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'The Sims Online' Introduces New Features

by Rainier on Oct. 28, 2003 @ 11:20 p.m. PST

Electronic Arts today announced the release of an updated version of its The Sims Online PC online game. The Sims Online’s vast world just grew bigger and better. For the first time ever, Sims can embark on a whole new range of exciting job opportunities, where Sims actually get to do the work instead of having the work action happen off-screen; own pets for a new level of mischievous fun; and employ service Sims to help Sims take care of their properties and daily activities, and new hobbies. With the inclusion of these new features, new and old Sims players will encounter new levels of interaction, new ways to advance in the game and more online fun.

To make upgrading a snap, EA has updated the TSO game CDs and packaging to include all the exciting new additions. To avoid consumer confusion at retail and to clearly communicate to Sims fans the strong progression this game has had since its launch, EA is replacing the current TSO package already in the channel with a new, more enhanced packaging and software.

Based on The Sims (the top-selling PC game of all time), The Sims Online is a massive online world built from the imaginations of tens of thousands of players. Since its launch in 2002, The Sims Online developers and players are constantly expanding and reinventing the game’s universe, which was the catalyst for the new updated features, packaging and software.

“The Sims Online has a strong and fiercely devoted community that is constantly evolving," said Erick Hachenburg, senior vice president and general manager for EA Online. “To continue advancing the game’s dynamic gameplay, we collected all the enhancements made since its launch and combined them with the latest innovations in a exciting new 3 CD package.”

In this constantly changing, alternate reality, players create and control the actions of a character known as a Sim. Players enter the world with a bankroll (called Simoleons) to spend as they wish. They can purchase their own piece of land to do with as they please, or join with other players to create homes, coffee bars, or dance clubs. In this new version, Sims experience a whole new life of enhanced power, wealth, and reputation as they create their dream home, build their own business, throw the most outrageous parties, and much more!

Since its launch last year, The Sims Online has built a strong community with tens of thousands of people each day meeting each other, falling in love, building friendships, throwing parties, and having fun in the game. Players get to know other Sims through live text chat and private instant messages. Their messages appear in speech bubbles above their Sims’ heads as players’ type. Sims can also express themselves through hundreds of animations. A polka, pile drive, or a passionate kiss is just a few of the gestures available for Sims to use to convey exactly what’s on their mind.

The Sims Online carries a monthly subscription fee of $9.99, with the first month free. An Internet connection is required to play. The Sims Online carries an ESRB rating of “T” (Teen) by the ESRB. It is available in stores now for a suggested retail price of US $29.99, by direct order from the EA StoreSM at http://www.ea.com/, or by calling 877-EA GAMES (1-877-324-2637). Important information on The Sims Online, including terms of service and game availability, can be found at the official The Sims Online website.

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