Love Blooms in The Sims Online
More than One Million Romantic Gestures on Valentine's Weekend
Love Blooms in The Sims Online
More than One Million Romantic Gestures on Valentine's Weekend
REDWOOD CITY, Calif., February 19, 2003 - Electronic Arts (Nasdaq: ERTS) today announced that over one million romantic gestures - including kisses, hugs, dances, and marriage proposals - occurred in The Sims Online™ through out the Valentine's weekend. Sims also shelled out millions of hard-earned Simoleans for romantic items such as the new love tub, love seats, and wedding- related objects. Players from coast to coast embraced the Valentine's Day spirit with hugs and cuddles throughout the weekend.
"The Sims Online was the place to spark a romance and celebrate the Valentine's holiday," said Chris Trottier, Lead Game Designer of The Sims Online at EA's Maxis™ Studio. "Love continues to blossom in The Sims Online as friends create romantic hideaways and nurture relationships."
Players share their stories of love in The Sims Online.
- "Sim Chloe daBear* and Sim Simmy Sam* were real-life friends in high school. When they went away to separate colleges they needed a fun way to keep in touch. Sim Chloe is a long time player of The Sims, so she suggested The Sims Online to stay connected with Sim Simmy Sam. They are now roommates working together to remodel their online home and keep in touch with each other's lives. They celebrated Valentine's Day by inviting friends over for a housewarming party.
- "Sim Johnny* met Sim Terbyn* at her house when he first entered the world of The Sims Online. She was very helpful and they quickly became close friends. During their courtship they shared many romantic dinners by the fireside, danced the tango, and got invited to in-game parties as a couple. After seeing an in-game psychic to validate their relationship, Sim's Terbyn and Johnny learned that they were destined for each other. They were married on Valentine's Day.
*Sim character names have been changed to protect player's privacy.
The Sims Online is a massive virtual world created and populated by thousands of players from around the world. In this never-ending alternative reality players can be themselves or "Be Somebody. Else™."
The Sims Online carries a monthly subscription fee of $9.99 with the first 30-days being free. A credit card is required to register and play. An Internet connection is also required. The Sims Online carries an ESRB rating of "T" for Teen. It is available in stores now for a suggested retail price of US $39.99 or 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 http://www.thesimsonline.com.
The Sims franchise celebrated its third anniversary this month. The game skyrocketed to the top of the charts when it began shipping to stores and quickly became a universal gaming and cultural phenomenon. The Sims base product was the #1 seller in 2000, 2001 and 2002. Translated into 17 different languages, The Sims has inspired five expansion packs that have all been top sellers. They include The Sims™ Livin' Large, The Sims™ House Party, The Sims™ Hot Date, The Sims™ Vacation and The Sims™ Unleashed. Combined sales for the franchise have topped 24 million units life-to-date. For more information on The Sims franchise titles, visit http://www.thesims.com.
Electronic Arts (EA), 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.COMSM. 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, The Sims, The Sims Online, "Be Somebody. Else. and EA STORE are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. EA.COM is a service mark of EA.com Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.