FROM CONSOLE GAME SYSTEMS TO HANDHELD ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS, EA’S THE SIMS 2 IS EVERYWHERE
The Sims 2—the Best-Selling PC Game of 2004—Re-defined for Console and Handheld Game Systems and Will Hit the Stores’ Shelves on November 4th
CHERTSEY, UK - October 25, 2005 - Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS), the world's leading interactive entertainment software company, announced that The SimsTM 2 for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft, the Nintendo GameCubeTM, the Game Boy AdvanceTM, and the Nintendo DSTM, will hit the retail on November 4th. The Sims 2 for the PSPTM (PlayStation® Portable) handheld entertainment system and mobile phones will follow in the weeks to come. Developed by the award winning EA-Maxis studio, under the EATM brand, The Sims 2 is everywhere this winter.
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 capitalise 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!
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 Executive Producer, Sinjin Bain, "EA is thrilled to bring your favorite game to all your favorite systems!"
Console versions:
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, together featuring 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® USB Camera. All console versions have a PEGI rating of 12+.
Handheld Versions:
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.
- Game Boy Advance
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 a PEGI rating of 7+.
- Nintendo DS
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 a PEGI rating of 7+.
Upcoming Versions:
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 http://eagames.co.uk/thesims
For more information, or to find out how the game will play on your favorite platform, please visit http://eagames.co.uk/thesims
About The SimsTM
The Sims franchise celebrated its fifth anniversary in February. The game skyrocketed to the top of the charts when it began shipping to stores in February 2000 and quickly become a universal gaming and cultural phenomenon. The SimsTM PC based product and expansion packs were the best selling PC games of 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003. Translated into 17 different languages, The Sims has inspired seven top selling expansion packs. They include: The SimsTM Livin' It Up, The SimsTM House Party, The SimsTM Hot Date, The SimsTM On Holiday, The SimsTM Unleashed, The SimsTM Superstar, and The SimsTM Makin' Magic. The Sims 2 shipped in September 2004 with sales already topping 5M units worldwide, it was the best selling PC game of 2004. The SimsTM 2 University shipped in March 2005 andThe SimsTM 2 Nightlife shipped in September 2005. Combined sales for the franchise have topped 50M units life-to-date For more information on The Sims 2, visit http://eagames.co.uk/thesims and for more information on The Sims franchise titles, visit http://thesims.uk.ea.com
About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is the world's leading interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for videogame systems, personal computers and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTSTM, EATM, EA SPORTS BIGTM and POGOTM. In fiscal 2005, EA posted revenues of $3.1 billion and had 31 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA's homepage and online game site is www.electronicarts.co.uk. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at www.electronicarts.co.uk/press
Electronic Arts, EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS BIG, POGO, Maxis and The Sims are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. PlayStation is a registered trademark and PSP is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. EyeToy is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. Microsoft and Xbox are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance are trademarks of Nintendo. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.