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A senior industry executive recently mused that if it wasn't for The Sims and World of Warcraft, the PC platform would be all but dead in the water. Of course, Half-Life 2 developer Valve might have something to say about that, as would countless other MMO developers, no doubt, but the fact remains that these two games have propped up sales on the format in recent years, proving to other developers that there is life in the old beige box yet (if only they might find a way to tap its potential).

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Worldwide, The Sims series has sold nearly 100 million copies to-date, proving to anyone that might care to argue that while not every PC game is a best-seller, when you do hit that sweet-spot there still isn't a rival format that can come anywhere near to the PC's installed base. Little surprise, then, that EA have recently confirmed that The Sims 3 is on the way - the publisher presumably realising that when your moving on to Ikea-themed add-ons as The Sims 2 has, then it really is time to shake things up a bit.

Despite only recently stepping into the limelight, The Sims 3 has actually been in the works for about three years, EA Maxis having rebuilt the game engine from scratch. We're promised a more expansive, detailed and realistic world with number three, including seamless open 'neighbourhoods' for our digital charges to explore in their daily lives.

The game will also include a new Create-A-Sim mode, enabling players to create more varied characters, even building virtual avatars of themselves should they wish to. Such customisation isn't a superfluous addition, either, EA clearly paying attention to the non-hardcore gaming demographic that enjoy Sims games, and also don't mind a spot 'tweaking', before the core gameplay ensues. It is this type of open-ended gameplay that can inspire 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," says Sims Studio boss Rod Humble on the new game's positioning.

The open-world, or 'neighbourhood', as The Sims 3 calls it, is perhaps the main innovation Maxis will be pushing as the game's 2009 debut nears. Specifics give way to the general at present, but we do know that this idea will see players following their Sims around town, going to work, meeting friends, bumping into enemies and making new chums - all in a living breathing world that will offer more opportunities for activity and engagement than past games in the venerable series. This includes visiting other people's homes, or checking out other buildings and external locations, such as the park. We're thinking of a sort of family-friendly Grand Theft Auto at the moment, though this is probably some-way off the truth.

Storytelling will form an important part of The Sims 3, the game's creators working hard to ensure every little life you foster is unique and interesting in new ways, via multitudinous combinations of environmental and random factors. What we can be sure of is that Sims' will now have far greater opportunities than before.

Moving onto the previously mentioned Create-a-Sim, we're told this will also add a lot more uniqueness and personality to the game. Every body shape is represented, multitudes of faces, skin tones, ages, complexions. Even hair colour. Fine-tuning is the aim of the game, and sensing that non-hardcore gaming audience once again EA even tease that you'll be able to make your Sim resemble a "a famous personality," should you wish to.

Linking in with the complexities of the Storytelling side of the game, we also learn that AI will be bolstered in The Sims 3, in part through the Realistic Personality System it sounds like Maxis are particularly proud of. You'll be able to embellish your creation with five character traits, which will in turn impact how in-game events unfold, and the options available to your Sim. Rich, complicated characters is the order of the day, Maxis asking: "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?"

700 million combinations are promised of the Personality system, and for the first time the opportunities and pluralities of the game world will be represented in the characters who inhabit it.

Changing Rooms-esque customisation will be available in the designing of your character's pad, and once again those non-hardcore gamers are likely to be lured by the detail and choices on offer. "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," says Ben Bell, the game's executive producer.

Concerns. We have a few. While a lot of the game's target audience won't be hardcore graphics-junkies we'd like to think that the game world will look the part, even if EA will no doubt be supporting low-end PCs in a bid to lure back the millions that purchased the original game. Meeting expectations whilst ensuring the game runs well on even modest hardware is probably one of the key aims of the new game engine - so we'll be watching the aesthetic side of things with interest.

On the subject of helping out those pesky non-gaming gamers, we're also hopeful that the core play won't be too dumbed down, and that players that would rather focus on the "Sim Life" side of things won't be forced to do too much home redecorating or furniture purchasing. Likewise, Maxis will need to keep an eye on the critics by ensuring the game isn't viewed as a simple update of past offerings - although a three year development period so far bodes very well on this front.

All in all however, given Maxis' talent for crafting top-notch Sims titles (of all kinds), we probably shouldn't be too worried, and it is with optimism that we look forward to re-visiting Simsville.

1. I don't know about you, but I am a Sim fanatic! I am addicted to it. I can never get enough.I love it because you choose what they do and buy. You create their home. i loved every aspect of it, except for one thing:You can't really go anywhere. If this is as good as it sounds, I promise I will try to buy all of the future Sims.(If my parents will buy it of course!)

   Elizabeth Marie Kennedy Wednesday, 21 May 2008, 21:58:8

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5. i just loovvee the sims its a fantastic game,the best in gaming history.i have all the sims 1 and sims 2 games so far and i intend to get the sims 3 aswell.i cant wait.keep up the great work

   Gareth Friday, 23 May 2008, 08:51:9

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   33fcq5w8ci Friday, 23 May 2008, 09:25:11

9. CAN ANYONE PLZ PLZ PLZ TELL ME HOW TO GET THE SIMS ON MY PC?

   REALLYWANTSIMS Saturday, 24 May 2008, 18:46:43

10. I can't wait for more information on the game. Apparently more information will be released this summer. I am definately going to be buying this game. I am going to reformate my hard drive now so I have plenty of space for the sims , ts2, and ts3 at the same time. Each game has its unique personality , and I look forward to discovering this games characteristics.

    Patel Saturday, 24 May 2008, 19:02:57

11. As an avid Sims player from the very beginning, I'm having some serious doubts about TS3 still. There are so many bugs still from TS2 and I'd rather that they concentrate on fixing them instead of going on with another game engine. And without the wonderful talents of our modders out there that have created programs to make objects and recolors, TS2 wouldn't have any appeal at all to most people. That is just another thing they totally forgot about.

    mrsbigbig Sunday, 25 May 2008, 05:56:45

12. I wanna play

    G_pogi Sunday, 25 May 2008, 09:52:35

13. I LOVE SIMS ME AND MI MOM PLAY EVRY ONE OF EM SIMS2,SIMS BUSTING OUT,SIMS LIFE STORIS, ALL OF THEM WE LOVE SIMS SOOOOO MUCH

    smara Sunday, 25 May 2008, 19:04:58

14. all i no is that it come out in 2009, i jusst can't wait!!!!check this out: http://thesims3.ea.com/home.php

    bobbie Monday, 26 May 2008, 10:24:6

16. Can I play The Sims online without download it ?

    CoeyWong Monday, 26 May 2008, 16:08:17

17. yeahh can i play the sims online without downloading it? and i so how d i do it ? :S :(

    babii.J Thursday, 29 May 2008, 10:38:33

18. I think it sounds great.But probably wont buy it.

    Eamonn Thursday, 29 May 2008, 18:58:10

19. I think it sounds great.But probably wont buy it.I have enough sims alredy.

    Eamonn Thursday, 29 May 2008, 19:02:50

20. I think it sounds great.But probably wont buy it.I have enough sims alredy.

    Eamonn Thursday, 29 May 2008, 19:02:52

21. nagyváti u.9. kelnekem holnapra köszönöm Pati

    Pati Friday, 30 May 2008, 16:52:32

22. welll helllllo

    demzybbe Sunday, 1 June 2008, 00:50:52

23. how can i install it on my computer? pls. reply asap!

    karen_nicole Tuesday, 3 June 2008, 12:52:13

24. Nice Site!

    http://google.com

    starter credit Wednesday, 4 June 2008, 23:37:50

25. I am so exited for sims 3!!!!

    jojohonoh Saturday, 7 June 2008, 21:21:59

26. i know the egsact date when sims is comin out dont get mad.LOL march 19th 2009 im only 11 and i love sims

    lil gamer Monday, 9 June 2008, 20:14:34

27. Well, i love the ideas and everything but theres one little hitch i dont think ppl pay attention to...........i would like to be able to move the Sims around with my arrow keys then having to click allllllllll the time cuz it annoys the people who have to hear it! but being able to move the sims around with the arrow keys on the keyboard! Thankyou for listening and reading....

    Charli Greanleaf Monday, 9 June 2008, 20:15:11

28. u should make it have a jail for if you brake the law

    nickole graham Tuesday, 10 June 2008, 02:55:29

29. Can I get a free play befre this gae comes out?

    Tiana Tuesday, 10 June 2008, 10:29:55

30. I LOVE SIMS L LIKE TO PLAY IT ONLINE BUT I DON'T NOW HOW IS IT I REALY LOVE TO PLAY SO SO MUCH...

    MA4ENCE Tuesday, 10 June 2008, 22:04:29

32. I am so excited for the Sims 3 to be out. My only problem with it is that it won't be coming out until after Christmas. I can't wait that long! It's not like I expect it to be out next week, I want Maxis to make it right, but I'd really like it if they could hurry up and get it out before Christmas!

    Emily Wednesday, 11 June 2008, 01:08:45

33. I LIKE THE GAME VERY MUCH.!!

    SO FUN WA..=]

    PIGGYQQ Saturday, 14 June 2008, 14:55:46

34. como fasso para baixar esse jogo (the sims

    tathi Saturday, 14 June 2008, 17:15:15

35. I love Sims2 Pets! Do you know how to play it on the computer, With out downloading?'Cause I don't. Post Comment if you know how.

    TayTayosheashea123 Saturday, 21 June 2008, 17:31:22

36. Hey, REALLYWANTSIMS, I alredy have all the Sims 2, and I also have the Sims3. With all the Game Sysems to go with it. I am rich, and popular. My cousin is Jordin Sparks, so HA,HA!

    SkiddlesBuddy Saturday, 21 June 2008, 17:36:19

37. i CANT BELIEVE MI BRO HE SCRACHED ALL OF MY SIMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    SkiddlesBuddy Saturday, 21 June 2008, 17:40:2

38. CHAT PEOPLE CHAT!

    SkiddlesBuddy Saturday, 21 June 2008, 17:42:9

39. i love sims it like the hotest game like ever omg. i like cant wait for sims 3 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuh.

    my daddy is so buying this 4 me :D lol.

    bridgette Sunday, 22 June 2008, 14:03:25

40. Bu oyunu nasil yüklerizz ?

    MElis Monday, 23 June 2008, 13:36:33

41. EA Games just keeps making the games better and better. I dont know about you but I am mad about anything to do with Sims. The Sims 3 looks bigger and better than the second one, and that already is an amazing game. One of the best games out ever!!

    Bryony Rose Tuesday, 24 June 2008, 12:42:35

42. i love love sims1&2 3 and my fan love me lol!!!

    chris brown Thursday, 26 June 2008, 23:45:15

43. Ive always luved The Sims from the very start. This new installment of the Sims series sounds soooo exciting. Its everything I wanted the Sims to be. Unlimited possiblities is what the fans want and the Sims3 will deliver. I'm really lookin foward to this game.

    LilMisses Sunday, 29 June 2008, 22:36:43

44. I love the sims..

    TsYa Tuesday, 1 July 2008, 05:28:41

45. I LOVE SIMS

    winona kyle l. cubillas Tuesday, 1 July 2008, 07:22:58

46. hi

    matea_12_ri Thursday, 3 July 2008, 09:59:46

48. hey everyone i love this game it is the best game ever had been made and thats is the only game i would play.

    mikaylaespenhover Thursday, 3 July 2008, 18:51:29

49. when is sims3 out

    anyatodd268 Sunday, 6 July 2008, 12:55:16

50. my opinion is that "Sims" is a great game.

    on pc is better cause you have more things to do.

    i am mad with this game, and a cannot wait about its next section!!!

    many kisses to all the sims-maniacs!!!

    korina Sunday, 6 July 2008, 14:10:27

51. ITS OK

    BEXTA Monday, 7 July 2008, 10:51:27

52. o love the sims. its fun and like i always play it when im bored.

    which is like all the time lol

    cheynbobby27 Wednesday, 9 July 2008, 20:47:4

53. I'm a " pesky non-gaming gamer " and am really looking forward to this new version of the Sims! I hope that it WILL be as amazing as it seems to be.

    Lani Thursday, 10 July 2008, 02:35:36

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