GamesRadar - The Sims 3

The Sims 3 World Adventures gone gold (News)

Nov 3, 2009

Grab Your Chopsticks, Jump on Your Scooter and Adventure Your Way Through Ancient Tombs in The Sims 3 World Adventures

The Sims 3 (Screenshots)

Nov 2, 2009

The Sims 3 $20 off for Halloween (News)

Nov 1, 2009

EA has offered up a one-day-only Halloween sale for their popular title The Sims 3, taking $20 off the full price for the rest of the day.

Sims 3 Gets Free Halloween DLC (News)

Oct 27, 2009

Even if you don't plan to celebrate Halloween, there's no reason why your virtual marionettes can't. EA is offering free Halloween-themed content for The Sims 3.

NPD: Top Selling PC Software For September 2009 (News)

Oct 21, 2009

G4TV writes:

"We tend to focus on console games at G4, but yes, it's true: the PC still exists! And hopefully we'll have a better idea of how the platform's performing, as the NPD Group will be releasing monthly top 20 software sales lists for the PC. The dataaren't as detailed -- for example, we have no numbers -- but it does provide a snap shot of what buying habits are for the PC. Right now? MMOs."

Sims 3: World Adventures Bonus Registration Content Announced (News)

Oct 20, 2009

Registering games isn't only a good way to let Big Brother know what you're playing. In the case of The Sims 3: World Adventures, registration will also net you free in-game content.

Sims 3 World Adventures Artists Galore (News)

Oct 13, 2009

ve3tro writes: "So a Sim game is announced, you know, the game featuring gibberish catchy music with the nonsensical lyrics? Would you imagine that a list of artists from Fefe Dobson, to country sensation, LeAnn Rimes want to be featured on such a soundtrack?

Well they do. As of today, EA have released a soundtrack of the artists currently involved with the game."

The Sims 3: World Adventures - China (Video)

Oct 2, 2009

What EA has done is create a platform for a new generation of expansion packs and downloadable content. If you already have expansion packs for Sims 2 that add seasons, pets and witches, the basic Sims 3 feels like a step back. Yet the core of The Sims 3 is more powerful than ever.

The Sims 3 World Adventures letting players build four-level deep basements (News)

Sep 18, 2009

The Sims 3 expansion will let players build basements. This function is to mimic the tombs in which you'll sim will discover. Of course, many tomb related objects will be included and are detailed.

Amazon Video Games Gold Box Event Begins (News)

Aug 28, 2009

The all-day video game deals event on Amazon.com has started with The Sims 3 as the deal of the day. The rest of the bargains will happen throughout the day.

The Sims 3 World Adventures - Teaser (Video)

Aug 19, 2009

The Sims 3 Update Released (News)

Aug 7, 2009

EA has released a new update for their life simulation title The Sims 3, now available for download.

Why games will replace TV (Feature)

Aug 6, 2009

The idiot box has had its time. These games do its job better. ...

EA Q1 financials: Sims 3 sells 3.7 million units (News)

Aug 5, 2009

VG247: The EA financial call is still ongoing and in it the company revealed that The Sims 3 has sold 3.7 million copies.

Nintendo Owns All Format Top Ten in Australia (News)

Jul 31, 2009

Koku Gamer writes: 'The Wii and the DS are outright winners in Australia this week as they cover the whole of the Australian All Format Full Priced Games for the week ending 26th July.'

The Sims 3 update 1.3 (News)

Jul 29, 2009

The Sims 3 has been updated again! Another long list of changes and bug fixes come with update 1.3.

Wii rules Australia; 360 lagging (News)

Jul 25, 2009

Koku Gamer writes: 'It was another one-two-three for the Wii in Australia this week as Wii Fit, Wii Play and Mario Kart Wii topped the all-format chart, with Wii Sports Resort yet to come...'

Exclusive: The Sims 3 Breaks 800K, Tops U.S PC Game Sales In June (News)

Jul 22, 2009

Gamasutra can reveal that The Sims 3 sold 820,000 copies in the United States in June, topping sales charts across all platforms for the month, according to information provided by NPD.

The PC title, developed by Electronic Arts' Redwood Shores studio as the latest in the Will Wright-conceived life sim series, is already one of the overall top-selling games released in 2009 for any format, based on information about console game sales published this week and also provided to Gamasutra by NPD.

Direct comparisons to early sales of 2004 predecessor The Sims 2 are difficult; that game sold over 1 million units in its first 10 days internationally, with fewer than half of those sales said to be in the US. The Sims 3 has sold nearly that total number in the US alone, but across a period of a calendar month.

10 websites every Sims 3 player must visit (Feature)

Jul 17, 2009

The Sims 3 is much more than a game. You can make art with The Sims 3. You can make money with The Sims 3. You can even make real-world friends with The Sims 3. You just need to know where to start… ...

Games that would be better with a Mature rating (Feature)

Jul 8, 2009

Just because a game gets rated 'Mature' doesn't mean it's going to be grown up and serious and any better than something deemed suitable for younger gamers. However, chances are it is probably going to be more fun, simply because it'll have more violence, more sexy, more swearing, more alcohol. And all of those things, as any responsible adult will tell you, are the main ingredients for a good time. In our opinion, the following games could ...

The Sims 3 - Scary truth (Video)

Jul 7, 2009

Rumour: Sims 3 Expansion In October, "Virtuous Ventures" (News)

Jul 7, 2009

Rumours have been circulating on video gaming message boards that the first expansion pack for EA's The Sims 3, dubbed "Virtuous Ventures" will be announced in August for a release in October.

Sales Figures January-June 2009: UK Loves Nintendo (News)

Jul 6, 2009

The figures, compiled by GfK Chart-Track, show family-oriented and educational games have become the most popular with the UK public. With combined sales volumes of 1.65 million units, Nintendo's Wii Fit, Wii Play and Mario Kart Wii titles equate to 72% of the top five 'best sellers' chart. The period also saw total sales of Nintendo's Dr. Kawashima's Brain Training surpass the three million units mark to become the UK's most popular game ever.

The Sims 3 v1.2.7 patch released (News)

Jun 27, 2009

EA has released a patch for their life/social sim title The Sims 3, now available for download. The update brings the game to version 1.2.7 and includes fixes and improvements for a variety of gameplay elements.

Pirated Copies Of Sims 3 Are A "Demo Program" - Industry Gamers (News)

Jun 23, 2009

The Sims 3 was illegally downloaded something like 200,000 times prior to its actual release, outpacing the most pirated title of 2008, EA's Spore. Normally, you'd think this sort of rampant piracy would really be quite upsetting to a publisher. Ironically, however, this kind of leak for Sims 3 essentially served as a "demo program," EA CEO John Riccitiello told us as part of a larger E3 interview.

-Industry Gamers

What a combination (News)

Jun 19, 2009

PixelatedGamer.com writes, "In possibly the most random news piece PG have ever published, we show off our new status as EA Press Release receiving moguls with a little bit of fun news.

Nobody here will be surprised to read that EA's gargantuan The Sims 3 has held on to the top spot of the UK PC Sales Chart this week.

What might be news to you however is that bright young thing Pixie Lott, a UK pop singer who collaborated with EA on their latest release, also achieved the number one spot in the UK Singles Chart."

The Sims 3 celebrity freak show! (Feature)

Jun 19, 2009

Everyone loves looking at celebrities. And based on our current cheats traffic, everyone loves playing The Sims 3. Following that infallible logic, a combination of the two could, should and would win the hearts, minds and clicks of the entire internet!

That was the idea, anyway. Then I actually headed over to The Sims 3 official website, started browsing their user exchange and discovered the horrible, horrible truth. ...

Esmee Denters is singing Simlish for The Sims 3 (News)

Jun 12, 2009

GameRush.nl is reporting on the young YouTube-sensation Esmee Denters. The Dutch singer Esmee Denters has recorded her record 'Outta Here' in Simlish. Of course this is related to the recent release of The Sims 3.

Sims 3 Could Be Most Pirated Game In History (News)

Jun 12, 2009

2008 was a marked year in history for EA. Not because they managed to scare the s#$@ out of more than 1.4 million people with Dead Space and not because they managed to have more than a million people committing virtual suicide over and over again from the skyscraper roof tops in Mirrors Edge, nor was it because they had another 29 titles that sold more than a million copies each in that year. No, 2008 was a marked year for EA because it was the year their new IP Spore was launched and downloaded illegally more than 1.7 million times in the last quarter, making it the most pirated game of all time according to Torrent Freak.

The Sims 3 first week sales results in 1.4 million units sold and top selling App for iPhone (News)

Jun 9, 2009

Electronic Arts announced the first week sales results of The Sims 3 (PC and Mac). Following last week's June 2nd debut of The Sims 3, EA is reporting having sold "more than 1.4 million PC/Mac units within the first week making it the best-selling PC launch in EA's history." The Sims 3 also launched for the iPhone and has locked on the number one spot in Top Paid Apps on the App Store. Gamers are also keeping busy and adding to the numbers with more than 7 million downloads of player created content (Sims, houses, stories and more).

Chart Track UK Software Sales for week ending 06/06: Sims 3 takes top spot (News)

Jun 8, 2009

The Sims 3, to the surprise of no-one, has captured the top spot on the UK Software Sales Chart in its debut week on sale, coming five years after the release of The Sims 2, claiming the fourth biggest opening sales week for a PC game in the UK, behind Championship Manager 4 and World of Warcraft's two expansion packs.

EA Rewrites Ten Commandments (News)

Jun 4, 2009

Using information from research conducted in its game, The Sims 3, EA has rewritten the ten commandments and will present the two newly-carved limestone tablets to the Houses of Parliament this week.

According to EA, over one quarter of British children can not remember even one of the ultimate moral standards, the ten commandments, and only six percent of people in the UK can recite all ten from memory.

The Sims 3 (Review)

Jun 3, 2009

The Sims 3, like the previous games, is all about controlling people. You begin by moulding their appearance (bearded, thinnish, roguishly handsome), selecting their five personality traits (Childish, Good, Friendly, Artistic, Computer Whizz) and dropping them into their own home in suburbia (two-bedroom, single floor, modest). ...

The Sims 3 gets an 'uncensor' patch before it's released (News)

May 31, 2009

What's the first thing any self-respecting gamer should do when legally purchasing the latest PC game? That's right -- make everyone and everything as naked as they can possibly get. With that in mind, you'll be thrilled to know that a patch is already available to remove the censoring of certain sensitive areas in The Sims 3. Not that anybody's playing it already, right?

New video game releases for week of 5/31/09 (News)

May 30, 2009

This week's new video game releases (US):

Xbox 360:
- FUEL
- Red Faction Guerrilla

PLAYSTATION 3:
- FUEL
- Red Faction Guerrilla

Wii
No new releases

PC:
- The Sims 3
- The Sims 3 Collector's Edition

DS & DSi:
- DSi TekCase - Black
- DSi TekCase - Pink
- Knights in the Nightmare
- NARUTO Shippuden: Ninja Council 4

PSP:
no new releases

New Releases (Week of 6/1/09) (News)

May 30, 2009

From the article: "With the E3 expo claiming the vast majority of brain matter of the gaming public, it would be easy to ignore this week's new releases unless it was something huge. Thankfully, it is. Electronic Arts will be releasing The Sims 3 on the PC this week.

Also arriving alongside the second full sequel to one of the most popular games of all time will be THQ's shooter Red Faction: Guerrilla (PC, PS3, Xbox 360) and the one week delay of Codemasters' racer Fuel (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)."

Sims 3 Piracy Rate Outpacing Spore's (News)

May 28, 2009

The amount of users downloading The Sims 3 from torrent sites indicates that the title's long-term piracy rate could top that of Spore, the most pirated title of 2008.

The EA PC title, which isn't due for release until June 2 in the States, was leaked to torrent sites two weeks ahead of its planned launch. And according to BigChampagne, a company that monitors file sharing, it was downloaded at least 180,000 times between May 18 and May 21.

That figure outpaces the 400,000 illegal downloads of Spore over three weeks, reports Bloomberg, presumably referring to the period leading up to the title's release last year. Spore went on to be illegally downloaded some 1.7 million times during the last three months of 2008.

The Sims 3 offers chance to cash in on games (News)

May 27, 2009

Latest title in series presents unique opportunity for IT retailers, says publisher.

EA has said that IT retailers are ideally placed to take advantage of the 'broad appeal' of The Sims 3.

Speaking to PCR, the publisher said that because the game had engagement with a large swathe of the UK's population that doesn't normally play games, it opened up opportunities for non-traditional outlets, which do reach those demographics – such as IT retailers – to sell the title.

The Sims 3 scores 89 percent in first review (News)

May 26, 2009

The first review for The Sims 3 shows up and it says 89/100. PC Games, Germany, compliments the accessible Sim- and building-editors, smooth character animations, the lifetime achievements and the wide variety of character personalities. They criticize the few accessories, the inaccurate chain of command and that the camera view still sucks. The facts were written in english too.

Where Fallout 3 Meets The Sims [Sims 3 Mods] (News)

May 21, 2009

Luke Plunkett of Kotaku writes:

"While it sells like heated cakes, The Sims probably isn't high on too many of your playlists. Know what can fix that, though? Making the whole thing look like Fallout 3.

Which is exactly what you can do with these in-game tilesets and objects, some ripped from Fallout itself, others hand-made, allowing you to recreate everything from Fallout's fence pailings and phone booths to some crummy post-apocalyptic ladies fashion."

New Sims 3 Screenshot Shows Simulation Gaming (News)

May 19, 2009

BeefJack writes: "A new screenshot released for Sims 3 shows the gaming console that you can play when playing the game on your PC.

Showing an enthusiastic male sim and a slightly bored female sim, they both appear to be playing on some sort of games console. It appears safe to conclude that the console is not the Wii but no other conclusions can be made at this time."

The Sims 3 TV Campaign Begins (News)

May 18, 2009

Earlier tonight, Electronic Arts' began spinning the wheel of the mainstream marketing campaign for The Sims 3, with a teaser trailer broadcast on digital channel E4 during the airing of a brand new episode of Desperate Housewives.

The Sims 3 Leaks Online (News)

May 18, 2009

Nidzumi writes: It can't be a good day for EA, maybe someone opened an umbrella inside, as The Sims 3 has leaked over three weeks before it's retail release. This follows on from the news that Rock Band Unplugged for the piracy rampant PSP leaked nearly a month before release.

New 'boolprop' cheat discovered for The Sims 3 (News)

May 16, 2009

Dutch gaming website GamesGuide found the cheat which was known as the 'boolprop cheat' in The Sims 2 and now reappears in The Sims 3. With the 'Cheat testing enabled true' enabled, players can do various things, including changing a Sims appearance or age. Games Guide fiddled around a bit and also added the Grim Reaper to their active family.

The Sims Enter Social Life (News)

May 14, 2009

Details on the social networking aspect of EA's "The Sims 3".

UK Retailer Reveals Sims 3 Collector's Edition (News)

May 12, 2009

BeefJack writes: "UK retailer, GAME, has recently added the Sims 3 Collector's Edition to its online repertoire.

It seems that they may have missed a beat or two though as their screenshots will prove.

Firstly though what the edition contains: stickers, a neighbourhood map and a download code for a vintage in-game car. Pretty generic for a special edition.

Closer inspection of the box art above will provide us with out first clue into what may also be included. A logo for a 2GB USB' is clearly visible at the bottom of the box and appears to show an actual 2GB USB flash drive."

Electronic Arts Summer Release Schedule Revealed (News)

May 9, 2009

Electronic Theatre has today received an updated release schedule for Electronic Arts' forthcoming videogame titles. Obtained through partners in the independent retail sector, the schedule reveals the intended European release dates for a handful of titles due to arrive on shop shelves throughout both May and June.

The Sims 3 Goes Gold (News)

May 8, 2009

WorthPlaying writes: The Sims 3 gives you the freedom to create unique Sims and immerse them in your own living neighborhood of endless possibility! The Sims 3 features a brand new engine that allows you to immerse your unique Sims in an open living neighborhood where they can roam and explore all new surroundings including the beach, mountains and town center. Sims 3 fans can rejoice, the game's gone gold and will be available on June 2, 2009 as planned."

The Sims 3 will have free downloadable city (News)

May 6, 2009

TVGB: "EA has just announced during its financial conference call that there will be an entire downloadable city for The Sims 3 available on day one for free. EA is doing big marketing campaigns on the street, the internet and on television as well to get the word out. It will be available at retail and online with no DRM on June 2."

EA's biggest retail campaign yet (News)

May 6, 2009

TVGB: "The retail campaign for The Sims 3, which includes specially designed end caps and in-store displays, is EA's biggest yet, Rod Humble, head of EA's Play label said today during the company's Q4 earnings conference call. The company has also started an aggressive outdoor campaign in major US cities and Sims-themed smart cars, trains, buses and mall displays will be seen worldwide. A significant TV presence of planned as well."

Analyst: Sims 3 Could Sell 4 Million In '09 (News)

May 1, 2009

Electronic Arts' upcoming Sims 3 could sell over 4 million units in 2009, says Janco Partners analyst Mike Hickey -- although he expects that a demographic transition toward newer entertainment forms like Nintendo's Wii and DS might weigh on the title.

Sims 2 sold an estimated 3.5 units in calendar 2004, so the analyst expects the anticipated sequel to outdo its predecessor. EA also detailed today the game's digital distribution-heavy, points-based model for further monetization, although Hickey doesn't project how much Sims 3 can expect to earn incrementally from DLC and expansions.

The Sims 3 (PC) Online Features Detailed (News)

Apr 30, 2009

WorthPlaying writes: "The Sims 3 gives you the freedom to create unique Sims and immerse them in your own living neighborhood of endless possibility! When The Sims 3 launches, the game will have a second town, in addition to the one already included in the game, available for download. The official website will also allow players to create and share their own movies, manage their online content and purchase additional in-game content."

Will Wright's departure "hasn't impacted The Sims 3" (News)

Apr 24, 2009

Will Wright: designer of the best-selling PC game of all time and all-round videogame legend. But his recent departure from EA hasn't had an impact on the development of The Sims 3, according to Associate Producer Grant Rodiek.

Sims 3 delayed for PC/MAC launch, to "tune, tweak and polish" (News)

Apr 22, 2009

Grant Rodiek of EA has said the reason for The Sims 3 delay from February 20th to June 2nd was to cram in more quality checks, spit polish some more.

EA also wanted the game to release "simultaneously" on both PC and MAC platforms. Personality traits in The Sims 3 "fundamentally impact everything," only superficial before.

First The Sims 3 Cheats Revealed (News)

Apr 21, 2009

The Dutch website GamesGuide.nl has uncovered the first cheats for The Sims 3. This highly anticipated game is due to release world wide on the fourth of june. The cheats that were discovered are for earning some quick bucks and moving all objects.

Sims 3 Won't Use Online Copy Protection (News)

Mar 26, 2009

The Spore DRM copy-protection backlash won't be happening to The Sims 3, given the news that broke just minutes ago. EA has announced that The Sims 3 will only use serial-number copy protection. Buy the game, input the serial number that comes with the game, and you're good to go.

From the blog of Rod Humble, head of EA's Sims and Casual division:

"The game will have disc-based copy protection – there is a Serial Code just like The Sims 2. To play the game there will not be any online authentication needed.

We feel like this is a good, time-proven solution that makes it easy for you to play the game without DRM methods that feel overly invasive or leave you concerned about authorization server access in the distant future."

The Sims 3 Official Facebook Page Launches (News)

Mar 25, 2009

Electronic Arts has announced the launch the official The Sims 3 Page on Facebook this week.

The Sims 3 Ditches All That Hand Holding (News)

Mar 12, 2009

Gamedaily writes: "Nope, the heart bubbles aren't going away. The team behind The Sims 3 is giving the sims in its upcoming game a little more self-aware. While you'll still have control over their love lives, relationships and careers, they'll take care of their basic needs by going the bathroom and cleaning themselves up."

EA: Open World Sims Is a Risk (News)

Mar 11, 2009

With The Sims 3 being the first full new Sims game for four years, Maxis has said it's intent on taking risks to push the series forward.

One such risk is the introduction of an open world environment, which allows you to explore the town with your Sims rather than being constrained to the previous game's home 'lots'.

This might not be to everyone's taste though, according to MJ Chun, associate producer at The Sims Division.

The Sims 3 Grants Lifetime Wishes (News)

Mar 10, 2009

Gamedaily writes: "Going to work in The Sims series has always been a bit of a chore, thankfully the makers of The Sims 3 are giving players incentives to push higher with a new feature called Lifetime Wishes.

Billed as a way to gain Lifetime Happiness points, players choose their wish based on their Sims' traits and work on strengthening their skills to become a local celebrity, a master chef, a heartbreaker or even run the free world."

The Sims 3 – hands-on (Preview)

Feb 26, 2009

How do you go about improving a game that’s become, at well over 100,000,000 copies sold, the best-selling PC game franchise of all time? EA Black Box, I’m guessing, began with another question: Why didn’t the other six and a half billion people in the world buy it? ...

The Sims 3 Dated (News)

Feb 3, 2009

EA, announces the release for the upcoming game, The Sims 3.

The Sims 3 box art unveiled (News)

Feb 3, 2009

EA has released the final box art for The Sims 3.

'Sims 3' And 'Dragon Age' Release Dates Pushed Back (News)

Feb 3, 2009

EA has announced that two of the company's biggest upcoming PC games are now shipping later in 2009. "The Sims 3" is now slated for June 2. "Dragon Age" has slipped from early 2009 to the second half of 2009, matching the release window of the console verison.

EA evaluating The Sims 3 release date (News)

Jan 26, 2009

RealGamer has posted a story that The Sims 3 may not make it's previously announced release date.

An EA spokesperson has told them, "We are evaluating the launch window. The game looks great and in the near future we'll have more information."

The top 9 PC games of 09 (Feature)

Jan 20, 2009

When Blizzard showed off Diablo III for the first time at the developer's World Wide Invitational 2008 in Paris, France, more than a few long-time fans of the franchise experienced self-induced strokes at the sight of some of the revamped features. Change, after all, is difficult to cope with. ...

The Sims 3 Rated Teen by ESRB (News)

Jan 13, 2009

It's no surprise that The Sims 3 has been rated Teen by the ESRB. However, there's a nifty new feature of the ESRB ratings, and that is many games now come with descriptors of gameplay that explain the rating.

Those of you who were concerned about it, The Sims 3 will maintain its same-sex sexual intercourse, er, "Woo-Hoo", and yes, the game is unaffected by Proposition 8 - it will have marriage as well, and unlike West Virginia, gay couples can adopt, and contrary to Rick Warren's ideology, they are not preying on minors, either.

Best first quarter for video games EVER? (Feature)

Jan 9, 2009

We just made it through the holiday rush, wallets scraped bare from last year’s heaviest hitters, and there are no fewer than eleven quality games about to rush us. The first quarter (January through March) is usually a time of “catch-up,” where you play all the stuff that keeps piling up on your teetering backlog of games. Not happening this time.

No matter your platform there’s something killer on the way ...

Neocrisis - Sims 3: System Requirements (News)

Jan 5, 2009

Neocrisis - The system requirements for Sims 3 has been released.

The Sims 3 System Requirements (News)

Dec 17, 2008

"The Sims 3 will be released in two months and if you're like me, you're psyched at the opportunity to not play it. But is your computer powerful enough to offer you the choice of not playing it? EA has just released the minimum system requirements for laptops and desktops."

Free downloadable town at The Sims 3 launch (News)

Dec 6, 2008

Speaking to Kikizo, The Sims 3 executive producer Ben Bell has revealed that EA Maxis will release a free extra downloadable town at launch for registered users.

Here's the key snippet:

"Kikizo: I'm aware that you have 97 lots max in each neighbourhood. Is the layout randomised?

Bell: It is a set town, but you can change the location of any of the houses and you can change all of the people who are there. We're also... for anybody who registers their game, you'll be able to download a second town. That's a free perk when you register the game.

Kikizo: Will that be available at launch?

Bell: Yes."

The interview also covers the new Sims 3 community site, the emphasis on telling your own story rather than managing your Sims' bladders, and Tony Soprano.

The Sims 3 Q&A (News)

Nov 17, 2008

Electronic Arts have today released a Question and Answer session discussing the PC exclusive release of The Sims 3. It's not stated exactly who was asking or answering the questions, but as a piece of PR bumf it's fairly revealing. The entire Question & Answer session follows below, ad-verbatim...

The Sims 3 soundtrack composer announced (News)

Oct 23, 2008

Daily Joystick writes: "Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced that award-winning composer Steve Jablonsky will score the theme music for the highly anticipated next-generation flagship PC game from The Sims Label, The Sims 3."

The Sims 3 Collector's Edition Detailed (News)

Oct 15, 2008

Select North American retailers are now accepting pre-orders for The Sims 3 Collector's Edition, $69.99 worth of virtual people, a drop in the bucket compared to how much fans will spend on expansions over the course of the game's lifespan. Included in the super mega mega edition of the game is the game itself, which is always handy, a The Sims Plumbob USB drive with a matching green Carabiner, an exclusive in-game sports car, a tips and hints guide, and some Plumbob stickers.

The whole shebang should be hitting stores on February 20th, giving The Sims 2 fans around 4 months to collect all of the expansions for that version and then uninstall them to make room for the next batch.

Humble named head of The Sims Label (News)

Oct 8, 2008

GI.Biz writes: "Electronic Arts has promoted Rod Humble to executive vice president and head of The Sims Label at EA.

Under this role, Humble will be responsible for The Sims Label, while the former The Sims head Nancy Smith will manage special projects until she begins a new executive role at EA, yet to be announced.

"Like Nancy Smith before him, Rod Humble has demonstrated strong leadership in defining EA's The Sims brand as a stand-alone product label. Rod has great creative instincts, uncompromising quality standards, a deep connection with the player community, and most of all, the respect of the team he works with," said John Riccitiello, CEO of Electronic Arts."

The Sims 3 Goes All-Out On Advertising (News)

Oct 8, 2008

When "The Sims 3" launches in February, the popular video game promises to be more realistic than ever, thanks to improved graphics, better processing power and an increase in ads.

Yes, an increase in ads.

Electronic Arts, maker of "Sims 3," is working with IGA to provide dynamic in-game ads -- which can be switched in and out of the game via an internet connection -- to the latest version of what has become the world's most-played PC game. In its first new version in five years, "Sims" players will be able to venture beyond their houses and lots out into Pleasantville, where they can go to the movie theater, the sports arena or the grocery store. It's a more open experience, akin to newer online virtual worlds, although it's still a single-player game.

EA Announces The Sims 3 and SimCity for the iPhone (News)

Sep 5, 2008

EA Mobile has announced that the iPhone will be getting versions of The Sims 3 and SimCity

"LOS ANGELES, Calif., – September 5, 2008 – EA Mobile, a division of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS), today announced that Spore Origins, an original game for the iPhone and iPod® touch, will be available this month. The game takes full advantage of the devices' built-in accelerometer as players tilt, turn and twist their way through a world made of primordial ooze. In conjunction with the launch of Spore Origins, EA Mobile also announces a list of nine games in development for both the iPhone and iPod Touch platforms.

Eat-or-be-eaten in Spore Origins! Designed specifically for the iPhone and iPod touch, Spore Origins uses the platforms' motion-sensing technology to let gamers navigate a primordial tidepool on a quest to evolve. Feast on the weak and flee from the strong through two exciting modes and 35 challenging levels. Pinch, pull, and poke your creation in the Creature Editor, customizing the texture, shape and body parts to improve your offense, defense, perception and movement as you evolve over millions of years.

""We're really excited to bring Spore Origins to the iPhone and iPod touch," said Travis Boatman, Vice President Worldwide Studios at EA Mobile. "By leveraging the unique capabilities of these devices, players can customize their own creatures and shape their destiny in an exciting evolutionary journey. "

EA Mobile today also announced nine titles in development for the iPhone and iPod touch, pending regional availability. This list includes YAHTZEE Adventures, EA Mini Golf, Lemonade Tycoon, Mahjong, MONOPOLY: Here & Now The World Edition, SimCity, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09, Need for Speed Undercover, and The Sims 3.

Spore Origins will be available globally from the Apple App Store on iPhone and iPod touch, or by simply visiting www.eamobile.com from an...

Sims 3 Collector's Edition details (News)

Aug 20, 2008

HEXUS.gaming has details of the collector's edition for Sims 3, which will be released on Feb 20, 2009/

Sims 3 Announced for 2009 (News)

Jul 14, 2008

"During the EA Sports press conference, EA Sims studio confirmed that Sims 3 will be released for PC early next year 2009. EA also previewed the trailer and it sure looks like sims fans will not be disappointed."

New Sims 2 Expansion Packs for PC, DS (News)

Jun 9, 2008

Toni Dimayuga of Ripten writes:

"Apparently, EA's master plan to saturate the world with expansion packs for The Sims 2 isn't complete. They've just announced The Sims 2: Apartment Life for the PC. This will be the 8th EP, not counting the 7 "stuff packs" which only consist of clothing and/or furniture."

EA: The Sims 3 could come to console (News)

May 8, 2008

HEad of EA's dedicated Sims divisions says "we'll see where we go" after single-format release next year.

The Sims 3 (Preview)

Apr 21, 2008

The Sims 3 development team are apparently taking tips from the forthcoming opus Spore, and are promising more features to appeal to so-called hardcore gamers. The first of these new additions will be a more open, seamless world for your Sims to inhabit. Rather than being trapped in a pit of your own virtual filth, with only a few token public areas (shops, parks and the like), you’ll now be able to wander across the lawn and have a ...

The Sims 3 targets 'real' gamers (News)

Mar 31, 2008

MCV: EA's The Sims Studio is looking to lure traditional gamers to the next installment in the franchise, The Sims 3, with more 'goal-orientated' gameplay.

Speaking exclusively to MCV, the division's creative director Rod Humble also revealed that his MMO background would help the franchise move away from its simulation past.

"I think there is a lot more 'gamer-ness' in The Sims 3," said Humble. "The team has added a lot more challenge and depth for gamers.

Official Sims 3 Website Updated (News)

Mar 19, 2008

What if you had to live your whole life in one location Â¿ and then one day, suddenly, you could step outside and go anywhere in the whole neighborhood?

Note: The website is running a little slow and some links may not work being that it was just updated today.

Check out first Sims 3 screenshots (News)

Mar 19, 2008

Here we have the first batch of screenshots and character renders from EA's The Sims 3. Speaking to PC Gamer UK, Sims creative director Rod Humble says, "The fact that it's a seamless world means that eventually - not to give away too much of our expansion pack strategy, but in theory - The Sims 3 could expand into an entire seamless world. You can imagine a Sims country which you could just live your life in."Check out our first ...

Sims 3 preview with In-Game Pics (News)

Mar 17, 2008

Daniel Mitchell, "The latest edition of UK gaming mag PCGamer comes with a massive 5 page preview of the Sims 3, with the first released in-game screen-shots. PCGamer is a reliable magazine which we trust which makes the fact that the graphics are horrible even harder for us to swallow. On the bright side, the thought of seamless integrated communities and neighbourhoods sounds fantastic as do most of the other features outlined in the feature. Also, the pictures are from an early beta so there is still time for (much needed) graphical improvement."

To make the magazine scans larger to read, right click the page and select zoom-in.

The Sims 3: First details - The Sims goes truly 'open world' (News)

Mar 12, 2008

CVG reports via PC Gamer UK that the first details on The Sims 3 have been scooped up by PC Gamer UK and can be found in its latest issue, in subscribers' hands now.

What's the first important point about the sequel is that, according to the article, it appears that EA's development team has established the goal of reeling in the hardcore PC gaming fraternity. You know, the one that's previously turned its nose up at what's been perceived as a casual gaming experience that appeals only to girls.

The second important point is that Rod Humble, creative director of the Sims label, wants to break down barriers in the series with The Sims 3.

As reported in the magazine he explains how the team "let Sims wander freely through a town, take in the sights, not be constrained by the prison-like 'lots' of old games. He wants to turn the game into an open world, where Sims can stroll, meet their friends, go to work, interact with each other. And piss themselves in the gym. It's GTA: Pleasantville."

First E-mail for "The Sims 3" Gets Sent Out to Fansites (News)

Mar 10, 2008

Judhudson writes, "I had this in my inbox for a few days but didn't get a chance to post it. Benjamin Bell, Executive Producer for The Sims 3 has sent out the first round of fansite emails. It's a lengthy read, so here is a short breifing of what you can expect:

-Sims now live in a completely seamless, living neighborhood

-No loading screens for the neighborhood

-View other sims and their lives (even by spying on them)

-Reinvented and realistic Create a Sim

-New realistic personality system called Traits

-Everyone will be able to customize the appearance of everything ingame

-Won't need developer tools to make visual changes to the game."

Click the link to read the full e-mail.

The Sims 3 - The first details (News)

Mar 7, 2008

"When we started work on The Sims 3," explains creative director Rod Humble, "I had two directives for the Sims team. One: It's not going to work unless you can cross the street and see your neighbour's kids playing. And two: No more hamster cages". ...

First Details On The Sims 3 (News)

Mar 6, 2008

Consider this: The Sims franchise is the best-selling PC series in the world. Yes, bigger than games with the WarCraft name. Stack it up against console games, and The Sims' global sales are second only to titles that bear Mario's moniker. Yet many gamers still seem to associate The Sims with its dollhouse parts -- clothing packs, furniture exchanges, MySpace pages with soap-opera movies -- forgetting that there's an intricate game there, too. With The Sims 3 (teased yesterday), Sims Studio head Rod Humble and his team are trying to bring that aspect back to the front.

Surfer Girl: Talks about Shellshock 2: Blood Trails, The Sims 3, Wii cheerleading title and more (News)

Mar 6, 2008

Surfer Girl writes: A kind person has forwarded the fact sheet for Shellshock 2: Blood Trails (the lack of proofreading in this goes hand in hand with this blog, which more often than not, also lacks proofreading), which can be found below.

ShellShock 2: Blood Trails is a violent, first-person, survival horror game set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War. Gameplay centers on the use of psychological horror and fear, relying on the power of suggestion, mood, tension and foreshadowing - implying the notion of danger, potential danger, imminent danger, and horrifying acts that have or are implied to have occurred or will come to pass. On course for war torn Vietnam, a plane carrying a top-secret cargo known only as Whiteknight is lost over the uncharted jungles of Cambodia. The special ops squad sent in to retrieve it disappear wtihout [sic] trace. Until, a month later, one of them walks out. Something in the darkness has driven him insane... Somehting [sic] from the darkness has followed him out...

Sims 3 already seen by press, content embargoed for March 19 (News)

Mar 6, 2008

VG247:

"The Sims 3 has already been shown to press at an NDA'd event in the US, we're reliably informed, with all preview content going live on March 19. Apparently you can expect to hear a great deal on the game based on what was shown at the EA showcase, which focused on differences between the new outing and The Sims 2, as you'd expect."

EA reveals next-gen sequel burst (News)

Nov 6, 2006

Monday 6 November 2006 A shower of sequels for some of publisher EA's leading games have been announced, including a next-gen version of Black, a Sims 3 release in 2008/2009, a new Lord of the Rings title and a new instalment in the Sim City series. It was also revealed that Crysis and Army of Two from EA have been delayed until after March next year, during a 'postearnings conference call' between EA financial bods and analysts. What these new titles have in store will surely become clear in ...

The Sims 3: FAQ/Walkthrough (FAQ)

Jul 27, 2009

Go to GamesRadar to see the FAQ ...

The Sims 3 FAQ/Guide (FAQ)

Jul 27, 2009

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Career Guide (FAQ)

Jul 7, 2009

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Teleportation (Cheat)

Jul 2, 2009

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Have a Ghost Baby (Without Killing) (Hint)

Jul 2, 2009

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Trait Modification (Cheat)

Jul 2, 2009

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Traits Guide (FAQ)

Jun 29, 2009

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