Electronic Arts today announced that after a successful launch of The
Sims on the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system, The
Sims is now in development for the Xbox video game system
from Microsoft and Nintendo GameCube. The games will be developed at
the company’s Maxis 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 House
Party, The Sims Hot Date, The Sims Vacation and The Sims 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.

Electronic Arts, headquartered in Redwood City, California, is the world’s
leading interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, Electronic
Arts posted revenues of more than $1.7 billion for fiscal 2002. The company
develops, publishes and distributes software worldwide for video game systems,
personal computers and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under
four brand names: EA SPORTS, EA GAMES, EA SPORTS BIG and EA.COM. More information
about EA’s products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet
at http://www.info.ea.com.

Electronic Arts, EA SPORTS, EA GAMES, EA SPORTS BIG, EA Store, Maxis and The
Sims are trademarks are registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the
U.S. and/or other countries. EA.COM is a service mark of EA.com Inc. Nintendo
GameCube is a trademark of Nintendo. Microsoft and Xbox are either trademarks
or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries
and are used under license from Microsoft. PlayStation is a registered trademark
of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are the property of
their respective owners.

Filed under: Release Dates

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