2 Pets will be available on the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the Nintendo GameCube(TM), Game Boy(R) Advance, and Nintendo DS(TM), and as a PC expansion pack(a) that builds on the original The Sims 2 PC game experience. A version for the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R) Portable) system will follow.<br><br>KEY FEATURES<br><br>All Platforms <br><br>-- Sims Have New Friends - Pets! Sims can share their lives with their new pets and add more fun to the Sims experience. From dogs, cats, caged animals and more, your Sims share new friends to experience life's precious moments. With so many different animals to choose from, there's no telling what unpredictable experiences could occur! <br><br>-- Create-A-Pet: Choose from dozens of dog and cat breeds or customize features for a one-of-a-kind pet. You can even modify your pet's body shape by choosing from specific colors and unique markings. Don't like the way they act? Change their personality - from smart and sweet to silly and sloppy - anyone can create their ideal animal friend in The Sims 2 Pets. <br><br>-- "Sit, Spike, Sit": Your Sims can encourage and discipline pets, training them to shake, roll over, play dead, and more. Unruly pets might dig in the yard, claw the sofa, or topple the trash. Thankfully, a little training can go a long way. <br><br>-- Classic Sims Open-Ended Gameplay: Create and control digital characters over a lifetime, setting their goals in life from popularity and romance, to fortune and family - their stories are in your hands. <br><br>-- Share unique Pet unlocks: Use special codes to share unlockable pet accessories, fur types or markings with other The Sims 2 Pets players. <br><br>Unique to PC(a) <br><br>-- Friends for a Lifetime: Your Sims' pets are members of the family and share all of life's great moments - whether it's kids training puppies, teens playing fetch in the park, adults watching TV with their cats, or elders enjoying a sunny day in the park with their long-time companion! <br><br>-- Create a designer breed: Your Sims pets have genetics, allowing you to create the latest designer pet, including popular hybrid breeds like the Labradoodle, Puggle and Schnoodle! Like what you've created? Register them to appear in Create-A-Pet as a unique pedigree! <br><br>-- Bring Home the Bacon: Sims aren't the only ones with careers anymore! Skilled pets can earn a living from three career tracks - Show Business, Security, and Service - and work their way up through five job levels. <br><br>Unique to PlayStation(R)2, Nintendo GameCube(TM) and PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system<br><br>-- Stroll the Central Town Park: Take your Sims and their pet for a romp at any of the nearby park areas, or head to the Central Town Park which is a favorite of pet owners. While there, watch your pet play well with others while your Sim can meet others and socialize with fellow animal lovers. <br><br>-- Shop 'til you drop: Visit the adjoining Town Center, a great gathering spot for Sims that evolves over time. Once you've seen the latest styles and decided on a purchase, deck your pet out in the latest clothing and accessories around. From geek to chic and cool to casual, your Sim can customize their pet's look with one stop in the Town Center. It's sure to be the coolest pet in town! <br><br>Unique to Nintendo DS(TM) <br><br>-- Manage a Pet Care Center: Pamper, preen, and nurse all the neighborhood pets at your new Pet Care Center that you create and customize. <br><br>-- How Much Is That Doggie in the Window? In a pet store that you own and operate, you can help other Sims pick out the perfect pet. Earn extra Simoleans by selling the pet products that include the latest pet fashions and accessories! <br><br>Game Boy(R) Advance <br><br>-- Give Your Sim a Career in Pet Care: Take care of the town's pets by being a veterinarian, a world-class pet trainer and more. Players can even choose from a variety of cats and dogs to adopt as their very own. Whether they are healing pets or just taking them for a stroll, there is always something to do in the pet-friendly town of Barkersville. <br><br>-- Toys, treats and tricks!: Sims can teach their pets cool and amazing tricks and then compete in the World Championships to be the best in show!<br><br><br>Product Specifications<br>----------------------------------------------------------------------<br>    Publisher: Electronic Arts<br>    Developer: Electronic Arts Redwood Shores<br>    Ship Date: October 17th, 2006:<br><br>               --  PlayStation(R)2<br><br>               --  Nintendo GameCube(TM)<br><br>               --  Game Boy(R) Advance<br><br>               --  Nintendo DS(TM)<br><br>               --  PC expansion pack(a)<br><br>    Ship Date: November 2006:<br><br>               --  PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable)<br><br>    Category: Simulation/Strategy<br>    ESRB Rating: "RP-T" (Rating Pending - Teen)<br><br>(a) The Sims(TM) 2 Pets for PC requires The Sims(TM) 2 or The<br>    Sims(TM) 2 Special DVD Edition for PC to play.<br>``xEEyZuFAkkFvfdPbQOp``x1167435623``xPR``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
The "Early Years" of Maxis``xCameron``xA <a href="http://www.escapistmagazine.com/issue/77/14">great piece</a> in The Escapist details one writer's musings on the early year of Maxis and the early games that it released like SimCity, SimEarth and SimLife. There are some things that we completely forget about with our modern SimCity incarnation - like a full printed manual. Certainly a good read for anyone who has been with the SimCity franchise for a while.``xEEyZFZVFAkwqfQCYUC``x1167371792``x(default)|x|SimCity``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Will Wright on Colbert Report, follow up``xMatej``xIf you didn't catch yesterday's appearence of Will Wright on the Colbert Report, you can find it on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHqnbRqX_sw" target="_blank">YouTube</a>. Wright talked mainly about The Sims, though he did mention that Spore is on track for release in the second half of next year.``xEEyVFylAuEOerqVfWB``x1165365341``x(default)|x|TS2|x|spore``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Will Wright on Colbert Report...``xCameron``xWill Wright will be appearing on the Colbert Report (Comedy Central) on December 4th, likely plugging Spore. Be sure to check out the show simply to see the legend himself as well as catch some jokes relating Wright games - we expect that there have to be at least a couple on The Sims. You can read the full details on the appearance at <a href="http://www.2old2play.com/News/Will_Wright_On_Colbert_Report_Dec_4th">The Older Gamer's Paradise</a>.``xEEyulZuppZXtByGMUU``x1164870407``x(default)|x|spore``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
SimCity 5 Confirmed``xAndro``xAfter a long drought of SimCity-related news, EA yesterday <a href="http://uk.gamespot.com/news/6160951.html" target="_blank">confirmed</a> that the fifth installment in the SimCity series is under development. No further information has yet been revealed. SimGlobal will continue to relay news as it is released.``xEEykVAykZANObbiQlw``x1162592679``xSimCity``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``xhttp://uk.gamespot.com/news/6160951.html
Spore news quiets down...``xCameron``xWith Spore's expected release pushed well beyond the 2006 holiday shopping season, things have started to cool down for Spore since the summer game conventions. However, there is an excellent and extensive piece on Spore in the New York Times from earlier this month entitled <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/08/magazine/08games.html?ex=1317960000&en=d5d1134494106bbd&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss">"The Long Zoom"</a>. The article is detailed in both describing the game itself as well as the development of the game and its greater meaning for computer entertainment.``xEEyEpFAEVlJOvBhSPk``x1161035558``xspore``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
The Sims 2 continues to top charts...``xCameron``xGamaSutra has a piece detailing how The Sims 2 Glamour Life add-on pack topped World of Warcraft in September, continuing to assert The Sims 2's dominance in the gaming arena. Along with this, Open for Business and Nightlife respectively took the 10th and 11th tops spots. You can read the entire snippet at <a href="http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=11277">GamaSutra</a>.``xEEyEpFlykuuPEDcqPT``x1161035024``xTS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Spore only to PC for now...``xCameron``xEA has issued a statement to counter what Will Wright has been saying with regards to Spore; quite simply, don't expect console versions anytime soon. <a href="http://pc.joystiq.com/2006/09/09/ea-spore-is-pc-only-for-now/">Joystiq</a> reports on this later development in more detail, however it seems as though EA wants the development team to focus on the PC version of Spore for the moment rather than jumping into the console version. There could be several reasons for this latest development, including a possible weariness to push the game too hard in the unlikely event that the PC version flops. EA might also want to see what general gameplay bugs need to be worked out from the PC version before fully launching console development. One thing is for sure, and that is that if Spore is a success it will head to Spore sooner or later (probably sooner!).``xEEVlyFlpluCGSvhzbo``x1158634484``xspore``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Apple Design Award for Mac The Sims 2...``xCameron``xIt seems as though Aspyr picked up a nice Apple Design Award at latest WWDC. The article noted that the Apple version of The Sims 2 needed to "show even more polish and take advantage of Mac specific features" in order to grab the award for Aspyr. You can see the full news piece on the award at <a href="http://www.insidemacgames.com/news/story.php?ID=14071">IMG News</a>.``xEEVlyFZZpVHmuDNWVD``x1158634105``xMac|x|TS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
SimCity heading to Nintendo DS...``xCameron``xIt seems that a port of SimCity will be heading to the Nintendo DS portable game console, as reported by <a href="http://pc.joystiq.com/2006/08/30/simcity-announced-for-the-ds-in-japan/">Joystiq.com</a>. The game will apparently only be availibe in Japan and will model SimCity 3000.``xEEVZukZuukRVOWwFxW``x1157423842``xSimCity``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
New Official Spore pics and Spore movie pack...``xCameron``xFiringSquad.com is reporing that there are some new <a href="http://www.firingsquad.com/news/newsarticle.asp?searchid=11982">official Spore screenshots</a> from the Spore website. Along with that, GamersHell.com has compiled a <a href="http://www.gamershell.com/news/32413.html">Spore Movie Pack</a> for our viewing pleasure.``xEEVyAluAVkVpoGYkfT``x1156981352``xspore``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
SimCity 4 goes to Intel Macs...``xCameron``xAspyr's latest newsletter discusses that they are currently working on several new universal binary patches to allow for improved performance on OS X games running on the recent Intel Macs. Notably, they included SimCity 4 on the list, good news for Mac SimCity players and Aspyrs dedication to the SimCity line. You can find out more about the other games to be patched in the <a href="http://www.macnn.com/articles/06/08/28/universal.intel/">MacNN piece</a>.``xEEVyAluZuVaxVwburj``x1156981145``xMac|x|SimCity``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
IGN gets Spore details at GC...``xCameron``xIGN was lucky enough to get a private Spore show from Will Wright at the Games Convention from which they brought back <a href="http://media.pc.ign.com/media/735/735340/vids_1.html">several videos</a>. The videos detail several aspects of the game including what appears to be an updated interface. You can read the full story behind the videos at <a href="http://pc.ign.com/articles/728/728259p1.html">IGN.com</a>.``xEEVyyEpyyEIHTXhCTB``x1156607061``xspore``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Open for Business Mac Gold Master...``xCameron``xThe Sims 2 Open for Business expansion pack for Mac has hit Gold Master, <a href="http://www.aspyr.com/games.php/status/">according to the Aspyr website</a>. This means that we can expect the game to be shipping in the next couple of weeks (perhaps even before September?). No word yet on whether or not Family Fun Stuff or Pets will be the next Mac The Sims 2 port.``xEEVVyVAEkZlKDXxNwR``x1155655527``xMac|x|TS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Spore interview at Gamespot confirms release...``xCameron``xWe just discovered the source of the delayed release date information - a GameSpot <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/news/6155498.html">interview</a> with Will Wright. The interview, like the IGN, include some interesting screenshots that are worth a look.<br><br>A second GameSpot <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/news/6155511.html">piece</a> digs further into the release date delay news noting that the game will not be released before July 2007.<br>``xEEVVkkVZpkYVgBxckj``x1155222102``xspore``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Spore pushed back to late 2007...``xCameron``xIt would seem that Eurogamer is <a href="http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=66603">reporting</a> that Spore will not be hitting shelves until the second half of the year. The delay was quoted from Will Wright himself.<br><br>Also, make sure to have a look at the latest <a href="http://ds.ign.com/articles/724/724534p2.html"> IGN Interview</a> with Will Wright, as it gets into some more of the nitty gritty about the game than other recent interviews.``xEEVVkkVFpZjNJGlorF``x1155221707``xspore``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
More details on Spore console version emerge...``xCameron``xAn exclusive <a href="http://spong.com/article/10495/Exclusive:+Spore+Heading+to+Consoles?cb=434" target="_blank">piece</a> over at SPOnG has a few quotes from Will Wright noting that "we’re thinking about Spore as a franchise, not as a PC game". Wright goes on to discuss that he believes the Nintendo Wii offers far more creative opportunities than the PS3 and XBox 360, and that each version of Spore will custom tailored depending on the abilities of the device.``xEEVuVukkVpfaAcHAib``x1154538650``xspore``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
SimCity still heading to mobiles...``xCameron``xAlthough there hasn't been nearly as much buzz around the mobile version of SimCity as there has for The Sims, it seems that it may finally be arriving later this year. The EA Q1 2007 earnings conference call (the EA fiscal year is offset from the regular year) notes that SimCity should be arriving in Q2 (later this year). You can read the full transcript of the call <a href="http://seekingalpha.com/article/14796">here</a>, although you will need to Ctrl-F to find the mention of SimCity. What version of SimCity the mobile edition is to be based off of yet is as of yet unknown although we wouldn't be surprised if it was SimCity 2000 jazzed up with SimCity 3000 and SimCity 4 elements.``xEEVuVuEAlprRcwyiGU``x1154538380``xSimCity``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Open for Business Mac page up on Aspyr...``xCameron``xAspyr just added their <a href="http://www.aspyr.com/games.php/mac/sims2ofb/">The Sims 2 Open for Business page</a>, giving further details for Mac users on the upcoming expansion pack including details on the system requirements. It seems that Open for Business should run fine on the new Mactel systems, with Intel chipsets listed next to the G4/G5 processor requirements (we assume the same universal binary patch for The Sims 2 Vanilla applies to Open for Business). No word yet on any add on pack ports to Mac.``xEEVFVVFEkAiiPsXlLI``x1153549529``xMac|x|TS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Business Week article on Spore...``xCameron``xSpore buzz continues to cross out of the realms of game news sites to large publications, the latest Business Week piece, "<a href="http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/jul2006/id20060720_289503.htm?chan=tc&chan=technology_technology+index+page_more+of+today%27s+top+stories">Spore Lives Up to the Hype</a>" further demonstrating this. While the article doesn't add much to what we already know about Spore, it seems that a compressed creature is now down to 3kb. We were also interested about the line referring to the "cheesy 70's music," although it is likely that we will just have to wait for the game to arrive to judge that.``xEEVFVVklAAnsoRBWYy``x1153549299``xspore``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
The Sims 2 Glamour Life Stuff on its way...``xCameron``xThe next add on pack for The Sims 2, "Glamour Life Stuff" was announced just a few days ago. The add on pack features new clothes and 60 new items including new home decor. You can read all of the details and check out a few pics at <a href="http://thesims2.ea.com/about/sp2_index.php">TheSims2.com</a>. No official word yet on whether or not add-on packs Family Fun and Glamour Life will be heading to Mac. Considering that Family Fun has been successful for the PC version of The Sims 2, our guess is that they will announce it after the arrival of the Mac version of Open for Business.``xEEVFpVEZuETCkWAmzG``x1153048141``xTS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
The Sims 2 Open for Business Mac Alpha...``xCameron``xThe Mac version of The Sims 2 Open for Business has just gone into its Alpha stage, as reported by the Mac news site, <a href="http://www.macminute.com/2006/07/05/sims2-ofb/">MacMinute</a>. With a scheduled release date sometime in September of this year, the expansion pack appears to be on track. No news yet on the assumed expansion pack for The Sims 2 PC relating to pets.``xEEVkEEZEZkFejUnpls``x1152113572``xMac|x|TS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Presentation by Will Wright on creativity...``xCameron``xWill Wright presented during an event entitled "Playing With Time" on generating content from a minimal set of rules. Wright proceeded to demonstrate Spore while Brian Eno provided ambient background music, hopefully we can expect a video out of this.``xEEVEVAVZkFlVHLwKcn``x1151592123``x(default)``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
SimMARS one of the best games never made...``xCameron``xTwitchGuru has a very interesting bit on "<a href="http://www.twitchguru.com/2006/06/13/the_best_games_never_published/" target="_blank">the best games never published</a>," including one of our favorites, <a href="http://www.twitchguru.com/2006/06/13/the_best_games_never_published/page5.html">SimMARS</a>. The piece is brief, but it comments that SimMARS was never completed because of a lack of resources, as well as making mention of the SimMARS project over at Simtropolis.``xEEVpuppyFFQPlOUmKs``x1150397033``x(default)``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Open for Business heading to Mac...``xCameron``xAspyr has just recently posted on their <a href="http://www.aspyr.com/games.php/status/">projects page</a> that Open for Business is in development for the Mac version of The Sims 2. The release date posted on the project page is September 2006, however the game is only listed as being in "early development" at this point. <br><br><i>Special thanks to Bryce for this piece.</i>``xEEVpEZAVkkObYcHvUv``x1150175922``xMac|x|TS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
New The Sims 2 Advertising Campaign...``xCameron``xTheSims2.com is now looking for designers for their new The Sims 2 <a href="http://thesims2.ea.com/community/combio.php">advertising campaign</a>. It seems that all you need to do is fill out a questionnaire and send a sample of your The Sims 2 work to apply.``xEEuAlZAAFVRIHDklxu``x1149876335``xTS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
SimGlobal - 5 Years Online``xMatej``xToday, 1 June 2006, marks the fifth anniversary of the first appearance of SimGlobal on the internet. In our five years online, we have seen the release of SimCity 4, The Sims 2, many expansion packs for both; we have witnessed the cancellation of Simsville and SimMars; and the announcement for Will Wright's much anticipated new game, Spore. We have seen many websites open their doors to SimFans and we have said goodbye to several friends and affiliates in the SimWeb community. SimGlobal has gone through five different designs, culminating in the unveiling of the present version on March 13th of this year. From humble beginnings at <a href="http://simglobal.webexalt.com">http://simglobal.webexalt.com</a> (now defunct) to our current home, it has been an interesting five years on the web. We hope to continue providing news and information about Sim games for many years to come.``xEEuAEuFVulRScdceAh``x1149139948``x(default)``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
First ever AEIM Hall of Fame Award to Wright...``xCameron``xWill Wright will be recieving the first ever Hall of Fame Award from the Association of Electronic Interactive Marketers (AEIM), for his "revolutionary impact on the electronic games industry." The award will be presented at the MI6 Conference and Awards Show which runs June 27-28th. You can read the full details at <a href="http://biz.gamedaily.com/industry/news/?id=12773">GameDaily</a>.``xEEuluAAFkVNIGrcIGl``x1148495725``x(default)``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Accolades for Spore...``xCameron``xWith Spore taking the stage at E3, game sites have now released their rankings and awards for the game. Taking "Best of Show" for <a href="http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=9371">1UP.com</a> and <a href="http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=9373">GameTap</a>, Spore was also nominated by GameTrailers for its <a href="http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=17094">"Best of E3 Awards"</a>. Along with that, Spore also recieved a <a href="http://www.gamedaily.com/Specials/GameDaily-Nod/">"GameDaily Nod"</a> award.``xEEulpyukEVBNRuEpWY``x1148060615``xspore``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Spore Central Launches Spore comic...``xCameron``xSpore Central (our affiliate <a href="http://www.simcitycentral.net/">SimCity Central</a>) has just recently launched a <a href="http://www.simcitycentral.net/comics/sporelings.php">Spore comic</a> by Oppie, appropriately dubbed "Sporelings". Look for updates on Tuesdays (although not necessarily weekly).``xEEuZlEkypAFoGJSkZW``x1147809009``xspore``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Spore website revisited with new materials...``xCameron``xThe <a href="http://www.spore.com/about.php" target="_blank">Spore website</a> has been redesigned with a large amount of new content post E3. Giving better details about the different Spore life phases, the website also sports the new Spore logo, up to date news and the E3 video. Hopefully the Spore website will be updated more consistently from here on out.``xEEuZyFVplVHZpCOzWj``x1147631485``xspore``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Will Wright interviewed by Gamespy...``xCameron``xThere is an interesting interview by Will Wright regarding Spore and its networking features. Make sure to take a look at the <a href="http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/spore/707976p1.html" target="_blank">article</a> as it includes a couple of new screenshots for your viewing pleasure.``xEEuZuVFlypnRJZsJsV``x1147450260``xspore``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Spore at E3 20 minute video arrives...``xCameron``xIGN is now featuring a 20 minute video of Spore from E3 that shows that main spore menu as well as more gameplay. Make sure to check this one out at <a href="http://media.pc.ign.com/media/735/735340/vid_1499040.html" target="_blank">IGN.com</a>.``xEEuZFEkVVyiowHpQQE``x1147308956``xspore``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Yet another Spore trailer arrives...``xCameron``xAnother <a href="http://www.tehnetwork.com/169_spore_ot_pc_050906.mpg" target="_blank">Spore trailer</a> has surfaced, this time from <a href="http://www.xspore.com/" target="_blank">xSpore.com</a>. This trailer is a non-gameplay one with pre-rendered graphics depicting the "Hollywood version" of creatures and scenes that we have already seen from Will's GDC 05' presentation. It is very likely that this trailer is going to be heavily pushed by EA to advertise for Spore as it is the most polished video we have seen so far. Also, the end of the trailer shows us yet another view of the new Spore logo.<br><br>Make sure to check out our <a href="spore/media.shtml">Spore media page</a> where we are constantly linking to all of the latest videos relating to Spore, including another new video featuring 1UP.com's interview with Will Wright that contains extensive Spore footage.``xEEuZkFAFEZlAcauzVp``x1147235717``xspore``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
More background on Spore design process from E3...``xCameron``xIt seems that the latest Spore workshop at E3 with Will Wright gave some more details on the design process behind the game rather than the delving into the game itself. <a href="http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=9238" target="_blank">Gamasutra</a> has the details about how the Spore development team is actually a small one (75), as well as Will Wrights opinion on Nintendo's Wii controller.``xEEuZkFuAuuIynGiXLQ``x1147231344``xspore``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
The next The Sims 2 Expansion Pack info...``xCameron``xIt seems that we can expect some news on the next The Sims 2 expansion pack after the noise about Spore has died down post E3, according to a post on the <a href="http://www.snootysims.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=18790" target="_blank">Snooty Sims forum</a>. The only glimpse of the expansion pack is mentioned to be on the "EA teaser wall," so whether or not this will be posted on the internet is yet unknown.``xEEuZkFuZuEhfMYBkFD``x1147231141``xTS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
The Sims as the new dolls for children...``xCameron``xAn interesting <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/07/arts/07schi.html?_r=1&oref=slogin" target="_blank">New York Times piece</a> details how The Sims has become the modern equivalent of playing dolls (anyone who has been in the 'Sim racket for a while remembers that The Sims was originally called "Dollhouse"). The article argues that playing with dolls, even in a game like The Sims is "essential part of self-discovery and growing up for many children, especially girls." It seems as though The Sims may act as a set of training wheels for the real world before many people actually enter it.``xEEuZpkyEVZOwqFlCWH``x1147022557``xTS|x|TS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
New Spore video Pre-E3 2006 arrives...``xCameron``xYouTube has some really amazing <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHaulHxmO4A" target="_blank">Spore video</a> that shows the game in a more polished state than we have seen it before -and get this- a brand new Spore logo clearly visible at the end. By the looks of the video it is an official release. The video seems that it may answer a few questions relating to vegatation, while it most certainly raises some more. Make sure to check back for the latest Spore news!``xEEuyAuyyukajScMOWc``x1146943042``xspore``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
EA Unveils the Next Generation of Games at E3; New Properties and Blockbusters From EA SPORTS and EA Brands in Development for New Consoles, PCs, Handheld Platforms and Mobile Phones``xCameron``xREDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 4, 2006--Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:ERTS) today announced its next generation of game titles for the upcoming Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) taking place in Los Angeles May 10-12, 2006. EA's line up of EA SPORTS(TM) and EA(TM) branded games for the Xbox 360(TM) video game system from Microsoft, the PlayStation(R)3 computer entertainment system, PSP(TM) (PlayStation(R)Portable) handheld entertainment system, Nintendo Wii(TM), Nintendo DS(TM), PC and mobile phones will be showcased in EA's booth #1000 in the South Hall. With a renewed focus on original and wholly-owned intellectual property EA will unveil an array of titles and the technology that drives gameplay innovation.<br><br>Shown exclusively behind closed doors, EA is presenting its recently announced next generation console action title out of EA Montreal, ARMY OF TWO(TM); Will Wright's original PC work in progress, Spore(TM); and the newest PC iteration in the acclaimed Command & Conquer(TM) series, Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars(TM).<br><br>The EA SPORTS line up will go behind closed doors in the EA SPORTS Lab highlighting the technology that fuels the gameplay innovations for the '07 lineup. Madden NFL 07 will be playable on the PlayStation 3 console, Xbox 360, PSP system, Nintendo DS and Nintendo Wii.<br><br>"EA is leading the industry with a new generation of games on a new generation of platforms," said Paul Lee, President of EA Studios. "We're pushing the technology to provide more innovation in our EA branded games and authentic athletic performance in our EA SPORTS games. We're also leading the resurgence of PC gaming with groundbreaking titles like Battlefield 2142, Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars, Crytek Studio's Crysis and of course Will Wright's new game, SPORE."<br><br>"EA is demonstrating a ground-breaking level of quality and innovation at E3 this year," said Frank Gibeau, EA Executive Vice President and General Manager of North American Publishing. "Games like ARMY OF TWO and NBA LIVE 07 are going to unleash the power of new consoles like PlayStation3 and Xbox 360. Madden NFL 07 makes great use of the new controller on Nintendo's Wii system."<br><br>"E3 is a showcase for EA's portfolio of globally recognized entertainment," said Executive Vice President and General Manager of International Publishing, Gerhard Florin. "Titles like FIFA Soccer, The Lord of the Rings, The Battle for Middle-earth II and the Battlefield franchise are among the most popular games in the world."<br><br>...<br><b><br>SPORE -- SPORE takes players on an epic journey from the origin and evolution of life through the development of civilization and eventually into the outer reaches of space. Create a creature, then control every dimension of its evolution from pond scum to galactic god. Experience multiple styles of gameplay as your creature advances through different stages of development. Fight for survival in the wild, develop a sprawling metropolis, trade and war against rival civilizations and explore the outer reaches of the galaxy. Every aspect of the universe from creatures to vehicles, buildings to plants, are created by the player and automatically shared with other players, providing a limitless number of worlds to explore and play. Create, control and explore your universe with SPORE. SPORE is under development for the PC by legendary game designer, Will Wright.<br></b><br><br><i>Note- This is only part of the press release concerning the Spore related news.</i>``xEEuyAFVEAFGUxlePnj``x1146931593``xPR``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
1up features exclusive Spore preview...``xCameron``xYou can now find an excellent in-depth <a href="http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3150390" target="_blank">Spore preview</a> from 1up.com that includes some great tidbits from Will Wright as well as a couple of new screenshots. There will likely be quite a few articles rolling out over the next few days as Spore is showcased at E3.``xEEuylAyyuymqOviHVA``x1146893046``xspore``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
EA Confirms Spore for E3...``xCameron``xWe will be getting a better taste of Spore once E3 starts up next week as EA has just <a href="http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=16612" target="_blank">confirmed</a> that it will be present. Whether or not Will Wright will be doing the Spore honors is as of yet unknown, however it is very likely that his presentation will include some Spore related information.``xEEuyZyuypuxwoABHvy``x1146761004``xspore``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
The Sims 2 as a strategy game...``xCameron``xStrategy Zone Online has a very interesting article entitled "<a href="http://www.strategyzoneonline.com/articles.php?p=757&page=1&cat=52" target="_blank">Why you should be playing The Sims</a>" presenting an argument for why strategy gamers should consider The Sims 2. The article takes the stance that aspiration points can be held onto as a sort of score gauge to introduce a new challenge to the game.``xEEuyEAkkyVowKfKWCN``x1146188665``xTS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Spore release date pinned down, again...``xCameron``xThe recent rumblings from Will Wright about the new 2007 release for Spore has left some fans grumbling as well as new guesses for an exact release date. It seems that from a recent <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/psp/sports/nba07/news_6148314.html" target="_blank">Gamespot article</a>, we can expect Spore to hit shelves February 1st 2007, if we can believe <a href="http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=646589" target="_blank">Gamespot.com</a> that is! That release date would put Spore 8 years and 1 day after the release of SimCity 3000 and 3 days shy of 7 years after the release of The Sims.``xEEuypZFpVyTqWszrwG``x1146069456``xspore``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
The Sims 2 Universal Binary patch for Intel Macs...``xCameron``xAspyr has just released their <a href="http://macgamefiles.com/detail.php?item=18775" target="_blank">universal binary patch</a> for The Sims 2 on Intel Macs. This removes the need for The Sims 2 run under Rosetta meaning that gamers should expect far better performance. The patch also fixes some other small bugs, so all Mac The Sims 2 users should pick it up. Here are some of the performance bug fixes from Aspyr:<br><br><i><li> Optimizes in game video capturing and rendering. <br><li> Improved stability related to sound.<br><li> Added support for Japanese character input <br> <li> Fixes a conflict with NVIDIA video cards and OS X 10.4.3. <br><li> <b>Adds native Intel support</b><br><li> Adds the "Optimized Rendering" option to non-English preferences dialogs<br><li> Fixes a crash on quit under OS/X 10.4 with certain NVIDIA adapters</i><br><br>You can view all fixes on the <a href="http://www.aspyr.com/detail.php?p_support_article_id=1214&p_game_id=156" target="_blank">Aspyr support page</a>.``xEEuuAZEyyAOaglKqoV``x1144968069``xMac|x|TS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Mac Gaming Dead?``xCameron``xAn interesting <a href="http://www.mymac.com/showarticle.php?do=something&id=1454" target="_blank">article</a> discusses how the new Bootcamp application from Apple may make Mac gaming a thing of the past. <a href="http://simglobal.net/intelapple.shtml" target="_blank">My article</a> from just under a year ago on largely the same topic might need some revising.``xEEuuyAEFppNXiSUFVZ``x1144687700``xMac``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Interview on the state of gaming with Will Wright...``xCameron``xYou can now read a <a href="http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=8850" target="_blank">piece</a> at Gamasutra giving some details and snippets from an interview that you have to purchase the April Edition of the Game Developer Magazine to read. The interview really doesn't focus on Wright's Spore but instead goes in depth on the state of gaming and how its daunting complexities are hard for new gamers to grasp.``xEEuuyAEEuZmLLOOOVF``x1144687547``x(default)``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Nightlife for Mac ships...``xCameron``xAlthough it seemed like Aspyr was cutting it close with The Sims 2 Nightlife for Mac, <a href="http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/060403/20060403005702.html?.v=1" target="_blank">it has shipped</a>. An announcement for the Mac version of The Sims Open for Business should come soon.``xEEuuplulpZLnYgUQOg``x1144081207``xMac|x|TS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
April the month for Will Wright...``xCameron``xLooking at all the magazine covers out there, it would seem that Will Wright is the man of the hour. Apart from the multiple newspapers and magazines that have had stories relating to Spore, Wright appears on the front cover of this month's edition of <a href="http://www.wired.com/wired/" target="_blank">Wired Magazine</a> where he is a guest contributor (as we mentioned several weeks ago).<br><br>Along with that, Wright plays a feature role in the April issue of <a href="http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=8767" target="_blank">Game Developer Magazine</a> where he breaks away from only discussing games to discussing other interests. ``xEEuFlZulluCostxYBg``x1143871284``x(default)``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
The Sims 2 Nightlife Mac set to squeeze in for March...``xCameron``xAccording to <a href="http://www.aspyr.com/games.php/status/" target="_blank">Aspyr's website</a>, The Sims 2 Nightlife Mac has just gone to its Gold Master meaning it should be in CD replication this very moment. That would mean Aspyr would have until the end of the week to ship for the March release, however that is pretty unlikey. Look for The Sims 2 Nightlife for Mac on store shelves in the upcoming week.<br><br><i>Thanks to Bryce for updating us on this.</i>``xEEuFVZFFpFYdebVNyj``x1143569703``xMac|x|TS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Spore at GDC 06' less explosive than debut in 05'...``xCameron``xWith the wrap-up of GDC 06' it would seem that the Spore presentations did not fully live up to most fan's expectations, largely because they didn't bring anymore glamorous screenshots or video gameplay. However, as this <a href="http://pc.ign.com/articles/698/698259p1.html" target="_blank">IGN.com</a> article discusses, there was still quite a bit of important information to be gleaned from the presentations. Notably, it seems as though the user generated creatures are only 10.5K and size, something that is hoped to be chopped down even further down to 3 or 2K. This would seem to indicate that indeed one will able to run Spore very easily with a dial-up connection.``xEEuFupulkpkizslwFU``x1143401220``xspore``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
The Sims Complete Collection...``xCameron``xMac users can now get their hands on The Sims Complete Collection which combines the original The Sims as well as all of the expansion packs into one fun filled package of Sim-joy! You can read more details at <a href="http://www.aspyr.com/games.php/mac/simscomplete/" target="_blank">Aspyr</a>, the game is retailing at $50.``xEEuFEVyZyutqtvOMhD``x1143153164``xMac``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Will Wright covers wide range of topics; more Spore platforms...``xCameron``xAlready a few bloggers have given us some quick posts about Will Wright's keynote address, discussing that he went through a range of topics from his views on extraterrestrial life to Spore. You can read some initial impressions of the keynote at <a href="http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2577&Itemid=2" target="_blank">Next Generation</a> and <a href="http://www.thegamechair.com/?p=380" target="_blank">The Game Chair</a>.<br><br>Also, Spore mobile has once again been confirmed directly from <a href="http://ds.advancedmn.com/article.php?artid=3479" target="_blank">Will Wright himself</a> even through Gaming Steve cast doubt on Spore mobile because of contact with EA. It is very unlikey that EA will make it official for a while. Along with this he expects a Nintendo DS  and PSP versions.``xEEuFEVyuAZWigtipwz``x1143152897``xspore``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Spore back to 2007...``xCameron``xIf what this <a href="http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/14.04/spore.html" target="_blank">Wired piece</a> says is true, we won't see Spore until 2007. The April 2006 piece notes that, "EA will release Spore next year", to the dismay of many fans who have been readily preparing for the game's release that was assumed to be later this year. More information on this delay will hopefully arrive with Will Wright's keynote, all it is difficult to say what caused it. If Spore was not going to make the winter shopping season release to begin with it may be a partially tactical decision to push the game back, or there may be some significant development still necessary.<br><br>Also, check out the <a href="http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/14.04/spore.html" target="_blank">Wired piece</a> for some interesting previously unseen screenshot montages.``xEEuFpAEAZpemUgVump``x1143088370``xspore``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Spore set to shakeup the industry...``xCameron``xRed Herring has an <a href="http://www.redherring.com/article.aspx?a=16181" target="_blank">excellent article</a> on how Spore is set to turn the gaming industry on its head... again. More critically, the article discusses how user content will become a significant part in contributing to future games as these games adapt to the individual playing them.``xEEuFppuAupNRWeSSzA``x1143001340``xspore``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Will Wright looks to games for opening the imagination...``xCameron``xWill Wright has an excellent piece in Wired Magazine, <a href="http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/14.04/wright.html" target="_blank">Dream Machines</a>, that discusses how games can "unleash" one's imagination. The story gives Will Wright's amazing perspective on the integration of games into culture and how games are beginning to model the players who play them. A must read to understand how Will Wright came up with SimCity, The Sims and now Spore.``xEEukAyuVlyXFPFAMDt``x1142960986``x(default)``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Spore Mobile confirmed, but not official...``xCameron``xIt seems that a mobile edition of Spore has been confirmed during a keynote address, by Mitch Laskey, the EA Mobile Sr. Vice President. Spore was "casually" slipped in Laskey's slide presentation this morning at the GDC as one of EA's "core" offerings for 2006. You can read the full details at <a href="http://www.modojo.com/news/20060320/560/" target="_blank">Modojo</a>.``xEEukApkEZlNfSESSfY``x1142898578``xspore``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Doors open at GDC, Spore news on the way...``xCameron``xCNET has <a href="http://news.com.com/Let+the+games+begin+at+GDC/2100-1043_3-6051210.html?tag=st.num" target="_blanl">an article</a> detailing the opening of the 2006 GDC, meaning that over the next few days we can expect more news on Spore. The article also discusses how last year the hall that Will Wright was booked to speak in was filled to well beyond capacity because no one had predicted how popular he would be. A good place for Spore news will be from <a href="http://gamingsteve.com/" target="_blank">Gaming Steve</a> which we will post as soon as its out.``xEEuklZAZpAakXkqqPB``x1142876109``xspore``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Open for Business chat transcripts up...``xCameron``xThe chat transcripts from the Open for Business chat that took place the other day on TheSims2.com is <a href="http://thesims2.ea.com/community/chat_03_16_06.php" target="_blank">now availible</a>. The chat details that a patch for the expansion pack is in the works and should be availible soon. The chat also includes business tips, what business makes the most money and how keep your business profitable while remote managing your business.``xEEukZplZyFOXcfLkqe``x1142705163``xTS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
The Sims 2 Family Fun Official, screenshots too...``xCameron``xThe Sims 2 Family Fun add-on pack is getting some press as well as the arrival of numerous screenshots of the items that you can use. <a href="http://pc.boomtown.net/en_uk/articles/art.view.php?id=10852" target="_blank">Boomtown.net</a> has a few details on the add-on pack, disussing some furniture sets as well as displaying a number of screenshots.``xEEukVFkVAkGvakkFUw``x1142528992``xTS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
E3 Announces Will Wright on the list...``xCameron``xE3 has just <a href="http://www.e3expo.com/" target="_blank">annouced their speakers</a> for their May 9-12th expo, including, of course, Will Wright. It is likely that Will Wright will use E3 to further show off Spore and its features, although whether or not the GDC over March 22nd-23rd will take any steam from Spore at E3 is yet to be seen.``xEEukFypVykpgXwwkaI``x1142356962``x(default)``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Will Wright applauds Video Game Voters Network...``xCameron``xLaunching today, the <a href="http://www.videogamevoters.org/" target="_blank">Video Games Voters Network</a> promises to bring a better awareness of what video games are about to the less than tech savvy government regulators. Set up by the Entertainment Software Association, the Video Games Voters Network had some commentary from Will Wright, who said, "It is vitally important that we protect and nurture this new art form so that it can reach its full potential. Like most new forms of artistic expression that have come before (music, novels, movies), the primary critics of video games are the people that do not play them." You can read more about the implications of the Video Games Voter Network at <a href="http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=8488" target="_blank">Gamasutra</a>.``xEEukkZuuZEGwZyQXLE``x1142270871``x(default)``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Presenting SimGlobal v5.0``xMatej``xAs of 1:45 MDT this morning, SimGlobal version 5 has come into being. Boasting a complete redesign which features better organization of pages and easier surfing, SimGlobal 5.0 has finally hit the net running. Of special interest are the new, dedicated pages for <a href="/lotr">Lord of the Rings in SimCity 4</a>, <a href="/narnia">Narnia in SimCity 4</a> and the brand new <a href="/spore">Spore</a> section. So come fly with us into the future of SimGlobal with version 5.0.<br><br><b>Update:</b> We have just added a <a href="/search.shtml">search page</a> that will let you easily navigate over our past 4 years of archived Coranto news. ``xEEukkFAllZnltvUQCB``x1142236287``x(default)``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Come Fly With Me!``xMatej``xSimGlobal is preparing to take off with a new design within the next 24 hours. As a result, there will be a time period where we will be down while the changes take place. We do not know the exact time or length of this down time, but once we finish with the updates, SimGlobal will have an all new look that will make the down time worthwhile.``xEEukkEpulkXGQmMdwL``x1142206882``x(default)``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
The Sims Mobile gains momentum...``xCameron``xHiding on a corner of TheSims2.com, <a href="http://thesims2.ea.com/mobile/" target="_blank">The Sims Mobile</a> seems to have barely recieved any press since its release late last year. Many more carriers now offer the game then its initial release, however, the page detailing the game is very lacking in information. There is mention of how there are many different versions of the game dependent on the user's handset, falling into two primary catagories; The Sims Connected Edition and The Sims Unconnected Edition. The Connected Edition allows you to download your own Sims from your computer to you phone, meaning that is is probably aimed at handsets with Bluetooth and Infrared capabilities. ``xEEukEAkVyAPvXRvIRo``x1142188969``xTS|x|TS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Alice gets The Sims...``xCameron``xCarnegie Mellon University has joined with EA to offer resources from The Sims for Alice, a new programming language meant to simplify programming for first time users. This means that animations and characters from The Sims will be available as learning tools for teaching Alice. The <a href="http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=8478" target="_blank">full story</a> over at Gamasutra goes into more depth as to how Alice simplifies programming for novices.<br /><br /><b>Update:</b> A more complete article detailing Alice and its applications as well as the use of The Sims in Alice can be found at <a href="http://wham.canoe.ca/news/2006/03/12/1484311.html" target="_blank">wham.canoe.ca</a>.``xEEukpVlkyEQaREtsrE``x1142054661``xTS|x|TS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Spore video uncut...``xCameron``xYou can now view the Spore video uncut that was previously only available if you registered to view it on the GDC website through <a href="http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-262774490184348066&amp;q=Spore" target="_blank">Google Video</a>, as posted by <a href="http://www.gamingsteve.com/archives/2006/03/spore_gameplay.php" target="_blank">Gaming Steve</a>. The uncut version is over an hour long with more commentary from Will Wright. Something that was pointed out on Gaming Steve to clarify things is that this video is still only from the <i>2005</i> GDC, meaning that we can expect quite a bit to come out March 20-24th at this year's GDC.``xEEuElukkkZnszkJIhh``x1141838627``xspore``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Oscar gowns in The Sims 2...``xCameron``xThe Sims 2 fans were quick to replicate the gowns worn by Hollywood starlets during the Oscars, as detailed in the <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060307/wr_nm/leisure_videogames_dc" target="_blank">Reuters</a> story. While the story does not go until much detail, it reinforced that more than half of The Sims players are female. What is the most remarkable about this is the reponsiveness of The Sims community to produce the gowns as well as coverage by a major news outlet, showing how "The Sims" has truly become a household term.``xEEuEZAkyZkpchYwDZR``x1141789072``xTS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
SimArchitect returns...``xCameron``x<a href="http://www.simarchitect.com/" target="_blank">SimArchitect</a> has returned from the dead ready to serve all of your SimCity 3000 content needs! With an extensive database hosting content for BAP, BAT as well as props, paints and details SimArchitect is an excellent resource for custom SC3K content. We are very pleased to see them back up again as one of our long time affiliates.``xEEuEZEuEyyIjGSINSm``x1141710566``x(default)``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
EA and Depeche Mode Collaborate on Signature Song for The Sims 2 Open for Business; Chart-Toppers Depeche Mode and The Sims Team Up to Make Beautiful Music in Simlish!``xCameron``xREDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 2, 2006--Electronic Arts (Nasdaq:ERTS) today announced that the signature sound of legendary alternative rock band Depeche Mode has been translated to The Sims native Simlish language for the first time ever. 'Suffer Well,' a popular track from Depeche Mode's critically acclaimed album 'Playing the Angel,' has been recorded in Simlish and will be made available to fans of music and PC games through The Sims(TM) 2 Open for Business, the third expansion pack to build on the celebrated The Sims(TM) 2 entertainment experience.<br><br>The Sims development team created the unique Simlish language by experimenting with fractured Ukrainian and Tagalog, the language of the Philippines. Inspired by the code talkers of WWII, Sims creator Will Wright also suggested experimenting with Navajo.<br><br>"Like the Sims, Depeche Mode is a worldwide phenomenon, with a distinct style. This unprecedented collaboration brings together two celebrated entertainment icons, and gives millions of Sims fans the opportunity to hear one of their favorite bands sing in Simlish, a language that appeals directly to them," said Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive of Music and Music Marketing at EA. "Simlish is an emotion-filled language that defies translation -- it's a great fit for the music of Depeche Mode which is so focused on creating a mood, and appeals to people on an emotional level."<br><br>Depeche Mode's lead singer, David Gahan, said, "Depeche Mode has always been open to new ways of sharing our music, but re-recording a Simlish-language version of 'Suffer Well' just sounded completely bizarre. Of course, that's why couldn't resist doing it."<br><br>A video for the song, featuring footage of Depeche Mode and gameplay from The Sims 2 Open for Business, will be available at thesims2.ea.com and www.depechemode.com.<br><br>The song is also included in the PC game, The Sims 2 Open for Business, which puts commercial creativity in the hands of gamers who can create virtually any kind of business for their Sims, from a trendy clothing boutique or hip beauty salon to a blooming floral shop or bustling restaurant chain. As a savvy entrepreneur, your Sim must keep an eye out for slacker employees and be prepared to fire them as quickly as they hired them!<br><br>Twenty-five years into a career that has influenced countless artists -- while selling 50 million albums and playing to approximately 10 million people -- Depeche Mode continue to enjoy massive success. "Playing the Angel," the band's 11th studio album, spawned the radio and club hit "Precious" while 2005's triumphant U.S. tour featured multiple sold-out nights at Madison Square Garden in New York City and the Staples Center in Los Angeles. "Playing the Angel" debuted on the Billboard pop album chart at #7 and has reached #1 in 18 countries while selling nearly 2 million copies worldwide. As their new single "Suffer Well" emerges on radio, the band continues to tour in support of "Playing the Angel," their highly praised new album (Sire/Reprise). With 800,000 tickets sold on the European leg of their massive world tour -- where they've sold out an imposing 69 stadium and arena dates throughout 30 countries -- Depeche Mode is set to return to the U.S. to headline opening night at Coachella (April 29) as part of a new round of North American dates that will be announced shortly.<br><br>The Sims 2 Open for Business builds on the critically acclaimed gameplay of The Sims 2. It will be on store shelves March 2, 2006, for the PC platform.<br><br>Also making musical appearances in the game are "Things Can Only Get Better" by Howard Jones, "Too Shy" by Kajagoogoo and "Synthesized" by Epoxies.``xEEuEFFplVlpFxfEFLf``x1141327258``xPR``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
GDC Gameplay Spore Video...``xCameron``xThe screenshots quite simple do not do Spore any justice- now you can have a look at the <a href="http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8372603330420559198&amp;q=spore">Spore video</a> that Will Wright presented at the GDC. The creature creation tool is quite simply amazing, not to mention the programming that regulates (automatically!) how the creatures walk, run and move. It seems that with this level of sophistication many of us will have to look at upgrading our computers for the full Spore experience.``xEEuEFFpplFTyXKHQNu``x1141326483``xspore``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Spore to handhelds...``xCameron``xIt seems as though <a href="http://www.simcitycentral.net/news.php?subaction=showfull&amp;id=1141074174&amp;archive=&amp;start_from=&amp;ucat=2&amp;" target="_blank">SimCity Central</a> has been doing some snooping around on the EA hiring site to discover that they are searching for someone to fill a Handheld Designer position to "designing, creating and maintaining game systems and content for Spore Handheld titles". You might also want to have a look at the <a href="http://www.simcitycentral.net/news.php?subaction=showfull&amp;id=1140425473&amp;archive=&amp;start_from=&amp;ucat=2&amp;" target="_blank">previous article</a> from SimCity Central that is also seeking Spore developing talent.``xEEuEEpElVEWogVdOxC``x1141098251``xspore``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
The Sims 2 Family Fun add on...``xCameron``xOwners of copies of The Sims 2 Open for Business are reporting that The Sims 2 Family Fun add on pack is on its way and will bring "roughly 60 objects". <a href="http://compsimgames.about.com/b/a/247730.htm" target="_blank">About.com</a> has more details, and it seems as though Family Fun will be more of an object booster pack than expansion, similar to the Holiday Party Pack. Expect to see the Family Fun Pack in April.<br><br>You can get a better idea of the items to be included from the scanned image posted at <a href="http://www.thesims2.cz/index.php?id=363" target="_blank">TheSims2.cz</a>.``xEEuEpAVppZBoZqRblu``x1141091407``xTS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Nightlife for Mac gets its specs...``xCameron``x<a href="http://www.aspyr.com/games.php/mac/nightlife/" target="_blank">Aspyr</a> has updated their website with the required specifications for The Sims 2 Nightlife Mac, as seen below:<br><br><i><li />Operating System: Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later <br><li />CPU Processor: PowerPC G4/G5 <br><li />CPU Speed: 1.2GHz or faster <br><li />Memory: 256 MB or higher (512 MB recommended) <br><li />Hard Disk Space: 2GB free disk space <br><li />Video Card (ATI): Radeon 9000 or better <br><li />Video Card (NVidia): GeForce FX5200 or better <br><li />Video Memory (VRam): 32 MB or higher (64 MB recommended) <br><li />Media Required: DVD Drive </i><br><br>These specifications seem to be pretty much cloned from the Mac version of The Sims 2 and University, which makes sense. However, as of yet there is no official word on the upcoming Universal Binary patch for The Sims 2 for Intel Macs or whether or not it will support the expansion packs. Also, Nightlife is still in its Alpha stage as we enter March meaning one of several things; the website isn't updated, the programming team is going to kick it up a notch or we probably won't see Nightlife until early April. We have seen miracle arrivals of games before, and hopefully since Nightlife is just an expansion pack the programming team can get it out on time.``xEEupAZlAFADvaKzolp``x1140975339``xMac|x|TS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Guide to matching up astrological signs for Sims...``xCameron``xA recent <a href="http://faqs.ign.com/articles/690/690155p1.html" target="_blank">IGN FAQ post</a> details which astrological signs are the most compatible together in The Sims. Whether or not these relations hold true for The Sims 2 is unknown, however, it is certainly a good resource for sim players who do not own any of the strategy guides.``xEEupVVkApFYfgdjOrB``x1140549303``xTS|x|TS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Sims get play time in the classroom...``xCameron``xThe San Francisco Chronicle is running an <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2006/02/20/CLASSROOM.TMP&amp;type=tech" target="_blank">interesting article</a> detailing how more and more computer games are making their way into the classroom, including SimCity and The Sims 2. The major advantage for the students comes in the exposure that it gives them to technology, something becoming a requirement in the modern business world. Playing SimCity 4 would certainly beat the Oregon Trail!``xEEupVVkulExlIYJLlq``x1140548881``xSimCity|x|TS|x|TS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
The Sims 2 Open for Business Gold...``xCameron``xEA is reporting that The Sims 2 Open for Business just went Gold (<a href="http://www.dailygame.net/news/archives/005279.php" target="_blank">http://www.dailygame.net/news/archives/005279.php</a>), and it is expected to hit store shelves on March 2nd. That leaves more than enough time for CD replication, and we wouldn't be surprised if it arrived a little early.<br><br>Happy Valentines Day from all of us at SimGlobal!``xEEFAAZFlyEBtWWRtRA``x1139970261``xTS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
The Sims 2 Nightlife Mac Alpha and PC Patch...``xCameron``xInside Mac Games is reporting that Aspyr has updated to show that The Sims 2 Nightlife for Mac has hit Alpha status, meaning the game is in its first playable form. This is definitely a good sign, showing that development of the game is on track, however, we are still skeptical of a March release. This is partly due to the fact that the system requirements (which are typically listed "4-6 weeks before the game ships") are nowhere in sight.<br><br>On the other side of the format fence, The Sims 2 Nightlife patch (version 1.2.0.355) has arrived and can be found at <a href="http://www.3dgamers.com/news/more/1096483960/" target="_blank">3D Gamers</a>.``xEEFAylZZEpuXzsDmAq``x1139684110``xMac|x|TS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
The Sims 2, The Sims Deluxe top in 2005...``xCameron``xThe NPD Group has released a <a href="http://www.npd.com/dynamic/releases/press_060117a.html" target="_blank">listing</a> of the top 10 games for 2005. Taking in 3 top spots, The Sims 2 University, The Sims 2 and The Sims 2 Nightlife took the number 2, 3 and 7 spots respectively. The venerable The Sims Deluxe came in at the number 9 spot, an amazing feat for a game that turned 5 last year (although The Sims Deluxe did not appear until 2002). Unfortunately the article does not give any specific sales numbers, although it seems as thought the only other top game for EA was Battlefield 2.``xEEFAkZyAyVANbJBrtW``x1139273365``xTS|x|TS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
You make the game says Will Wright...``xCameron``xSpeaking at The Entertainment Gathering in Los Angeles, Will Wright discussed how Spore will allow users a new level of exchange of in-game content. You can find the article in full at <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/40647" target="_blank">ShackNews</a>. The Washington Post also has a piece on The Entertainment Gathering with further detail, <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/03/AR2006020302755.html?nav=rss_print/business" target="_blank">Evolving in the Virtual World</a>.``xEEFApZyZyFpWmVqdFB``x1139073163``xspore``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Aspyr adds Nightlife minisite...``xCameron``xWith production of The Sims 2 Nightlife Mac shifting into high gear, Aspyr has opened up a The Sims 2 Nightlife page on their website to feature the game. At the moment their is nothing beyond what we already know about Nightlife on the page, however it will be the place to check up on in the near future for the minimum required specifications. As to how Nightlife will interface with the OSX86 version on the game (the patched version of The Sims 2 for Intel Mac's) we do not yet know. You can view the minisite at <a href="http://www.aspyr.com/games.php/mac/nightlife/" target="_blank">http://www.aspyr.com/games.php/mac/nightlife/</a>.``xEEFApZyVVZdMJbHjVB``x1139072957``xMac|x|TS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
The Sims 2 Mac under Rosetta...``xCameron``xThe Intel Macs have arrived, the Intel iMac shipping to users this very moment. However, those considering a new Intel Mac for their gaming needs might want to take a step back and consider the performance issues they will face. A <a href="http://www.macobserver.com/gamingnews/2006/01/25.2.shtml" target="_blank">detailed article</a> on the subject of Rosetta run games at The Mac Observer discusses that players of The Sims 2 can expect a Universal Binary patch that will take care of the current sluggishness. However, as to whether or not a patch will arrive for SimCity 4 is as of yet unknown, with Aspyr primarily issuing these patches for games "that have performance or stability issues".<br><br>From just over six months ago: <a href="/intelapple.shtml">Intel Apples and The Sims </a>``xEEFlFFkuylTISeJExA``x1138328868``xMac|x|TS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
The Sims 3 in development...``xCameron``xSeveral articles are reporting that two game design companies (Gamma Ray and Feng Zhu Design) listed The Sims 3 as one of the projects that they are currently working for for Electronic Arts. EA responded that until there are any official announcements, any speculation is premature. Clearly EA doesn't want The Sims 2 to lose any value yet as they can probably squeeze another 3-4 expansion packs out of it. It is highly likely that these two companies are doing preliminary work for the game, although it would be early to assume that there are actual working models yet. Instead it is more feasible that they are creating graphics models of what the game <i>might</i> look like, rather than actual working models. <br><br>You can read about this major news at <a href="http://pc.ign.com/articles/682/682828p1.html" target="_blank">IGN.com</a> and <a href="http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=62588" target="_blank">EuroGamer.net</a>. The discovery at Feng Zhu was originally made by the <a href="http://sims2net.gamingsource.net/v2/news/archive.php" target="_blank">Sim2Network</a>.``xEEFlEVkulArJZpbJqx``x1138148889``x(default)|x|TS|x|TS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Nightlife to Mac...``xCameron``xAspyr just announced that The Sims 2 Nightlife Expansion Pack will be heading to Mac. The expansion pack is expected to be shipping in March. You can find the full details in the <a href="http://www.macworld.co.uk/news/index.cfm?RSS&NewsID=13667" target="_blank">Macworld UK</a> article. Presumably since Aspyr is continuing developement of Mac expansion packs for The Sims 2, we can look for The Sims Open for Business for Mac in the coming months as well.``xEEFlEVkpAkCGprRWdv``x1138148492``xMac|x|TS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Spore mating mod already in the works...``xCameron``xAn article over at Gamasutra discusses that a mod for Spore is already in the works that will allow Spore creatures to mate in explicit manners. The mod, aptly named "Sporgy" brings up memories of the controversy brought up by the original The Sims nude patch, or the early SimCopter men kissing easter egg. <br><br>Disclaimer: The feature that mentions "Sporgy" is explicit in certain descriptions and therefore in consideration of any younger audience we label it "M" for Mature audiences only (17+). You can view it at <a href="http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20060116/ruberg_01.shtml" target="_blank">http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20060116/ruberg_01.shtml</a>.``xEEFZVyVuZZbXDIrKjE``x1137561877``xspore``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Open for Business chat and GameSpy special...``xCameron``xTheSims2.com had a couple of news blurbs today, the first giving notice that there will be an Open for Business chat on January 19th at 3pm (Thursday), with more details on that <a href="http://thesims2.ea.com/news/index.php?pid=News" target="_blank">here</a>. Also noted was a special on GameSpy, <a href="http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/the-sims-2-open-for-business/681268p1.html" target="_blank">The SimPrentice Part 1</a>, which gives a pretty interesting look into the game's business characteristics.``xEEFZVyuZZFVfIRLyek``x1137561173``xTS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
The Sims 2 PSP popular for pirates...``xCameron``xA <a href="http://www.gamepro.com/gamepro/domestic/games/news/51096.shtml" target="_blank">recent article</a> at GamePro.com details some interesting numbers of the most popular BitTorrent downloads from several format catagories (PC, PS2, XBox, PSP, ect), showing that in the PSP catagory The Sims 2 was the most popular game with nearly 40,000 downloads since December 9th. Now while these numbers come from only one BitTorrent trakcing site, it seems that they are probably indicative of The Sims 2 PSP popularity, with the next game, GTA: Liberty City Stories, only garnering 7,692 downloads since mid-November.``xEEFZuFVpEyvhahNMwb``x1137431416``xTS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
All bets are off for Spore...``xCameron``xAn interesting <a href="http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=7761" target="_blank">article</a> over at Gamasutra details the analysis made by SIG Susquehanna Financial Group's Video Game Journal on the viability of certain upcoming games. Looking at EA, the Journal apparently made mention of Spore with little details as to how the game would sell, Gamasutra noting that "As for Spore, the game's highly unique nature leads the SIG analysts to hold off on predictions entirely." Similar situations occured before the releases of The Sims and The Sims Online, where game analysts were simply unable to predict how succesful the games would be, with The Sims booming and The Sims Online failing.``xEEFZElykupQNCXTYhP``x1137182640``xspore``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
SimCity hint hot line a little too hot...``xCameron``xIt seems as though the SimCity tips and hints hotline referenced in the SimCity 4 Deluxe version's installation guide has nothing to do with the game at all, but instead connects callers to a sex hotline. The <a href="http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=15913795&amp;BRD=1710&amp;PAG=461&amp;dept_id=99784&amp;rfi=6" target="_blank">full story</a> at The Herald News describes how the number was discovered to be an explicit one. Electronic Arts said that they were unaware of the situation but are looking into it. As this is the first complaint of this nature it is likely that at some point the hotline worked for SimCity, although EA has not commented on whether or not they still maintain a SimCity 4 hotline.``xEEFZEplklkWljyvqih``x1137104682``xSimCity``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Music from The Sims avalible from Nettwerk...``xCameron``xUsing the Snocap digital registry to ensure that the music's copyright is respected, EA and Nettwerk Music Group are now allowing users to get ahold of the tunes from their favorite games including The Sims 2. It seems that of the music Mark Mothersbaugh created for The Sims 2 and its expansion packs can purchased for 99 cents a track. You can find the full story at <a href="http://www.gamedaily.com/news/?id=9898" target="_blank">GameDaily</a>.``xEEFZEpZyyEUKJYDkam``x1137104061``xTS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Music to The Sims ears...``xCameron``xGamasutra currently has a very interesting <a href="http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20060110/jones_01.shtml" target="_blank">feature</a> that discusses the online collaboration that helped create the music for The Sims 2 GBA/DS. While traditionally game creators were limited in those they could choose to create their music simply by distance, online tools that now share not only text but also voice and video allow for collaboration with artists who live far away from the programmers. Now it is a simple matter for game artists to bring their music together using the internet and even coordinate recordings digitally.``xEEFyAyypEpYcGpjLkq``x1136962410``xTS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Open for Business chat with Tim LeTourneau...``xCameron``xIt seems as though the UK version of The Sims 2 official website (<a href="http://thesims2.eagames.co.uk/" target="_blank">http://thesims2.eagames.co.uk/</a>) is going to be hosting a chat with Tim LeTourneau tonight at 7pm. You can find the full details on the <a href="http://thesims2.eagames.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?p=396873#396873" target="_blank">forum post</a>, although who can join the chat is still vague. Remember it is 7pm (1900) GMT, meaning that viewers in the US will have to log on earlier.``xEEFyZAppFlGTypptwG``x1136786438``xTS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Will Wright makes the conference rounds...``xCameron``xWill Wright has a busy schedule in front of him for early 2006. First, he will be speaking on "Good vs. Evil" at the <a href="http://www.dicesummit.org/speakers.php?sp_id=4" target="_blank">D.I.C.E. Summit</a> (Design Innovation Creativity Entertain) held by the Academy of Arts and Sciences, February 9, 2006. Then it March it seems that he will be heading out to the GDC (Game Developers Conference), although the <A href="http://www.cmpevents.com/GD06/a.asp?option=G&V=3&id=106900" target="_blank">details</a> on his participation there are more sparse.``xEEFyZVVVpVhOwjZvmi``x1136751905``x(default)``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Spore anticipation grows in 2006...``xCameron``xA column by Marc Saltzman that has been published in several online publications details some of the most anticipated games of 2006, starting with Spore. You can find the article on <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/marcsaltzman/2006-01-07-coming-2006_x.htm?csp=34" target="_blank">USAToday.com</a>.``xEEFyZVkpkyhqLcUCjp``x1136748426``xspore``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
SimCity 3000 still holds its own in competition...``xCameron``xSimCity 3000 is still the city modelling game of choice for the venerable <a href="http://www.futurecity.org/" target="_blank">Future City</a> competition that encourages 7th and 8th grade students to "present their vision of a city." An article <a href="http://www.dailypress.com/news/local/williamsburg/dp-50597sy0jan07,0,5041856.story?coll=dp-news-local-wbg" target="_blank">here</a> from Hampton, VA describes this year's challenge to rebuild and revitalize cities like New Orleans. Whether or not the competition will move onto SimCity 4 in future years is difficult to say, as SimCity 4 brings in many micromangement aspects that may complicate the competition (eg, adjusting specific schook budgets).``xEEFyZVEVVEwjkJAOIa``x1136747951``xSimCity``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
The Sims 2 Open for Business official...``xCameron``xEA has just fully recognized The Sims 2 Open for Business expansion pack in a press release which you can view <a href="http://simglobal.net/pr.shtml#EEFyupEZAyzAQFrMwe">here</a>. While EA did not give a release date, it looks that we can expect it February 28th according to the game's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000CR27OS/qid=1136401944/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-1670453-0996814?v=glance&s=videogames&n=507846" target="_blank">Amazon.com page</a> where you can also pre-order the game. ``xEEFyupkpZkyImJjOFu``x1136398472``xTS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
You're Hired! EA Announces The Sims 2 Open for Business; From Boutiques to Salons, Department Stores and Beyond, Your Sims Are Taking Over the Workplace One Business at a Time``xCameron``xREDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 4, 2006--Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:ERTS), the world's leading interactive entertainment software company, today announced that its Maxis studio is developing The Sims 2 Open for Business, the third expansion pack to the fastest-selling PC game, The Sims(TM) 2. With The Sims 2 Open for Business, commercial creativity is in your hands -- create any kind of business, from trendy clothing boutique to blooming floral shop, a bustling restaurant perhaps, or become a mogul with an original business of your own design -- the Sims' world is open for business!<br><br>Make Your Dream Store a Virtual Reality<br><br>Ever had a great idea for a business? Build it and see how it works! The world is your entrepreneurial oyster in this all-new The Sims 2 expansion pack, allowing you to experience the victories and challenges associated with creating, owning and running your own business. From the layout and merchandise, to the employees and materials, you choose what your Sims needs to create a profitable and fun business.<br><br>Who's the Boss? Your Sims Are!<br><br>In The Sims 2 Open for Business, your Sims will learn what it takes to build a clientele and keep loyal customers happy while improving employee morale and managing a lucrative business. Players can even help their Sims to create and craft new items to sell and meet customer demands. As each customer is different, you'll be able to apply sales techniques to woo even the most discriminating shopper. Dress your employees in wacky outfits to entertain cranky customers or drop the price for an unsure browser. From training, promoting, hiring and firing, you're ultimately the boss who calls all the shots!<br><br>Learn the Tricks of the Trade<br><br>Do the things your Sims love to do while getting virtually paid for it! Keep your employees knowledgeable and the workplace happy, because before you know it you'll have the most entertaining, booming business in the neighborhood! Flaunt your team's assets while vying for the "Best of the Best" award, an honor guaranteed to improve their business reputation -- and yours!<br><br>"The Sims 2 Open for Business is truly an innovative and fresh addition to the franchise. It allows players to build their own business from the ground up, exploring a whole new economic landscape while pursuing their dreams of commercial success," said senior producer, Tim LeTourneau. "For years players have been asking for the ability to play with their Sims in a work environment. Now they will be able to do just that, unlocking not only their Sims business potential but their own as well. It's really a whole new way to play the game. Whether you're a clever tinkerer or a master craftsman, your dream store can become a virtual reality as your Sims world becomes open for business!"<br><br>The Sims 2 Open for Business is the third expansion pack of the critically acclaimed PC game, The Sims 2. With streamlined gameplay, stunning graphics, and a lifetime of replayability, The Sims 2 Open for Business maintains the core components of creativity and customization that are integral to The Sims experience while allowing gamers to practice their skills at the trade of their choice. With more than 58 million units sold to date, The Sims franchise maintains a unique appeal that allows gamers to create and control the lives of their Sims thus leaving the creative power of their Sims world in their own hands!<br><br>Rated "T" for teen by the ESRB, The Sims 2 Open for Business was developed under the EA(TM) brand by EA's award winning Maxis studio.<br><br>For more information, or to find out how the game will play on your favorite platform, please visit www.thesims2.com<br><br>For assets that correspond with this announcement, please go to info.ea.com.<br><br>``xEEFyupEZAyzAQFrMwe``x1136398196``xPR``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Voila! The Sims Earns French Stamp of Approval; French Postal Service Commemorates The Sims With Official Limited Edition Stamp``xCameron``xREDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 22, 2005--Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:ERTS), the world's leading interactive entertainment software company, today announced that the French postal service, La Poste, has honored The Sims(TM) franchise with an official postage stamp. Published in limited edition of 3 million units, Les Sims(TM) is one of 10 stamps in the "Heroes of Videogames" collection featuring the industry's most beloved icons. The set will retail for 2.65 euros (approximately $3.09 USD) and is available now in French post offices and through La Poste's website at <a href="http://timbres.laposte.fr/eng/.">http://timbres.laposte.fr/eng/.</a><br><br>The Sims games are an international phenomenon. Since the original PC game The Sims debuted in February 2000, the franchise has been translated into 20 languages and has sold more than 58M games worldwide. That's nearly enough to provide a copy of The Sims to every single French resident! In fact, The Sims games are so popular in France that they are ranked number eight on the top ten list of entertainment products, right behind the popular novel, The Da Vinci Code.(1)<br><br>"From fashion to food, history to heraldry, the French have always been cultural tastemakers," said EA's Chief Creative Officer Bing Gordon. "We thank them not only for commemorating The Sims with an official postage stamp, but also for making it one of the top ten most celebrated entertainment products in France -- Merci!"<br><br>For more information about the franchise or to find out how The Sims 2 will play on your favorite platform, please visit www.thesims2.com.<br>``xEEFyupEZZpoNfPMRQP``x1136398170``xPR``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Just in Time for Holiday Shopping! EA Ships The Sims 2 for PSP to Store Shelves Today``xCameron``xREDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 7, 2005--Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:ERTS), the world's leading interactive entertainment software company, today shipped The Sims(TM) 2 for the PSP(TM) (PlayStation(R) Portable) handheld entertainment system to retailer shelves.<br><br>A Great Gift for Anyone on Your List!<br><br>Gift-givers can find The Sims 2 for the PSP on store shelves by December 9th 2005, as well as discover The Sims 2 on other handheld, console and PC platforms. The ground-breaking gameplay and laugh-out-loud scenarios in The Sims 2 have spawned record sales for the franchise with more than 58 million units sold worldwide. The Sims is recognized as one of the few game brands to achieve popularity across all ages and genders. Such widespread appeal confirms that The Sims 2 is a great gift for anyone on your list, from Cousin Ralph and Grandpa Bob to Aunt Sarah and Niece Nancy!<br><br>"The Sims franchise has become a pop culture phenomenon! One of the top-five game brands in history, The Sims is unique in drawing an audience of men and women of all ages, from all over the world," said Sinjin Bain, Vice President and Executive Producer. "To meet the diverse needs of our community, we have delivered The Sims 2 on a variety of platforms. The PSP version of The Sims 2 was inspired by the best-selling PC game, but built from the ground up to capitalize on the unique capabilities of the PSP system."<br><br>Based on the PC version of The Sims 2, the PSP version leverages the unique capabilities of the next generation handheld platform such as wireless, streamlined gameplay and beautiful graphics, while maintaining the core components of creativity and customization that are integral to The Sims experience. PSP players will be able to delve deep into the mysteries of Strangetown and discover the secrets hidden in five brand new neighborhoods and 20 unique locations custom-built for the PSP. In addition to fulfilling their Sims' aspirations, PSP gamers can collect and trade secrets, perks, potions and inventions, available only on the PSP!<br><br>The unique appeal of The Sims 2 is that the game is whatever you make it! The gameplay experience lets you live out the day-to-day life of the Sims characters that you create and control. Players enjoy participating in all the ups and downs of their Sims' lives!<br><br>This holiday, casual gamers and Sims aficionados alike can find The Sims 2 on the following platforms: PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox(R) video game system from Microsoft, the Nintendo GameCube(TM), the Game Boy(R) Advance, the Nintendo DS(TM), the PC and now the PSP(TM) (PlayStation(R) Portable).<br><br>Fans of the PC game can extend the experience of the game by purchasing The Sims 2 Holiday Edition, a special holiday-themed version of The Sims 2 featuring exclusive bonus content! Additionally, for players on-the-go, mobile versions will be available across all major cell phone carriers this winter including Sprint, Verizon Wireless and Cingular. It is official... The Sims 2 is everywhere this holiday season!<br><br>Rated "T" for teen by the ESRB, The Sims 2 for the PSP was developed by the award winning EA-Maxis studio, under the EA(TM) brand.<br><br>For more information, or to find out how the game will play on your favorite platform, please visit www.thesims2.com<br><br>For assets associated with this release, please go to: <a href="http://info.ea.com/sims/Sims2PSP_Launch_Announcement_120705.zip">http://info.ea.com/sims/Sims2PSP_Launch_Announcement_120705.zip</a><br><br>Username: eaguest <br>Password: simsdl<br>Domain: info.ea.com<br>``xEEFyupEZuEsrsRGylQ``x1136398141``xPR``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
A look back at 2005 and forward with 2006!``xCameron``xWell, if you have a look at Amazon.com's <a href="http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=176060&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=799467&highlight=" target="_blank">top wishlist items</a> for 2005, you will see that The Sims 2 made it in for the Computer Games catagory. Meanwhile, <a href="http://www.gamedaily.com/features/?id=853" target="_blank">GameDAILY</a> has an article detailing the most anticipated games for 2006, which of course includes a snippet on Spore. Here's to another year filled with Maxis inspired Sim-goodness!``xEEFykkyZFZwOJsbMMX``x1136223137``x(default)``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Narnia in SimCity``xAndro``xMerry Christmas from SimGlobal! There is a new project for your perusal, <a href="/narnia/simnarnia.shtml">Narnia in SimCity 4</a>. I'll add to it over the coming months.<br /><br />Latest update: Two SimCity 4 lots featuring <a href="/narnia/st.shtml">The Stone Table</a> are now available for download.``xEEFVVlpVZVMSKHIOYD``x1135576975``xSimCity``x``x``x``x``x``x12/25/2005``x``xAndro Cowei``xhttp://www.simglobal.net/simcity/narnia/simnarnia.shtml
The Sims 2 University for Mac``xMatej``xAspyr has released The Sims 2 University for Mac to stores, just in time for Christmas. This is the first expansion pack for The Sims 2 on Mac available. It is available through purchase from Aspyr or from other retailers, both in stores and online. <i>Special thanks to Bryce for the news.</i>``xEEFVkEuAVAixFMcOEh``x1135211359``xMac|x|TS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
CNET Will Wright Video...``xCameron``xHead on over to CNET to check out a new video featuring Will Wright in which he discusses how video games act as "a form of time travel". The video was filmed as part of a workshop hosted by Release 1.0. You can view the 4 minute video using Real Player or Windows Media Player at <a href="http://news.com.com/1606-2_3-5998422.html" target="_blank">http://news.com.com/</a>.``xEEFuAZkFAZGLDUKTpr``x1134968797``x(default)``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
The Sims 2 quietly arrives on cell phones...``xCameron``xIf you have a Cingular phone with java game capabilities then you can now get ahold of a copy of The Sims 2 for your cellphone, for $7.99. You can find more details about the games as well as screenshots and a purchase option on the <a href="http://www-xl.cingularextras.com/fuel/enduser/portal/endUserHTMLDesc?resourceID=32689&descAction=deepDesc&dc=0" target="_blank">Cingular The Sims 2 page</a>. Although technically named The Sims 2, the gameplay appears to be closer to that of the original The Sims graphics wise. No news as to whether or not other cellphone carriers will offer The Sims 2 download, or when we can expect the cellphone cersion of SimCity.``xEEFuVuZpFkVZFUexuk``x1134543432``xTS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Want to win $50 for your The Sims 2 screenshot?``xCameron``xWell, if you want to get your hands on a $50 gift certificate to BestBuy, then head on over to <a href="http://www.gameside.org/contest.asp" target="_blank">GameSide.org's contest page</a>. GameSide.org is looking for the funniest, most interesting or most original screenshot from the game. Their admins will pick the top 5 which then will be voted on by GameSide members. Check out their contest page for all of the details and rules and remember, you need your screenshot in by December 30th 2005.``xEEFuVuyuFpTaLGKqoa``x1134542830``xTS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
The Sims 2 University Mac gold...``xCameron``x<a href="http://www.macnn.com/articles/05/12/13/the.sims.2.university/" target="_blank">Macnn</a> is reporting that The Sims 2 University has gone gold and should be shipping tomorrow. Although there are no details as to when CD replication started, this announcement seems to be cutting it very close to the shipping date to allow the discs to be made. Whether or not Aspyr delayed on the gold announcement or has very fast CD production is unknown, however this game will certainly be here in time for the Holidays!``xEEFuVppuVENjbDtCwj``x1134496851``xMac``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
The Sims Open for Business video and screens...``xCameron``xMore and more information is starting to crop up on the upcoming expansion pack for The Sims 2, "Open for Business". Along with some of the screenshots that can be seen on other The Sims fansites, 3DGamer also has a trailer for the game availible for download. Have a look at both the screenshots and the video at <a href="http://www.3dgamers.com/news/more/1096483521/" target="_blank">http://www.3dgamers.com/news/more/1096483521/</a>.``xEEFuEVEpluVKDgvOny``x1134147484``xTS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
TOM Online and EA Partner to offer cell games...``xCameron``xChinese wireless company TOM Online Inc. has partnered with Electronic Arts to offer their mobile games to multiple cell carriers in India. Notably, the article once again gives some more information on the cell games to be offered, mentioning The Sims 2 and SimCity. Although there is little detail given on the games beyond that they are "characterized by exhilarating gameplay...and advanced graphics." You can read the entire article, which includes a full listing of the games that are a part of the deal, at <a href="http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/051207/cnw011.html?.v=10" target="_blank">http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/051207/cnw011.html?.v=10</a>. ``xEEFupEkFlZtkrywcGI``x1134008787``x(default)``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
SimCity 2000 for Mac Classic freeware...``xCameron``xA quick hop over to software and downloads site Softpedia reveals that they are now offering a download of SimCity 2000 for Mac Classic as freeware. While we can't quite comment on the legality of this, it seems to be "on the level" so to speak considering Softpedia's longevity and lack of any perceptible warez. If you never had a chance to play SimCity 2000 and own an older Mac, then you can download the demo at <a href="http://mac.softpedia.com/get/Games/SimCity-2000.shtml" target="_blank">http://mac.softpedia.com/get/Games/SimCity-2000.shtml</a>.``xEEFFVZAVFZdtEiWENd``x1133575937``xMac``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
The Sims rated as one of the Greatest...``xCameron``xIn an article entitled "<a href="http://www.gamespot.com/6140577" target="_blank">Balancing Domestic Coefficients</a>," Gamespot.com dicusses why The Sims is one of the Greatest Games of All Time, although the move isn't that surprising considering how many copies have been sold. The article goes into depth to justify the game as "great" by describing the revolutionary underlying premise of the game and how this was carried out.``xEEFFVZAFFufpmnWrgr``x1133575734``xTS``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
The Sims 2 PSP Gold and Early...``xCameron``xIt seems that not only has The Sims 2 PSP gone gold, but also it will be arriving early, December 7th rather than the projected December 13th. This will certainly allow EA to rack up some more sales in the pre-Christmas shopping season as well as allow desperate The Sims 2 players get their "game on the go" sooner. You can read all of the details at <a href="http://www.gaming-age.com/news/2005/11/29-100" target="_blank">Gaming Age</a>.``xEEFFuElZFAjVaYAsya``x1133415139``xTS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
EA Ships The Sims 2 Holiday Edition for PC; ''Deck the Halls'' of Your Virtual Homes With the Special Holiday Edition of The Sims 2``xCameron``xREDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 15, 2005--Celebrate the spirit of the season with The Sims(TM) 2 Holiday Edition! Today, Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:ERTS) announced that The Sims 2 Holiday Edition, a special version of the world's most popular PC game, will hit store shelves across North America on November 17th. Rated "T" for Teen by the ESRB, the game is the perfect stocking stuffer for everyone on your gift list!<br><br>Available for a limited time only and listed at the same manufacturers suggested retail price as the original version, The Sims 2 Holiday Edition contains the original critically acclaimed game, The Sims(TM) 2, in its entirety, plus 40 new holiday-themed items that allow your Sims to celebrate the holidays in style. With this bonus content, a $14.99 value, your Sims can decorate their house, serve a festive holiday dinner, witness Santa's arrival and even host a happening New Year's party!<br><br>A Holiday Gift That Fits Everyone<br><br>The Sims 2 Holiday Edition makes a great gift for all your friends and family. The Sims(TM) franchise is recognized for being one of the few game brands to achieve popularity across all ages and genders. This widespread appeal has resulted in incredible success, with a string of top-selling games and combined sales exceeding 58M units worldwide.<br><br>The appeal of The Sims 2 is that the game is whatever you make it! The gameplay experience follows the day-to-day life of the Sims characters that you create and control over an entire lifetime. Players enjoy participating in all the ups and downs of their Sims' lives -- from the big events such as falling in love or building their first house to the more sentimental moments such as putting up their family's first Christmas tree and hosting a holiday dinner!<br><br>Key Features of The Sims 2:<br>-- Create-A-Sim <br><br>The Create-a-Sim feature allows you to combine your choices from a vast selection of facial features, hairstyles and outfits, to create the Sims you most want to play, make your own family and friends or invent someone on the fly -- you can even create your own celebrity look-alikes!<br><br>-- Aspirations<br><br>Help your Sims fulfill their lifelong aspirations. They can seek popularity, fortune, romance, family, or knowledge -- their choices are in your hands. Mix their genes, fulfill their dreams, and push them to extremes.<br><br>-- Customization<br><br>Create and control every aspect of your Sims' world from their homes to the community shops or design an entire neighborhood from scratch! You won't need a degree in architecture to build dream homes and design neighborhoods with the easy-to-use building, design, and home furnishing options. And now, with holiday-themed bonus content from The Sims 2 Holiday Edition, you can even hang a stocking over the fireplace!<br><br>For Owners of The Sims 2 (PC)<br><br>Fans who already own The Sims 2 for PC won't be left out in the cold this holiday season! For $14.99, The Sims(TM) 2 Holiday Party Pack offers only the bonus content -- from merry to scary -- without having to re-purchase the full game. There are two ways to purchase The Sims 2 Holiday Party Pack! Order a CD from the EA Store at <a href="http://thesims2.ea.com/about/order_holiday.php">http://thesims2.ea.com/about/order_holiday.php</a> or for more immediate gratification, purchase a download of The Sims 2 Holiday Party Pack from <a href="http://downloader.ea.com.">http://downloader.ea.com.</a> By downloading, owners of The Sims 2 save money on shipping, and spare themselves the wait to the mailbox!<br><br>For more information on The Sims 2 and The Sims 2 Holiday Edition, as well as expansion packs such as The Sims(TM) 2 University and The Sims(TM) 2 Nightlife, which provide additional experiences for the original game, please visit <a href="http://www.thesims2.com.">http://www.thesims2.com.</a><br><br>``xEEFFFEkZFkIAMNSjVo``x1133309132``xPR``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Getting out the discs!``xCameron``xWe are still flush with demo discs for The Sims 2 PS2. For those of you who have not bought the game but want to have a look, we are now simply sending out the discs on request. Either post <a href="http://simglobal.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1749">here</a> with your request (you will need to register so that you can PM us with address details) or send us an email with your request through the <a href="/contact.html">contact page</a> with a proper subject line (eg, Send Me The Sims 2 Demo!) and your address details. ``xEEFkVVZAZuxXYrJysL``x1132554374``xTS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Shacknews Interview with Will Wright...``xCameron``xHead on over to Shacknews's <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/extras/2005/111605_willwright_1.x" target="_blank">Interview with Will Wright</a> to get a better perspective on his views on the current state of the video game industry. The interview also gives a better understanding of Wright's designs, based primarily on "enormous webs of interconnected possibilities". ``xEEFkkZlVpAmmLrbqJJ``x1132274909``x(default)``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
The Sims on a stamp?``xCameron``xA news post from Gamasutra today notes how France is creating a set of video games ("jeux games") stamps that amoungst other famous titles like Donkey Kong and Zelda contains a stamp with two Sims from The Sims 2. You can see the stamps as well as the other games at <a href="http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=7210" target="_blank">http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=7210</a>.``xEEFkEAVZEpcbUIYcLw``x1132192110``xTS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Aspyr fixes The Sims 2 for Mac...``xCameron``xAs we announced just under two weeks ago, Aspyr was having some issues with The Sims 2 and Mac OSX 10.4.3 creating problems for nVidia Mac owners. Thankfully, Aspyr has just released Patch 1.0 Revision C, which can be found <a href="http://www.aspyr.com/detail.php?p_support_article_id=1214&p_game_id=156" target="_blank">here</a>. All Mac The Sims 2 users should pick up this patch as it also fixes all of the following:<br><i><br>- Increases the file limit size in The Sims 2 and in Body Shop so now users with many installed packages won't experience any problems.<br>- Optimizes in game video capturing and rendering. <br>- Fixes some problems related to mirrors rendering reflections improperly.<br>- Adds unofficial in-game Italian language support.<br>- Fixed problems using the in-game content browser to connect to Sims2.com.<br>- Improved stability related to sound.<br>- Added support for Japanese character input<br>- Package installer now localized in Japanese and Italian.<br>- Fixes a conflict with NVIDIA video cards and OS X 10.4.3.<br></i><br><i>Thanks again to Bryce for his help!</i>``xEEFkEAVFVutdtwqfro``x1132191754``xMac``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Preloading of the Holidays...``xCameron``xEA has recently announced a new digital content distribution system similar to Valve's "Steam". For those of you without Half Life 2, Steam essentially allows Valve to deliver both games and update content on demand to players without the need of sending out any physical media. Along with this, Steam can "preload" files for games that are not yet released meaning that upon the official release date there is no line to wait in to get one's copy of the game. A recent piece on NFHQ notes that EA plans to employ this system to allow preloading of The Sims 2 Holiday Party Pack. As of yet there are no details as to how this content system will integrate with The Sims 2. You find the article at <a href="http://www.nforcershq.com/article4543.html" target="_blank">http://www.nforcershq.com/article4543.html</a>.``xEEFEZlpVyFpvPfAtUq``x1131776963``xTS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
The Sims 2 takes two top spots...``xCameron``xAccording to a recent release by the NPD Group, The Sims 2 and The Sims 2 Nightlife both held top spots for games being sold in the week fo October 29th. The Sims 2 Nightlife came in at #7 while The Sims 2 edged in at #9. You can see the rest of the cames in an article at <a href="http://www.gamecloud.com/article.php?article_id=2233" target="_blank">Gamecloud.com</a>.``xEEFEVluupuXHwsRcyO``x1131580804``xTS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
The Sims imprinted by designers...``xCameron``xA recent piece from the paper <a href="http://www.insidebayarea.com/" target="_blank">Inside Bay Area</a> discusses how games reflect the values of the designers, whether or not intended. More specifically, the article, <a href="http://www.insidebayarea.com/bayarealiving/ci_3189561" target="_blank">Put on those thinking caps, boys and girls: It's game time</a> discusses how in The Sims and The Sims 2 the designers put an emphasis on deriving hapiness from the home and not from the job. The overall idea behind the article is to focus not only games as real representations but consider their bias as one would with any media. ``xEEFEFpllEFNekxaCiB``x1131305213``xTS2``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
The Sims 2 and Mac OSX 10.4.3 don't agree...``xCameron``xIt seems as though some Mac users may be having issues after installing the latest OSX 10.4.3 update and running The Sims 2 on a machine with an nVidia card. Apparently the issue involves a pie menu that can only be seen while scrolling through neighborhoods, rendering the game unplayable. The only response to direct troubleshooting questions so far is this:<br><br><i>The 10.4.3 update did make modifications that cause these problems for Sims 2 users who have Nvidia video cards.  We are currently working on a solution, so please monitor our Sims 2 support page for updates.<br><br>Sorry for the inconvenience.<br></i><br>So any Mac The Sims 2 users out there who have nVidia graphics might want to hold off a while on the update, if they have not already done so. We do not know if this is universal with nVidia cards or device specific as of this moment. As to whether or not the issue is caused by the update or a result of problems in The Sims 2, it is probably safe to say that the issue resides in The Sims 2. We will keep you posted on any information that crops to solve this (although so far reinstallation does not seem to be working), and a special thanks to Bryce Atkinson for alerting us to this.``xEEFEEullkpILyuJkyc``x1131145220``xMac
From Console Game Systems to Handheld Entertainment Systems, EA'S The Sims 2 Is Everywhere``xCameron``xREDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 24, 2005-- The Sims 2 -- the Best-Selling PC Game of 2004 -- Re-defined for Console and Handheld Game Systems and Ships to Store Shelves Today <br><br>Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:ERTS), the world's leading interactive entertainment software company, announced that The Sims(TM) 2 for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox(R) video game system from Microsoft, the Nintendo GameCube(TM), the Game Boy(R) Advance, and the Nintendo DS(TM), ships to retailers today. The Sims 2 for the PSP(TM) (PlayStation(R) Portable) handheld entertainment system and mobile phones will follow in the weeks to come. Developed by the award winning EA-Maxis studio, under the EA(TM) brand, The Sims 2 is everywhere this fall.<br><br>Based on the PC version of The Sims 2, which was the best-selling PC game of 2004, the console and handheld versions were re-invented from the ground-up to capitalize on the unique capabilities of each platform, while maintaining the same creativity and customization considered core components of the signature Sims experience. Classic open-ended gameplay allows console and handheld gamers to make the game their own, no matter which platform they choose!<br><br>The Sims games are known for being among the few games to achieve popularity across all ages and genders, making The Sims 2 a great gift for anyone from your nephew, to your grandfather to your favorite aunt, best friend, or kid sister. "Now that The Sims 2 is everywhere, on every platform from consoles and handheld game systems, to PCs and mobile phones, one of the most widely-popular games in history is also one of the most widely accessible!" exclaimed Vice President and Executive Producer, Sinjin Bain, "EA is thrilled to bring your favorite game to all your favorite systems!"<br><br>Console Versions:<br><br>The Sims 2 for Xbox, the PlayStation 2 console and Nintendo GameCube provides a blank canvas that you can fill! Create your Sims, give them distinct personalities, and directly control every move they make. Customize their world by designing their fashions, creating their food and building and decorating their homes. Help them achieve aspirations and avoid fears, as they build a network of friends and even acquire a few enemies! You can watch their simulated lives play out before your eyes. Choose to explore the open-ended world or select a story-driven experience that features 60 new characters and 16 unique locations. The PlayStation 2 console fans can even spice up their Sims surroundings by importing images into the game with the EyeToy(R) USB Camera. All console versions have been rated "T" for Teen by the ESRB.<br><br>Handheld Versions:<br><br>Handheld versions offer a Sims storyline that combines a classic Sims experience with the goal-oriented gameplay that handheld players enjoy. Each handheld version features a different storyline so true Sims fans might want to collect all three.<br><br>-- Game Boy Advance<br><br>In the Game Boy Advance version of The Sims 2, your Sims pursue their 15 minutes of fame. After you finish creating, customizing, and controlling your Sims' world, take on the lead role in the hit television series "One Time in Strangetown". As you unlock and play each episode of the TV series, explore a new story and characters to uncover the secrets of Strangetown. Between episodes, participate in all new unique mini-games such as car and soda commercials. How well you do influences your Sims ratings. The Sims 2 for the GameBoy Advance has been rated "E10+" by the ESRB and can be recommended for everyone age 10 and older." <br><br>-- Nintendo DS<br><br>In The Sims 2 on the Nintendo DS, you can explore the wide-open world of The Sims 2 while trying to gain fame and fortune for your own custom created Sims. Become a real estate mogul building, customizing and running a hotel in Strangetown. Bring in the cash by keeping everyone happy and keeping the hotel in good condition. Design the paintings on the walls of the gallery and record the music in the lounge through touch screen mini-games. Keep Strangetown's Sims happy to uncover their hidden secrets. The Sims 2 for the Nintendo DS has been rated "E10+" by the ESRB and can be recommended for everyone age 10 and older." <br><br>Upcoming Versions: <br><br>The Sims 2 for the PSP handheld system and mobile phones will release in weeks to come. For more information on those platforms please visit www.thesims2.com.<br><br>For more information, or to find out how the game will play on your favorite platform, please visit www.thesims2.com.<br><br>``xEEFplAluEZpHxZlglw``x1130894817``xPR
All about The Sims 2...``xCameron``xYou can now preorder The Sims 2 Holiday Party Pack (the add-on for current owners of The Sims 2) at The <a href="http://eastore.ea.com/jump.jsp?itemType=PRODUCT&itemID=1236" target="_blank">EA Store</a> for a substantial $14.99. While you can get free shipping with a special code offer (SIMS2HLDYFS), many will be asking themselves how much a value this add-on really is. <br><br>While the Holiday Party Pack may seem a bit pricey, it certainly seems that won't be a problem considering that <a href="http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=7036" target="_blank">Gamasutra</a> is currently running a piece mentioning how The Sims 2 Nightlife has already surpassed 1 million copies sold.<br><br>And for fun to wrap up The Sims 2 news of the day, head on over to the Novermber 2005 edition of Delta-Sky Magazine where Jay Heinrichs discusses The Sims 2 in relation to his life in an article entitled <a href="http://www.delta-sky.com/November2005/RolePlaying/index.html" target="_blank">The Sim <i>Inside</i> Me</a>.``xEEFplAlEFpVOXrJfmu``x1130894530``xTS2
SimCity...mobile?``xCameron``xApparently a recent news story in the Tapei Times makes mention not only the expected version of The Sims 2 for cell phones, but also of SimCity for the cell phones. This seems to be the first mention we have heard of SimCity for cell phones, although no details have been provided as to which SimCity engine the game will be based off of. Considering the latest mobile SimCity offerings, it is likely that the game will be based of  SimCity 2000 (the mobile version of The Sims 2 looks to be based off of the original The Sims). The games are expected to cost $5, The Sims 2 availibe at the end of the year. You can read the entire snippet at the <a href="http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/worldbiz/archives/2005/10/31/2003278201" target="_blank">Tapei Times</a>.<br /><br />Happy Halloween!``xEEFplEyppFmaRLNTGq``x1130812403``xSimCity``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
What the move to consoles means for The Sims...``xCameron``xA recent Business Week article, (<a href="http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/oct2005/id20051024_317766.htm" target="_blank">http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/oct2005/id20051024_317766.htm</a>) discusses how the new console versions of the Sims differ not only significantly from the computer version, but also from each other. With significant quotes from Sinjin Bain, VP and EP of the The Sims 2, the story gives some interesting information for owners of multiple consoles and handheld systems, noting that, "you get a unique gameplay experience from each one."<br>Also discussed is the relative failure of The Urbz (although the game did very well it was the least popular part of The Sims series so far) as well as the new storyline based themes of the games. ``xEEFpuZpyuVGTDoEgoX``x1130467045``x(default)
EA Announces The Sims 2 Holiday Edition for PC ``xCameron``xREDWOOD CITY, Calif., Oct. 11, 2005 – Get into the holiday spirit with The Sims™ 2 Ho