EA ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR THE SIMS 2 ON CONSOLES, HANDHELDS AND MOBILE PHONES
Best Selling PC Game Redefined for New Platforms to be Available this Autumn.
Chertsey, UK. April 19, 2005 – Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced that The SimsTM 2 is in development for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft, the Nintendo GameCubeTM, and for all handhelds including PSPTM handheld videogame system, the Nintendo DSTM, the Nintendo Game Boy® Advance and mobile phones. The Sims 2 on the PC swept the nation late last year by becoming the fastest selling game of all time and the No. 1 PC game of 2004 with sales already over 4.5 Million copies worldwide.
Maxis-EA is redefining this highly-acclaimed franchise and will deliver the classic open-ended gameplay as well as exclusive new features. The Sims 2 on console and handheld will include a completely new aspiration gameplay and new fully customisable content giving players the most authentic Sims experience ever on a console. Players will be able to fulfill their dreams while avoiding their fears and for the first time, will be able to take direct control of their Sim without having to use their cursor. All handheld versions will feature completely unique storylines and will ship simultaneously with the console games.
"Fans have been asking for The Sims 2 on console since it launched on the PC in September last year. We are thrilled to finally be able to bring it to them," said Sinjin Bain, Executive Producer EA/Maxis. "The Sims 2 will be everywhere this Autumn, giving players on consoles and handhelds all new ways to take control of their Sims and tell all new stories."
The Sims 2 console and handheld versions are scheduled to ship later this year. For more information, please visit http://www.eagames.co.uk/thesims
About The SimsTM
The Sims franchise celebrated its fifth anniversary in February, 2005. 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 Sims 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 SimsTMLivin' 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. Combined sales for the franchise have topped 45 million units life-to-date. In September 2004, The Sims 2 launched as the next generation sequel selling over 5 million units worldwide. The SimsTM 2 University shipped as the first expansion pack in March 2005. For more information on The Sims 2, visit http://www.eagames.co.uk/thesims
