NEWS - Thursday, January 30, 2003
EA Brings The Sims to the Xbox
Electronic Arts today announced that after a successful launch of The Sims(TM) on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, The Sims is now in development for the Xbox(TM) video game system from Microsoft and Nintendo GameCube(TM). The games will be developed at the company's Maxis(TM) studio in conjunction with Edge of Reality, Ltd. Players will be able to create and control their Sims like never before with level-based game play, two-player modes, and dynamic 3D graphics. Both platforms will be available in Spring 2003. "Bringing The Sims to the Xbox and Nintendo GameCube gives players the opportunity to play The Sims on a variety of console platforms," said Sinjin Bain, COO of EA's Maxis studio and Executive Producer of the game. "Maxis is looking forward to providing the fun and quirky gameplay of The Sims to gamers on any type of console system." The Sims for the Xbox and Nintendo GameCube will feature a level-based mode called "Get a Life," where players can start with just one Sim and move him or her through life's big moments including moving out of Mom's house, getting a job, and having a family. Both versions will also feature the classic Sim-style open-ended game play. Now Xbox and Nintendo GameCube players can explore and create in an entirely new 3D world of The Sims. There is a cast of wacky neighbors and creatures to interact with that can't be found in the original The Sims game for the PC, including a monkey butler that can be unlocked to serve at your Sims' every whim. Players will be able to customize the appearance of their Sim. They can create and tailor their Sims with accessories such as stylish hats, trendy glasses, cool hairstyles, and an enormous variety of clothing options. Players will also be able to make changes to their Sims appearance mid-game with the unlockable vanity mirror. The Xbox and Nintendo GameCube will support two-player modes. Players will be able to play The Sims with or against each other. Whether it's level-based fun, two-player challenges, or classic Sim-style open-ended game play, The Sims are new for the Xbox and Nintendo GameCube. The Sims skyrocketed to the top of the charts when it began shipping to stores in February 2000 and quickly became a universal gaming and cultural phenomenon. The Sims was the best selling PC game of both 2000 and 2001 and is now the best selling PC game of all time. Translated into 16 different languages, The Sims has inspired five expansion packs; The Sims(TM) Livin' Large, The Sims(TM) House Party, The Sims(TM) Hot Date, The Sims(TM) Vacation and The Sims(TM) Unleashed. Combined sales for the franchise have topped 20 million units life-to-date. For more information on The Sims franchise titles, visit http://www.thesims.com.Source: http://www.ea.com
