When the sequel to the
world's most successful game is released, you know that it is very likely to do well but
when that game also happens to belong to the biggest publisher then, it seems, the sky is
the limit.
Electronic Arts announced that, based on internal data, The Sims 2 sold
more than one million copies at retail stores worldwide within the first ten days -- the
biggest PC launch in EA's 22-year history.
In the midst of talk of the end of PC
gaming and with console deals and console exclusive titles frustrating PC gamers it seems
that the strength of the PC as a gaming force has been underestimated and under-utilized.
The success of the original Sims and the, apparent, popularity of the Sims 2, suggest that
the PC, if used correctly, is the only way mainstream gaming may be achieved. Computer
Gaming World's Editor in Chief Jeff Green said ...at a time when console gaming tends to
dominate the hype and headlines, The Sims franchise is one of the current saviors of PC
gaming. Maybe not a saviour but definitely a wake-up call for publishers and
developers.
The Sims 2 kicks off a diverse lineup of EA GAMES branded titles for the
fall including: Def Jam Fight for NY and Burnout 3: Takedown, which are available now, and
coming later this fall: Medal of Honor Pacific Assault, GoldenEye: Rogue Agent, The Lord of
the Rings : The Third Age, The Lord of the Rings: The Battle For Middle-earth and the follow
up to 2003's Need For Speed : Underground 2.
The Sims franchise also will deliver a
new console game this November to its loyal fan base, The Urbz : Sims in the City. For the
first time, The Sims are moving to the city and it's all about building your reputation.
Players will be able to unlock nine different districts in the city that never sleeps and
gain access to all the hottest VIP spots while interacting with The Black Eyed Peas. The
soundtrack to the game includes nine exclusive re-recorded music tracks from The Black Eyed
Peas all in Simlish -- the game's quirky language. The Urbz: Sims in the City will be
available early November for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo Game Boy
Advance and the Nintendo DS.
