Other artists joining Good Charlotte include Junkie XL, Katy Perry, and Sunny Day Sets Fire, one of those bands with a "look how cool our name is" name, made more infuriating by the fact that it is actually a pretty cool name. Hit the jump for the full track listing, or just turn the music off and stream your favorite music over the internet.

EA Announces The Sims 2 Apartment Life Expansion Pack Soundtrack Featuring Good Charlotte, Junkie XL and Katy Perry
International Line-up of Artists Add Music to the Fun and Drama of Close Quarters Living

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) today announced the international line-up of artists who are set to rock on The Sims™ 2 Apartment Life Expansion Pack soundtrack. Hit groups such as Good Charlotte and hot newcomer Katy Perry add flavor to the adventure, fun and drama of close quarters of apartment living. International pop stars also sizzle on the soundtrack including Vanilla Sky from Italy, Ranetki Girls from Russia and Lola, a Hungarian pop star gaining fame and recognition across Europe as well as Artwerk artists Chromeo, Ladytron and Junkie XL. To top it all off, Australian singer and songwriter Gabriella Cilmi sings her hit debut title, “Sweet About Me.”

In The Sims 2 Apartment Life, excitement and surprise await your Sims as they move out of the suburbs and into a brand new busy apartment building! Set your Sims up in an artsy converted loft, swinging studio bachelor pad or posh penthouse with their own butler. Close quarters mean new opportunities or unexpected surprises. And now for the first time, there is the ability to control multiple households so that neighboring Sims can live in happy harmony, or comical conflict. Your Sims can advance their career with the right social network, cope with domestic drama when roommates clash or find true love just down the hall!

The Sims 2 Apartment Life, the latest expansion pack is slated for launch on August 26 in North America and August 22 in European and Asia-Pacific regions.

In-Game Soundtrack Includes:

"Everything"
Performed by A Cursive Memory

"Getting Better"
Performed by Bob Schneider

"Radio"
Performed by Castaneda

"Fancy Footwork"
Performed by Chromeo

"Battle Royale"
Performed by Does It Offend You, Yeah?

"Sweet About Me"
Performed by Gabriella Cilmi

"Club Soda"
Performed by Ghostland Observatory

"Where Would We Be Now"
Performed by Good Charlotte

"Violet Stars Happy Hunting!"
Performed by Janelle Monae

"Crazy"
Performed by Jem

"Mad Pursuit"
Performed by Junkie XL feat. Electrocute

"Hot N Cold"
Performed by Katy Perry

"Ghosts"
Performed by Ladytron

"Mozdulj Mar (Mondulo Mar)"
Performed by Lola

"Ona Odna (She's Alone)"
Performed by Ranetki Girls

"This Is Not A Test"
Performed by Shock of Pleasure

"Brainless"
Performed by Sunny Day Sets Fire

"Good Day"
Performed by Tally Hall

"Come My Sunshine"
Performed by The Comas

"Divebomb"
Performed by The Whip

"Not A Love Song"
Performed by Uh Huh Her

"On & On"
Performed by Vanilla Sky

"Can't Believe My Eyes"
Performed by Wainwright

Music Credits

Executive Music Producer, Steve Schnur

Sr. Music Supervisor, Cybele Pettus

Music Licensing Manager, Beverly Koeckeritz

* The Sims 2 Apartment Life requires The Sims 2 Double Deluxe, The Sims 2 Deluxe, The Sims 2 Special DVD Edition or The Sims 2 Holiday Edition for PC to play.

Still The Sims, now with a shiny 3 after it. If you're interested in all things Simlish then you probably want to take a gander at the offical E3 Sims 3 trailer, sent over to our tower fresh this morning. What does this have, Sim faithful, that would make me want to drop whatever other Sims game I happen to be currently playing?

The EA-UTA deal is said to "significantly ramp up EA’s film and television slate" which currently consists of a "feature version" of The Sims, a MySims animated series and a Dead Space animated, direct-to-DVD feature. In other words, pretend to be surprised when the Army Of Two movie script leaks later this year.

Hit the jump for the full press release. We'll have additional details on all of EA's Comic-Con related announcements through the week.

Electronic Arts Signs With United Talent Agency

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) today announced it has signed with leading Hollywood talent and literary agency UTA for representation in motion pictures and television.

UTA will help the company develop a comprehensive strategy for moving its intellectual property into the realm of large-budget motion pictures and television series. EA’s broad portfolio of titles includes top-selling franchises such as Army of Two™ and Need for Speed™ as well as eagerly awaited new titles such as Dead Space™ and Mirror’s Edge™.

“UTA is an ideal partner for us to bring the richness and story telling nuance of our popular games into other forms of media that give consumers more ways to experience these creative concepts,” said Patrick O’Brien, Vice President of EA Entertainment. “Some of our teams have already made steps to expand our games into other forms of media like online, social networks and print publication. This partnership will help us take these efforts to the next level and match each of our titles with the right artists, producers and financiers.”

“We view EA as an emerging entertainment force, not just because they are a great untapped IP rights holder, but because at their core they care most about how viewers respond to their stories and creative vision,” said UTA partner Richard Klubeck in making the announcement. “We’re excited to work alongside the EA team as they make this important expansion of their intellectual property strategy.”

The relationship is expected to significantly ramp up EA’s film and television slate, which currently includes a feature version of the popular The Sims™ game in script development at 20th Century Fox with producer John Davis and a MySims™ animated television series in development at Film Roman. EA is also in production with Starz/Film Roman on an animated DVD feature version of its new title Dead Space to launch with the game.

About Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts Inc. (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 video game systems, personal computers, cellular handsets and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTSTM, EATM, EA SPORTS FreestyleTM and POGOTM. In fiscal 2008, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.67 billion and had 27 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA's homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.

EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS Freestyle, POGO, Army of Two, Need for Speed, Dead Space, MySims and The Sims are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Mirror’s Edge is a trademark or registered trademark of EA Digital Illusions CE AB. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

United Talent Agency is one of the entertainment industry's premier talent and literary agencies, representing many of world's most widely-known figures in every current and emerging area of entertainment, including motion pictures, television, digital media, books, music, mobile and live entertainment. Collectively, UTA agents represent a significant cross-section of today's most acclaimed artists and entertainers, including nominees and winners of Academy, Emmy, Grammy, Screen Actors Guild, Directors Guild, Writers Guild, Producers Guild, Golden Globe, People's Choice and Webby awards. The agency is also globally recognized in the areas of film finance, corporate consulting, branding & licensing, endorsements and the representation of production talent. The agency also operates UTAOnline, the first dedicated broadband representation division of a major agency.

The Ultimate Argument Settler: The 10 Best Fan Made Hip Hop Videos With Sims Of All Time [Videogum, via Boing-Boing]

Meanwhile on the DS you'll find an apartment-based pet sim, complete with a snake charming mini-game that involves blowing into the DS microphone. Both games are due out in August around the globe.

As a guy who has lived in apartments for the majority of his life, I fail to see the charm here. Will my Sim be able to keep his pets secret from the apartment management? Can my interactions with my Sims neighbors be confined to peeking out the blinds to make sure they aren't breaking into my car again? Now that's apartment living right there.

The Sims Label Announces The Sims 2 Apartment Life Expansion Pack and The Sims 2 Apartment Pets Exclusively for Nintendo DS

In August, The Apartment Is Where It’s All Happening!

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—The Sims™, an Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) Label, today announced the first details for The Sims 2 Apartment Life for the PC, and The Sims 2 Apartment Pets exclusively for the Nintendo DSTM. The Sims 2 Apartment Life brings the adventure, fun and drama of close quarters of apartment living to your Sims. Launching simultaneously, The Sims 2 Apartment Pets places your Sims in their very own apartment with a variety of pets. Also, just downstairs from your Sims apartment is their own pet spa where they must take good care of a variety of visiting animals, including their own personal pets. Both titles are slated for launch on August 26 in North America and August 22 in European and Asia-Pacific regions.

The Sims 2 Apartment Life Expansion Pack(a) for the PC

This expansion pack for The Sims 2 takes your Sims out of the suburbs and into a brand new busy apartment building! Adventure, fun, and drama await them as they explore their new neighborhood, mingle in coffee shops, visit a playground, meet new friends, and much more. Because there is now the ability to control multiple households in The Sims 2 Apartment Life, your Sims can live in happy harmony, or comical conflict.

New social networks and character types, including artsy bohemians, sports jocks, gadget-loving techies, and edgy gearheads spice up your Sims life. And, with a new reputation meter, your Sims can build up the respect they deserve from other Sims to be the most admired – or least-desired – Sim in the neighborhood. The better the reputation, the easier for your Sims to find the right friends to help them achieve their goals.

Make your Sims’ space look great in The Sims 2 Apartment Life! Five new building types that range from converted lofts to roomy and posh studios or luxury apartments with their own butler add to the creative and customized adventure. Enjoy a myriad of new decor options, including spiral staircases and lofty, high ceilings. Your Sims will get a whole new kind of experience through the drama of close quarters living!

The Sims 2 Apartment Pets for Nintendo DS™

In your Sim’s new apartment adventure on the Nintendo DS, care for a variety of local pets, including loveable cats and dogs, slithery snakes, hamsters, colorful birds, and cuddly rabbits to make sure they receive the right treatment so that they stay happy, healthy and good looking. Simoleans earned can be used to furnish the perfect apartment and buy fun pet accessories like hats, shoes and toys. Players can use the Nintendo DS touch screen and stylus to play cool mini games and unlock new objects for their Sim and their pets. And in one mini game you can charm a snake by blowing into the Nintendo DS microphone, which serves as your musical instrument.

“The Sims 2 Apartment Life and The Sims 2 Apartment Pets are two new entertainment experiences that put your Sims in the midst of all the drama and humor of busy apartment life,” said Rod Humble, Head of Studio for The Sims Label. “These two games reflect an aspect of real life that players can relate to, and now for the first time, their Sims can explore that same lifestyle in The Sims 2 Apartment Life on the PC and make pets part of the fun in The Sims 2 Apartment Pets for the Nintendo DS.”

Bring on the night and celebrate with your Sims! Also shipping in August, is The Sims™ 2 Apartment Life Limited Collection, which includes The Sims 2 Apartment Life and The Sims 2 Double Deluxe (which consists of The Sims 2, The Sims 2 Nightlife Expansion Pack, The Sims 2 Celebration Stuff and a video DVD with a host of tips and tricks). A great value to get your apartment life started, coming in August, 2008!

I don't think of it as casual. We were one of the first games that started to attract a broad audience. We were one of the first games that bought in women... To some degree The Sims is more of a toy than a game. People want to create characters, tell stories and explore relationships in a way that is maybe different from their real lives.

Indulge your Sims with an office that is sure to promote order and productivity with its elegant Vika Hyttan desk, inspiring Kila desk lamp, bold Helmer drawer unit, and Lack zigzag wallshelf.

We have a lot of fun with it, so every expansion pack we come to the point where we're adding in some new death states. I remember in Seasons they were putting in the death state of being snowed to death. The person is in a snowstorm, and you see them trying to fight it and fight it, until the fighting slows down [laughs] and he just rolls over and gives up. It shouldn't be funny. But oh my goodness, it is. It's always about mean things happening in an amusing way. There's also a lot of potty humour in it, and we fully embrace that. I think that's a wonderful traditional mode of humour, and I still find it funny watching Sims pee themselves. I make no apologies for it. I think that's a classic genre and endlessly entertaining. [laughs] It makes chuckle just thinking about it!

It's a fun little two part interview, even if you're not a big Sims fan.

Dinner With Rod Humble: Sims Style Stuff [Rock, Paper, Shotgun]

Today, the EA Land blog revealed that it would be shutting down on August 1, ending The Sims Online forever.

The whys weren't given, but speculation from commenters and CNet is that EA wanted to kill The Sims Online without having to kill "The Sims Online." The closure of EA Land—who again?—is far more palatable, brand-wise. Details on outstanding subscriptions can be found at the official EA Land blog.

EA-Land Drawing To A Close [EA Land]
'EA Land' closing just weeks after debut [CNet - thanks DaveKap!]

Another big challenge, from the development point of view, is that sometimes you think you've come up with a great idea. In my core gamer heart of hearts, I think I've created something amazing! But then we show it to focus groups and it's not as well received as I would've hoped.

EA REVEALS FIRST DETAILS OF NEXT-GENERATION FLAGSHIP PC GAME, COMING IN 2009 The Sims 3 Gives You Complete Freedom, Inspiring You With Endless Creative Possibilities

Guildford, UK — March 19, 2008 — Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) announced today the first details on one of interactive entertainment's most anticipated games, The Sims™ 3. Featuring a brand new engine that has been in development for nearly three years, The Sims 3 allows you to immerse your unique Sims in an open living neighbourhood right outside their door. The initial feature-set unveiled includes the new seamless, open neighbourhood, new Create-A-Sim, new realistic personalities and new unlimited customization. The Sims 3 will launch globally in 2009.

The Sims franchise has long been recognized for its appeal to a universal audience, both male and female, and at any age. Its broad appeal and loyal The Sims community has vaulted the franchise to an impressive 98 million games sold around the world and translated into 22 different languages. Celebrated for its creativity, humour, and community, The Sims franchise has become a global and cultural phenomenon since its inception in 2000.

Now, The Sims 3 is being designed to be the next-generation flagship game from The Sims Label.

"In The Sims 3, Sims can go beyond the boundaries of their home lot, and immerse themselves in an open, living neighbourhood, interacting with other Sims using our new deeper personality system," said Rod Humble, Head of The Sims Studio. "It is this type of open-ended gameplay that inspires endless creative possibilities. In addition the new goals and rewards systems will give players of all kinds from core gamers to storytellers the ability to enjoy long-term gameplay."

New Seamless, Open Neighbourhood—Explore the Neighbourhood Freely.
See the sights with your Sims! The new seamless neighbourhood architecture allows your Sims to roam freely around the neighbourhood and visit their loved one and friends—or foes. Discovering other Sims homes and families, traveling around to new locations like City Hall or the local park will create a whole new way of life for your Sims. Storytelling options will multiply as your Sims stroll downtown to meet new acquaintances, head across town for lunch, spy on their neighbours and bump into the boss when they least expect it.

New Create A Sim—Create Any Sim You Can Imagine.
In addition to the open, living neighbourhood, the all-new Create-a-Sim interface will feature easy-to-use design tools that allow you to make truly detailed Sims that are more realistic than ever. Create-a-Sim gives you the incredible freedom to customize just about any Sim you can imagine. From thin to full-figured to muscular—everything in between and even the extreme! In addition to determining your Sims body shape and size, you will also be able to fine-tune every feature on their faces, customize their hair style and select their skin tone, all from a vast selection of options. With so many choices to choose from, it is fun to create more realistic characters that look like you, someone you want to look like, or even a famous personality.

New Realistic Personalities—Every Sim Is A Unique Person, With A Distinct Personality
With the innovative and proprietary Realistic Personality System in The Sims 3, you can attribute each character with five distinct personality traits, helping shape your Sims behaviour and how they interact with others and their surroundings. This new system will empower you to create extremely complex and diverse in-game personalities. Will you create the nosy, inappropriate, kleptomaniac grandmother who loves to meddle in other people's business? Or the commitment-phobic, hot-headed punk rocker whose rude nature and childish disposition keeps him from scoring a date? In The Sims 3, Sims will go beyond the basic set of day-to-day needs to be distinct individuals with multifaceted personalities, who can focus both on short-term opportunities and long-term goals. With a wide selection of personality traits to mix and match, more than 700 million combinations of Sims await. You never know who'll meet in The Sims 3!

New Unlimited Customization—Everyone Can Customize Everything!
New and accessible creativity tools in The Sims 3 make it simple for anyone to customize anything, anywhere! From floors to flowers, fashions to sofas, wallpaper to window shades and more, The Sims 3 gives you all the flexibility and options you need to be the architect of your dream house or explore your interior design skills to outfit your ultimate home. Your Sims can make home an ultra-deluxe mansion, a cool bachelor pad, family's dream home or charming cottage. The choice is yours in The Sims 3.

"The new engine and technologies in The Sims 3 are designed to unleash the player's imagination with realistic looking Sims who have distinct personalities and a seamless living neighborhood for them to discover," added Ben Bell, Executive Producer on The Sims 3. "Players are going to be thrilled by the level of realism in The Sims 3!"

For more information visit www.TheSims3.com.

The biggest change to The Sims 3 is that it takes place in a wide-open, constantly changing neighborhood — a much bigger sandbox, if you will, and a much more complex simulation. The town and park you see on the cover image to the right (click to enlarge) exist in the same seamless space as your Sims' household, and what you do outside your home now matters as much as what you do within.

Other changes come in the Sims' reporting of their moods - the maddening individual meters are gone, replaced by "discrete moods", which is supposed to stop the more obsessive-compulsive players from constantly worrying about pissing and eating and instead let them focus on the more enjoyable stuff.
The Sims 3 Revealed [1UP]

Looks like we may get our first real look at chapter three in the amazing Sims saga as early as March 19, just two weeks from today. That's according to EA's teaser site, which provides all the information you've seen in this very post, but it appears that Sim jewel icon rendering is going to be just stunning!

The Sims 3 Coming Soon! [EA]

Probably my utter fascination with Care Bears. I could tell you more than you want to know about Care Bears. Oh, you want to know about Care Bears? ...Yeah, 'cause they live in Care-a-Lot, which is above the Forest of Feelings where the Care Bear Cousins live, which is above Earth... But the Care Bear Cousins aren't even Bears. They're like lions and monkeys and things, but they call them Care Bear Cousins. Yeah... They have these particle beam weapons in their stomachs, and when they get really upset, they fire this Star Wars thing. Yeah, they're cool.

But EA is bringing it back. Free.

EA Land will now host the original The Sims Online content, bringing a slew of new features to the massively multiplayer online game. The team at Maxis is now allowing user created custom content, ushering in a new economy, and adding new web services and social networking tools. New Facebook apps and widgets are now available for anyone who wants to have their real life more depressingly connected to their Sim life.

You can read about all the new changes (in Comic Sans!) at the official site or read further for official word from the dev team.

What is EA-Land? [EA Land]

Dear Former Member of The Sims Online,

I would like to introduce you to EA-Land, an online world that is free-to-play, and based on a re-engineered The Sims Online architecture. Yes, FREE.

We have played The Sims Online together, my avatar is MaxisLuc (yes, I work for Maxis/EA.) I wanted you to know that at the beginning of last year, I assembled a team to improve The Sims Online. After months of ongoing hard work, we can proudly say that we have been successful and we have made this game fun again! I am writing to you because I would like to invite you to rejoin us in the game. You can come back for free right now by REACTIVATING your old account at this page http://ea-land.ea.com/register/free.php and then by downloading the game from the same link. Most likely, your Sim is no more, but if you come back to the game this month, you will get your earned privileges back (gifts, skill locks etc. in EA-Land) when we run our amnesty program at the end of the month. Today you can play for free in our test city called 'Test-Center 3', in a few days you will be able to also play for Free in the 'EA-Land' city.

EA-Land will host all of The Sims Online cities.

The Sims Online was made of 12 different cities (AlphaVille, Blazing Falls, etc..) and we are moving all of those cities inside EA-Land (this is called 'the merge' by the users!). We have a huge new map: it is 100 times bigger than the previous size of any city. We had to add a whole new zoom level to let users see it. The internet is faster now, so we have been able to let each house have more simultaneous visitors. A lot of new users are constantly joining us and we expect more. As you have played TSO before, I think that you ought to own your lot in this new land, and I want you to have the ability to grab the best location before we open the gates. As an EA-Land subscriber, you will be able to have several Sims in the same 'city' unlike in TSO where you were limited to one Sim per city.

RE-designed with Smart Users

We have a blog (http://www.tso-e.com ) where we explain all the things we are working on and the events we are running in the game. We also have a very active wiki web site (http://www.game-blueprints.com ) managed by the community where you can work with others to design the game. We have already implemented many features designed by the users! The stratics forum community continues to be very active. We have made some big changes to the game, and many more are coming over the next few months. It is difficult to say which of the recent changes are the most important as users have
different reasons to play the game, but let me tell you about the changes that I particularly like:

Custom Content

Users now have the ability to upload custom content. Like in the original Sims game, the goal is to let you customize the game completely, but in EA-Land you can see and buy the customizations of the other players! Players have already uploaded several thousands pieces of custom content. I suspect that by some time this year, all of the content of the game will have been replaced many times over by custom content. We started with the ability to upload bitmaps (easiest for the new creative users), then moved on to chairs and sculptures. You can now make your own portraits in the game and "skin"
objects like in Sims2 by using your own images. Because we are approving all of the content, this user content is safe to be viewed by everyone! We are working with the main user web sites that have been providing custom content to the Sims users for years (e.g. http://www.TheSimsResource.com) to make sure that their content will be made available in the game.

New Economy

We heard from the community that the economy was broken in TSO. That was true, too many users were billionaires, and the goal of the game was mostly about extracting money from Maxis. I can now say with satisfaction that we have fixed the economy on EA-Land. This took many features, from establishing a real estate market, where users can easily buy or sell lots to one another, and a dynamic object pricing market where the prices of objects purchased from Maxis is based on supply and demand, enabling stores and entrepreneurs to earn a living. We also enabled users to buy simoleans directly from Maxis. While there is no need for users to do so in the game (we give subscribers simoleans every week), it can help new users build their dream house faster with a simple paypal transaction secured by us.

Web Services and Social Networks

The internet has changed so much since the launch of The Sims Online in December 2002, we had to change the way we think about online games. We have opened the access to most of the in game information to the internet through web services. For example this enables you to add Google or Yahoo widgets to your computer (or iPhone! ) and see if your favorite lots or friends are online. We are providing you with privacy settings so you can decide if or which of your avatars will broadcast what information to the internet. Sims User web sites are already using this feature to create some amazing community sites. We also built avatarbook, to show how that information can be seen and connected to social web sites like Facebook © (login to the "avatar book" application at http://apps.facebook.com/avatarbook where you can search for MaxisLuc's profile page)

And there's more to come! We are looking forward to seeing you back in the game and having fun with us again!

Sincerely

Luc Barthelet,
"MaxisLuc"

Patapon (PSP)
Action plus rhythm plus great art style equals awesome.

Frontlines: Fuel of War (X360, PC)
Battle for control of the earth's depleted natural resources.

Lost: Via Domus (X360, PC, PS3)
Solve the mysteries of the island.

Turning Point: Fall of Liberty (X360, PC, PS3)
The Nazi's won WWII and boy are we in trouble.

Naruto: Ninja Destiny (DS)
A Naruto 3D fighter for your DS.

The Sims 2: FreeTime (PC)
Exactly what the Sims need. More free time. Bastards.

Lost Planet: Extreme Condition (PS3)
The world of giant bugs comes to the PS3.

Destroy All Humans! Big Willy Unleashed (WII)
Aliens and penis jokes: a winning combination.

Mazes of Fate DS (DS)
Determine your fate in this RPG with mazes.

Agatha Christie: And Then There Were None (WII)
Live (or die) through Agatha Christie's greatest mystery.

ArmA: Gold Edition (PC)
ArmA: Armed Assault and ArmA: Queen's Gambit together again for the first time.

Heavenly Guardian (PS2)
Animated 2D shooter action.

Puzzle Guzzle (PSP)
Guzzle this puzzle!

I think it's a huge tragedy. I mean, you might as well say PC gaming is World of Warcraft and The Sims... The weird thing is everyone's got a PC, they're just not buying software for it.

Bomberman Land (WII, PSP)
Bomberman brings hot bombing action to the Wii and PSP.

Bomberman Land Touch! 2 (DS)
The follow up to the popular Bomberman Land Touch for the DS.

Pursuit Force: Extreme Justice (PSP)
Fight gang warfare in Capital City.

The Sims: Castaway Stories (PC)
It's like the Sims version of LOST except you actually know what's going on.

The Sims is the ultimate story of a triumph of a game designer: being proved right when almost everyone else thought him wrong. So what advice would he give to a fellow developer when considering trying to bring their own, unique, dream project into existence. "Never underestimate the value of persistence," he states, "Even with SimCity, I spent several years trying to convince people that SimCity would be a good game. Around that time it just seemed that it was a battle that could not be won. If you're incredibly persistent, and you really believe, then persistence can overcome any number of barriers."

But besides making my teeth hurt in parts, it's an interesting look at the process of getting a game into development from idea to production.

Making Of: The Sims [Rock, Paper, Shotgun]

"We designed these pick-up-and-play games to be fun and entertaining, while still presenting depth in gameplay, long-term enjoyment and great value," said Rod Humble, Head of The Sims Studio. "Since The Sims Carnival SnapCity and The Sims Carnival Bumper Blast are available for digital download, the holiday shopper can avoid long lines and still share some fun with everyone on their list."

EA Introduces The Sims Carnival a New Product Line of Casual Games From The Sims Label Perfect for the Last-Minute Holiday Shopper

The Sims Carnival SnapCity and The Sims Carnival Bumper Blast — The First Two Titles From The Sims Carnival Are Now Available for Digital Download at Pogo.com

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—If you are still looking for that quick gift fix, The Sims Carnival™ is here to help with two family-friendly games just in time for the holidays. Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) announced Friday the launch of a new casual game product line from The Sims™ Label called The Sims Carnival. The first two games, The Sims Carnival SnapCity and The Sims Carnival Bumper Blast are both available for digital download starting today at Pogo.com. These two entirely new casual gaming experiences from The Sims Label are enjoyable and accessible for players of all ages. Because of the games' broad appeal, they are the ideal last-minute gift for The Sims player on your list.

The perfect way to add fun and flex your skills through the holiday season, The Sims Carnival SnapCity and The Sims Carnival Bumper Blast can both be found now on Pogo.com™ together as digital downloads for $19.99.

"We designed these pick-up-and-play games to be fun and entertaining, while still presenting depth in gameplay, long-term enjoyment and great value," said Rod Humble, Head of The Sims Studio. "Since The Sims Carnival SnapCity and The Sims Carnival Bumper Blast are available for digital download, the holiday shopper can avoid long lines and still share some fun with everyone on their list."

The Sims Carnival SnapCity is a city building puzzle game that is strategic and accessible. It's never the same city twice! In this skill-testing interactive experience, players are challenged to position falling, colored blocks in just the right places to assemble their own personal city in open-ended gameplay. Players can pick-up-and-play or experience greater level of gameplay difficulty, keeping them on the edge of their chairs. The Sims Carnival SnapCity features an array of industrial, commercial and residential neighborhoods to build a city...in a snap!

The Sims Carnival Bumper Blast will have the player blasting away for hours! The goal in this arcade-style game is to clear out all The Sims-styled bumpers before the shots run out. The player is challenged to master skill shots, score combos and bonuses, and go for the high score! With over 140 action-packed levels, The Sims Carnival Bumper Blast is the fun casual game that can be played time and time again.

Product Specifications
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: Electronic Arts Redwood Shores
Digital Download Availability: North America only, starting Friday, December 21, 2007

The Sims Carnival SnapCity

Platform: PC
Category: Simulation/Puzzle/Strategy
ESRB Rating: E

The Sims Carnival Bumper Blast

Platform: PC
Category: Arcade/Strategy
ESRB Rating: E

It's a fantastic question, I think, as Hollywood has no fear trotting out the cinematic goods that have a very brief window of appropriateness. Right now, three holiday films—Fred Claus, This Christmas and The Perfect Holiday—are currently showing in the US top ten box office, but there's not much beyond timed events, downloadable clothing and quests that are holiday specific in games these days. Holiday era re-issues on titles that underperformed or could appeal to the pre-order shy might be something the industry should think about.

We're just about up to our eyeballs in Christmas cards from developers, but what about demos for already released games with a candy cane or two thrown in? One might think that with all that downloadable content out there, whether free or pay-to-play, it might make financial sense to toss in an elf or Hannukah Harry.

Actually, I won't be surprised to see 2K or Midway ship a Wii minigame collection next November. Any games that you can think of that would benefit from a holiday re-skin?

Persuasive Games: The Holly and the Ivy [Gamasutra]

We've got an Xbox 360 collecting dust in the background, a Wii hooked up that we use quite a bit. I don't have a PS3... At the moment I can get better graphics on my PC than I can on the PS3... The only next gen system I've seen is the Wii — the PS3 and the Xbox 360 feel like better versions of the last, but pretty much the same game with incremental improvement. Bu the Wii feels like a major jump — not that the graphics are more powerful, but that it hits a completely different demographic. In some sense I see the Wii as the most significant thing that's happened, at least on the console side, in quite a while.

The Sims 2 Teen Style Stuff Fact Sheet

Give your teen Sims everything they need to express their unique style with The Sims 2 Teen Style Stuff! Now your teen Sims can show some attitude with all-new, unique furniture, decor items, fashions and more with three distinct themes - "Goth", "Thrasher" and "Socialite". Give your Sims a new phone, stereo, TV and other gadgets to keep them up to date and in touch with their friends. Make sure your Sims are always sporting the latest teen fashions including track suits, designer jeans, and yoga outfits. Let your young Sims express themselves in ways only teenagers can!

The Fabulous Life Of The Socialite

* Design a bedroom fit for a princess with a luxurious bed complete with drapery crown and a classy vanity table.
* A delicately carved wardrobe is perfect for your Socialite teen to keep her designer jeans and other stylish accessories.
* Young girl Sims can lounge around in chic pajamas that put a cute cami and pants with matching fuzzy slippers.

Get The Extreme Sport Lifestyle

* Deck out your Sims's room with a skateboard and surfboard wall sculpture to reflect their edge yet laidback lifestyle.
* Give them khaki cargo shorts and other chill clothes that are perfect for lounging.

The Dark World Of The Goth

* Transform your Goth Sim's room into a reflection of their dark soul with gloomy furnishings like a black and red armoire and plush, velvet chairs.
* Fill their wardrobe with dark and rebellious attire including buckles, belts and heavy boots for him and leather, tattoos and fishnets for her.

Green's Stoopid Monkey Productions and ShadowMachine Films are in the planning and scripting stages for the game, due to hit some unspecified lucky platforms in late 2009. The game does not yet have a developer locked down, nor, I assume, a publisher.

But I'm fairly certain of one thing. If we're lacking in anything these days, it's hip-hop lifestyle simulations. Seriously. I think we really are.

'Industry' has a new player with Master P [Hollywood Reporter]

Stranglehold (X360, PC)
All the fun of a John Woo film on your 360!

Medal of Honor: Airborne (PC, X360)
It's WWII as seen from above.

The Sims 2: Bon Voyage (PC)
Send your little Sims on a dream vacation.

Naruto: Uzumaki Chronicles 2 (PS2)
The Naruto machine keeps on pumping.

Worms: Open Warfare 2 (DS, PSP)
Worms you can carry with you in your pocket.

Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened (PC)
Holmes vs. Cthulu in a fight to the death.

Seven Kingdoms: Conquest (PC)
Lead your army of soldiers of demons to victory.

Pool Party (WII)
The kind with balls and a cue not the kind where you throw your keys in one.

Anacapri - The Dream (PC)
Take a trip to the Isle of Capri.

Legends of Norrath: Oathbound (PC)
The world of EverQuest gets a card battle game.

Garfield's Nightmare (DS)
Nightmare indeed.

The magic of The Sims is that you are both in control and not in control. You can live out your fantasies, imprinting on these fictional characters, deciding what they'll do next, but you can't be sure if it'll all turn out okay. In the moment between ordering a Sim to kiss and seeing the response... that's where the erotic sparks. It's not the animation that's the pay-off - but that you were accepted, the seduction worked, they wanted you after all. And it's not that you've kissed someone, but you know who that person is due to having spent so much time in their simulated company. The Sims is sexy because it creates a complete naturalistic context for it to occur in.

The idea that video games are 'most enthralling when you're least in control' is an interesting one (the author points to the horror games, where the fumbling during the learning curve makes everything that much more terrifying and immersive) - and unlike career choices or bricking your Sim up in a room to die in a puddle of filth from starvation, romantic aspects of the Sims remain one area at least partially out of the player's control. It's an interesting theory, and one I'm willing to buy into at least partially.

ErotiSim: Sex and The Sims [Rock, Paper, Shotgun]

The expansion's final locale is a mountaintop campsite complete with a wise old hermit you probably shouldn't let the children hang around. The mountains do strange things to a man. You'd probably be better off with the Ninja or the pirate corpses.

The expansion will feature new activities like glass-bottom boat tours (more pirate corpses, only bloated), meditation, building sand castles, and a variety of other interesting things you should probably go do yourself but don't have the time and/or money to do. Living vicariously through little fake people is going to be so much better come September. Until then, chew on this press release.

SIMS FANS EMBARK ON EXOTIC TRAVELS AS EA ANNOUNCES THE SIMS 2 BON VOYAGE Fans of the Popular Video Game Series Escape to Exciting Destinations with their Sims Chertsey, UK — July 26, 2007 — Electronic Arts Inc., (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced that fans of the popular video game franchise, The Sims™ 2, can whisk their Sims away on exciting trips to discover exotic locations, including the Far East, Rustic Mountaintops - even a Tropical Island! The Sims 2 Bon Voyage will allow fans to travel with their Sims on a variety of magnificent vacations featuring a myriad of all-new activities when the expansion pack launches this year.

Whether your Sims are relaxing on a lush tropical island in a luxury suite, camping with the family on a pristine mountaintop, or exploring the culture of the Far East, they'll enjoy new activities to relax and rejuvenate. From building sand castles and catching rays to meditating in the Zen garden after a visit to the pool, players can quickly transform their Sims from bumbling tourists to savvy international travelers. Sims will also learn new customs including local greetings and traditional dances to take home and teach to their friends. With The Sims 2 Bon Voyage, players can send their Sims packing for the trip of a lifetime!

As your Sims travel, they'll interact and learn from a variety of real and mythical locals including the wise old hermit, fire dancers — even Big Foot! Like all true vacationers, your Sims will be able to decorate their homes with unique souvenirs from their trips that are available only at destinations within The Sims 2 Bon Voyage. They can even buy unique jewelry to wear or take home as gifts! Fall in love with the hula dance lei from your Sims tropical beach vacation? Bring it back and flaunt to the neighbors! Love the moves your Sim mastered doing the Slap Dance at the rustic lodge? Teach fellow Sims the tricks of the trade back at home. What your Sims learn and collect, is up to you!

"The Sims 2 Bon Voyage brings so many new experiences and locations to the game, there's almost no end to the surprises that fans and their Sims are going to discover as they travel to each of the three exotic travel destinations. It's a perfect break from the everyday home routine!" said Vice President and Studio Head of The Sims Division, Rod Humble. "Every member of the family should be able to find activities that suit them—Mom can get a massage at the spa, Dad can practice Tai Chi in the Zen Garden, kids can explore the ruins of our largest object yet - the Pirate Ship! With The Sims 2 Bon Voyage, you can take your Sims - even your family - on the trip of a lifetime!"

The Sims 2 Bon Voyage will ship in Europe and across the US in early September as a PC expansion pack* that builds on the original The Sims 2 PC game experience.

KEY FEATURES
• Travel to Three Exotic Destinations: Each location offers unique landscapes and local residents, such as the Fire Dancer and Ninja, for your Sims to meet and learn from. Try local cuisine and admire cultural landmarks as your Sims explore these new locales.
• Send Your Sims on Tours: Glass bottom boat rides, adventurous van tours, and other excursions are fun new activities for your Sims, but there may be some surprises in store!
• Buy or Find Unique Items: Shop for rare items found only on your Sims' travels, including unique jewelry they can wear or take home as gifts. Stumble upon hidden locations, collect shells on the beach, or dig up treasure.
• Stay at New Travel Accommodations: Splurge on a luxury suite for your Sims or choose a cozy cabin. Your Sims will enjoy the comfort of room service, get pampered at the spa, and more.

* Requires The Sims 2, The Sims 2 Special DVD Edition , The Sims 2 Holiday Edition or The Sims 2 Deluxe for PC to play.

Pocket Gamer has word that EA's latest port from mobile to iPod will be The Sims Bowling. The game, available now on iTunes, will let you earn Simoleons on the lanes to pay for skill-enhancing products like new balls, gloves and wax. You can also get spiffy new clothes.

Game modes include Classic, Strike-O-Thon and Spare-O-Thon. There's also turn-based multiplay. I wonder when EA will start churning out games for the iPhone, it's the next logical step.

EA's sixth iPod game is The Sims Bowling [Pocket Gamer]

Highlights of the card include:
* No annual fee
* Absolute fraud protection
* Online access and 24-hour service
* Access to the MyConciergesm service, a unique personal assistance service
* Introductory 4.9% Annual Percentage Rate (APR)† for Cash Advance Checks and Balance Transfers through your first six billing cycles.* (subject to a 3% transaction fee, no less than $10)

Of course that introductory APR becomes an 18.24% APR after sixth months, which in my limited knowledge of credit doesn't seem all that great, but hey! It has Sims on it! Totally worth it!

The Sims VISA Credit Card Application [Thanks Kris!]

How to attract more women to pick up a Wii remote, a SIXAXIS, an Xbox 360 wireless controller? How about hiring some developers and producers that are, you know, women? That's the thrust of Tracy Rosenthal-Newsom's take as the senior producer at Harmonix says, "If you have a diverse team, you can create a game that satisfies a much wider audience than if you have a homogeneous team."

Coincidence that games like Guitar Hero or The Sims, more female-staffed than your typical production, appeal more to women than, say, dude-fodder Gears of War? Probably not. Read on to see how the make-up of the industry is changing, and how it will continue to change, at MSNBC's report. Michael McWhertor

Wanted: Girls who make video games [MSNBC]

Some Ninja action this week, a movie franchise game, a race game, a couple of ports and yet another Sims add on. Not a very exciting week all in all, but I'm sure someone, somewhere will enjoy something on this list. Could it be you? Flynn De Marco

• Tenchu Z (X360) Stealth Ninjas invade your 360.
• Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2 (PS2)
  More Naruto, more ninjas, more fun!
• Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer (X360, PS3, PS2, WII, DS)
  Another sure to be awesome movie franchise game. Because they always are... right?
• Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree (WII)
  Your brain really is in your Wii.
• Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas (PSP)
  Kill the terrorists that have taken over Vegas...again. This time on the PSP.
• Scarface: The World Is Yours (WII)
  Use your Wii to rule the mob.
• TrackMania United (PC)
  Win the race. Take the trophy.
• The Sims 2: Pets (WII)
  Now you can not only make your Sims pee, you can make their pets pee too.

Swedish clothes retailer H&M and The Sims have teamed up to sell and promote crap. Good for them. There's a contest where they want you to use the The Sims 2 to create rather pedestrian outfits. There are equally pedestrian themes like "Party Time," "Skate Park" and "Street Wear" for what folks should be entering. This whole contest is too promote The Sims 2 H&M Fashion Stuff — an add on that lets players put their Sims in H&M clothes and design H&M stores. Yawn. No, honest, I'm actually yawning right now. Brian Ashcraft

Sims Hook Up With H&M [Official Site via Alice]

Grammy nominated R&B singer Amerie (above) comes out as a big nerd and outs fellow singer Kelly Rowland. Good for her. We like nerds. Besides admitting to reading "science magazines," Amerie confesses:

I am addicted to The Sims. I live out a virtual life online. I think it's seriously cool, but I guess it's kind of dorky... I've got Kelly Rowland into it too, and now we hook up in the game. Beyonce tried to join us, but she wasn't into it.

Beyonce: singer, actress, The Sims hater. Brian Ashcraft

Amerie Likes Games [Contact Music, Thanks Funky J!]

Looks like Ms. Croft is making a triumphant return to her roots this week with Tomb Raider: Anniversary. I'm rather looking forward to checking it out as I really liked the first game and the comparison video looks amazing. Everything else I think I can pass on. What do you think? Are you gonna show Lara some retro love? Flynn De Marco

• Tomb Raider: Anniversary (PC, PS2, PSP) Lara's first adventure revamped. She's got a makeover and she's not afraid to use it.
• Call of Juarez (X360, PC)
  Can you resist the call of olde Mexico?
• Hospital Tycoon (PC)
  Create your own General Hospital. Someone call Luke and Laura.
• Dragon Ball Z: Harukanaru Densetsu(DS)
  The super popular series gets another title on the DS
• Planet Puzzle League (DS)
  No, it's not a new superhero group, it's a puzzle game.
• Puzzle Scape (PSP)
  Not to be one upped, the PSP gets a puzzle game too.
• The Sims 2: H&M Stuff (PC)
  Man, these Sims have more crap than I do

Wright gives the literate, monocle-wearing New Yorker crowd a quick demo of the lifeform editor and provides the humorless attendees with an overview of Spore's progressive gameplay.

As always, the game looks amazing. Wright's discussion with John Seabrook is a fascinating listen, but I can't shake the feeling I'm going to enjoy following the development of Spore and soaking up Wright's game design philosophies than I am actually playing the thing. Michael McWhertor

Gaming: 2012 [New Yorker, thanks MC2009]

What with all of the Sims games present, I really didn't get a chance to check out The Sims Pet Stories for the PC. This is designed to be played on the laptop and allows you to use IM and email while playing the game in its own window. Kinda like that. Pet Stories introduces two stories.

In one story you play as Alice who need to win the local dog show with her dog Sam to win a big cash prize and save her house. In the other you play as Stephen, an executive chef, who is forced to take care of his cousin's spoiled cat Diva. Brian Crecente