Electronic Arts has released the first official details of the next version of The Sims, one of the world's best selling computer games, which will launch in 2009.
Nearly three years in the making, The Sims 3 will feature a new games engine that promises greater immersion and "unlimited customisation".
With 98 million games sold around the world in 22 languages, the transgender appeal of the franchise has made The Sims the third best selling game in history, behind Mario and Pokemon.
"In The Sims 3, Sims can go beyond the boundaries of their home lot, and immerse themselves in an open, living neighbourhood, interacting with other Sims using our new deeper personality system," said Rod Humble, head of The Sims Studio.
"It is this type of open-ended gameplay that inspires 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."
Ben Bell, executive producer on The Sims 3, added: "The new engine and technologies are designed to unleash the player's imagination with realistic looking Sims who have distinct personalities and a seamless neighbourhood to discover."
Virtual world to help kids develop decision-making skills 09 Nov 2007
Two new 'romantic comedies' in The Sims Life Stories 18 Jan 2007Modelling technology uses real UK population data 14 Nov 2006
Broadline giant blames seasonality for turnover drop, but is pleased with progress to ‘greater profitability’. 30 Oct 2009
But experts remain confident there is light at the end of the tunnel 29 Apr 2009
The neocortex is 'still in beta', says security expert 31 Jul 2009
Heavily trailed proposals to ban sending recyclable material to landfill made public 18 Mar 2010
Government announces extra £4.8m to support offshore wind R&D 18 Mar 2010
Secretary-General and climate envoy cross swords over the extent to which UN talks should be supported by separate negotiations between top polluters 18 Mar 2010
More news
As a journalist, I spend a fair amount of time defending the much maligned media industry to friends and family.... 18 Mar 2010
Andrew Williams casts his eye over some of the most popular green driving aids on the market 16 Mar 2010
From hydropower hot spots to record-breaking Texan winds, we run down the top stories from the past week 12 Mar 2010 More in-depth
Post your comment
Send an email to the Business Green editor at feedback@businessgreen.com
