Joystiq

Sims 3 producers guide you through Island Paradise DLC

Mike Suszek — Sat, 18 May 2013 12:00:00 EST

EA recently provided us with a producer walkthrough video for The Sims 3 Island Paradise DLC, an upcoming expansion pack for the game. The DLC takes players to the Isle Paradiso where, as seen in the video, they can cruise on houseboats from port to port.

Players will also get to build their own resort on the island when the expansion launches June 28. Before that, however, The Sims 3 Dragon Valley world will open on May 30.

Gallery: The Sims 3 - Island Paradise (5/16/13)

Sims 3 producers guide you through Island Paradise DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Khaleesi, Sims 3 Dragon Valley is available May 30

Alexander Sliwinski — Sat, 11 May 2013 01:30:00 EST

It is known that The Sims 3 Dragon Valley will hatch on May 30. The digitally distributed expansion will add a new location, architecture and dragons to the franchise. Not big dragons, but baby dragons. "Pet dragons," according to EA. A DRAGON IS NOT A SLAVE!

Say what you will about all these expansions, but it's pretty clear now that by the time The Sims 4 launches in the first quarter of next year, The Sims 3 will conclude with an amazing collection of colorful expansions - and hopefully be sold in an incredibly discounted bundle. Sim hipster werewolves playing in the snow with their pet dragon while on college break? Sure!

Continue reading Khaleesi, Sims 3 Dragon Valley is available May 30

Khaleesi, Sims 3 Dragon Valley is available May 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 May 2013 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cast away to Sims 3 Island Paradise on June 28

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 19:30:00 EST

Here's a message we pulled out of a bottle: The Sims 3 Island Paradise expansion will be available June 28. The message also contained a USB stick with the above trailer and below screenshots. Convenient.

Island Paradise will let Sims show some skin as they enjoy leisurely activities and live on houseboats. Man, houseboats sound like the best idea in the world, except for the whole, you know, sinking thing. There are also speedboats and jet skis, along with scuba and snorkelling exploration. Pre-orders receive the "Island Survival Pack." No word yet if it includes the ability to cry over a lost relationship with an artistic volleyball.

Gallery: The Sims 3 Island Paradise

Continue reading Cast away to Sims 3 Island Paradise on June 28

Cast away to Sims 3 Island Paradise on June 28 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Apr 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EA and Zynga settle The Ville lawsuits

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST

Electronic Arts and Zynga have settled their legal kerfuffle, which began when the former sued the social games giant for what it called a "clear violation" of copyright laws over similarities between games. Details on the settlement are lacking, but InsideSocialGames has a statement from Zynga that it has resolved its respective claims with EA and "reached a settlement" in the Northern District of California.

The legal drama kicked off last August when EA sued Zynga over the similarities between Zynga's recently released The Ville and EA's The Sims Social. The evidence against Zynga was stacked pretty high. This was the first time a giant like EA had stepped into the ring to take on the culture of cloning, which Zynga had been accused of in the past.

A month later, Zynga filed a counterclaim against EA over the similarities between CityVille and SimCity Social. We'll update with settlement terms when he receive them.

EA and Zynga settle The Ville lawsuits originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Sims 3 DLC packs some bellbottoms

Jessica Conditt — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 03:30:00 EST

The Sims 3 "70s, 80s and 90s" DLC pack says it has "all-new outfits, crazy hairstyles, and facial hair," but considering each of these "new" looks comes from a decade long since past, that description is a bit of a stretch. The 70s, 80s and 90s pack is available now on Steam for $20.

The 70s portion includes bellbottoms, halter top catsuits and platform shoes, along with minimalist furniture and a disco ball. The 80s bring legwarmers, leotards, headbands and shoulder pads, and the decor portion includes arcade machines and an entertainment system. The 90s remind us why "grunge" generally isn't a complimentary term, with tattered jeans, layered tops, asymmetrical handkerchief hemline skirts, and furniture in distressed and industrial metal styles. Each decade comes with the related hairstyles and facial hair.

Remember, in 20 years we'll all look back on the 2010s with just as much revulsion, but with more photographic evidence of our absurd tastes.

The Sims 3 DLC packs some bellbottoms originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jan 2013 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Sims experience 'University Life' March 5

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 11:30:00 EST

The Sims go back to college (if you had The Sims 2: University) in The Sims 3: University Life, available March 5. The latest addition to the power-mad franchise has players taking the tots they've raised since birth and watching their every move at college. Whether this is a parent's dream or a child's nightmare - or some combination thereof - is for you to decide.

Sims will get their degrees, party, grow their social network (somehow avoiding STIs) and gain faster promotions and a higher entry-level job for university grads. The irony of recent college grads playing this game all day because they can't find a job in this economy is not lost on us.

Gallery: The Sims 3 - University Life

Continue reading The Sims experience 'University Life' March 5

The Sims experience 'University Life' March 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jan 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Walking Dead, Sims 3, Natural Selection 2 in today's Steam holiday deals

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 10:00:00 EST

The Steam holiday offerings keep rolling along, with "game of the year" contender The Walking Dead's price chopped in half. Telltale's modern adventure game is $12.49 until tomorrow... if we survive.

The Sims 3 is also 66 percent off the entire series, with the exception of Seasons and Supernatural (the latest expansions), which are 50 percent off for $20. That means the standalone game is $10.19, with several major expansion packs around the same price. It really is the ultimate doll/action figure house.

More deals today include discounts on Natural Selection 2, Legend of Grimrock, Spec Ops: The Line and ARMA 2. There's also still time to grab yesterday's deals if you act now.

The Walking Dead, Sims 3, Natural Selection 2 in today's Steam holiday deals originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Dec 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sims 3 '70s, 80s & 90s Stuff' pack announced, university expansion teased

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 18:30:00 EST

Maxis announced today that The Sims 3 expansion "70s, 80s & 90s Stuff" will be available in January 2013. The pack includes clothing and stuff that exemplifies the decades of the Nixon through Clinton administrations (Wilson through Blair in the UK, Indira Gandhi to Vajpayee in India).

The division of Electronic Arts also teased a college or university expansion pack coming after the three decades of stuff pack. The Sims 3 is currently prepping for the Seasons expansion this November.

Gallery: The Sims 3: Seasons (Gamescom 2012)

Sims 3 '70s, 80s & 90s Stuff' pack announced, university expansion teased originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Oct 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Being Human' with Sims 3 Supernatural and Seasons

Alexander Sliwinski — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 10:30:00 EST

It's unlikely we'll ever see a licensed game based on supernatural drama Being Human - although, stranger things have happened - so it's good to see my fantasy may be fulfilled through The Sims 3.

While waiting for my SimCity hands-on, I checked out The Sims 3's new seasons and supernatural expansions. Seasons looks lush, with the landscape shifting every seven in-game days, which can always be altered by the player. Leave it as Hoth if you want it or keep it as an everlasting springtime of rejuvination.

Beyond seeing the potential for Being Human with the supernatural expansion, there's also the option to get your Twilight on. Yes, there are sparkly vampires. Drink a potion and vampires receive vampiric sunblock that makes them sparkle.

The Sims 3 Supernatural expansion will be available in September, Seasons will release in November. My suburban epic of supernatural drama will be fully realized by the holidays.

Gallery: The Sims 3: Seasons (Gamescom 2012)

Gallery: The Sims 3: Supernatural (Gamescom 2012)

'Being Human' with Sims 3 Supernatural and Seasons originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 Aug 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Sims 3: Seasons expansion this November [Update: Trailer]

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 16:37:00 EST

Winter is coming... to The Sims 3! EA announced today during its showcase that everyone's favorite people simulator will have a seasons expansion this November. Those who pre-order the game will receive the ice lounge set, a furniture set made out of ice.

Gallery: The Sims 3: Seasons

The Sims 3: Seasons expansion this November [Update: Trailer] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Aug 2012 16:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Katy Perry returns to The Sims 3

JC Fletcher — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST

The Sims 3 Showtime: Katy Perry was just not enough Katy Perry-themed expansion content for The Sims 3. An absolutely unacceptable dearth of Katy Perry remained.

Luckily, EA has rescued us from a life of insufficient simulated Katy Perry paraphernalia with the announcement of The Sims 3 Katy Perry's Sweet Treats, which lets you decorate your Sims' homes in the style of an imaginary "Candyfornia, complete with cupcake-themed guitars, candy playground equipment and delicious cotton candy trees."

You'll be able to cover your Sims and their homes in virtual candy this June on PC and Mac. It's a good thing The Sims 3 doesn't connect to SimAnt.

Gallery: The Sims 3 Katy Perry’s Sweet Treats

Continue reading Katy Perry returns to The Sims 3

Katy Perry returns to The Sims 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UK's Channel 4 finds new reality TV trend in The Sims 3

Jessica Conditt — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST

When reality television made its first foray into prime time, it was fairly clear why networks jumped on the trend with such enthusiasm. "Do we want to pay paltry sums of money to film untrained, attention-hungry people doing strange things in equally cheap locations? Yes. One thousand times yes." And then they did it, more than 1,000 times.

The UK's Channel 4 has taken that one trend deeper, getting rid of the real people completely with "SuperMe," a TV show filmed entirely in The Sims 3. SuperMe follows four Sims living together and is completely unscripted, except for the narrator, who provides insight into what the Sims are thinking, feeling and doing. As producer Somethin' Else describes it, "It's like real life, but improvised by robots."

The first episode is available to watch above -- personally, we find it more entertaining with this commentary.

UK's Channel 4 finds new reality TV trend in The Sims 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Katy Perry bringing fruit dresses, more to The Sims 3 Showtime

Jessica Conditt — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:00:00 EST

Katy Perry has conquered the celebrity scene in reality and has moved to take over virtual realms, starting with The Sims. The collector's edition of The Sims 3 Showtime, which launches in March, will feature the Ultimate Stage bonus venue, Katy Perry themed items and a poster, as well as advertising campaigns featuring Perry herself, starting with the above music video.

Not to brag, but we've listened to "The One that got Away" a few dozen times before, and we never imagined it as a story about the tragic death of anyone's soulmate, probably because it's actually about failed teenage love and the dangers of dating a boy who plays guitar. Maybe death sells more games, though. Maybe.

Gallery: The Sims 3: Showtime (Katy Perry)

Katy Perry bringing fruit dresses, more to The Sims 3 Showtime originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Sims 3: Showtime expansion announced, arrives March 2012

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST

The Sims 3 will receive its sixth expansion, Showtime, in March 2012. The clubbin' and stagecraft expansion will allow puppet masters across the globe to send their Sims into a friend's game to "perform at their venue in front of their Sims where you both will earn rewards."

Beyond the "SimPort" feature (and its misplaced intercapping), the expansion will allow players to create different types of music venues for their Sims to perform in. There are also in-game rewards for accomplishing goals, such as performing a legendary show in a high-level venue.

And by "legendary show," we're guessing EA doesn't mean unleashing the disaster of Woodstock 1999 into your friend's world.

Continue reading The Sims 3: Showtime expansion announced, arrives March 2012

The Sims 3: Showtime expansion announced, arrives March 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Sims 3 visits the Hidden Springs DLC

Justin McElroy — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 00:30:00 EST

Are you still unable to get even a smidgen of forgiveness from your Sim family for locking Aunt Debby in a doorless closet until she died in a pool of her own self-mess? Maybe a trip to upcoming Sims 3 expansion Hidden Springs is in order!

A magical museum, a rustic lodge and a little mystery are all waiting for your Sims in the DLC. You'll just have to figure out how to stave off a revolt until you can buy it on August 25.

Gallery: The Sims 3: Hidden Springs

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The Sims 3 visits the Hidden Springs DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sims 3 adding pets this fall; standalone game for consoles and 3DS

Alexander Sliwinski — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 01:00:00 EST

With The Sims 3's latest expansion, Generations, launching this week, it's time for EA to announce the next installment: Pets. The title will be an "entirely new standalone game" on Xbox 360, PS3 and Nintendo 3DS. It'll be a standard expansion on PC and Mac.

The Sims 3: Pets will give players direct control over the creatures and even allow breeding and sharing. The Xbox 360 version will have Kinect capabilities, allowing players to control "their pets and Sims" using voice commands. Like, and this is in the press release: "telling their Sim to be romantic." Take a moment to think it through. ... Awkward, right?

For the Nintendo 3DS, Pets will use the built-in pedometer to add more "Karma Points" the more the player walks. The points can be used on in-game items. Using the 3DS's StreetPass players can gift pets to other Pets owners.

Oh, also, if you don't make at least one crazy lady with hundreds of cats in the neighborhood, you're playing The Sims wrong.

Gallery: The Sims 3: Pets (PC/360/PS3)

Continue reading Sims 3 adding pets this fall; standalone game for consoles and 3DS

Sims 3 adding pets this fall; standalone game for consoles and 3DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Jun 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sims 3: Generations trailer introduces the world's worst teenagers

David Hinkle — Wed, 18 May 2011 23:00:00 EST

If hooking up in the hot tub isn't your ultimate end-game in The Sims 3, then you might want to check out Generations, the latest expansion. Now it's your mid-life crisis instead of just another Tuesday! It's all about experiencing life's major moments, like raising lawn-hating teenagers.

Continue reading Sims 3: Generations trailer introduces the world's worst teenagers

Sims 3: Generations trailer introduces the world's worst teenagers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 May 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Sims 3: Generations expansion pack sprouts in spring

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 05:15:00 EST

The Sims are getting ready for some cross-generational play this spring. Wow, that opening line could be totally misinterpreted. Anyway, the latest expansion pack, Generations, adds items like bunk beds, the ability to have lavish weddings and a solid "midlife crisis" -- which we're guessing means secretaries, overcompensatory sports cars and the ability for children to cry, "Why doesn't daddy love us anymore?" in Simlish.

The focus of the expansion pack is to elaborate on the different stages of life, across childhood, teen and adult years. No word yet if the "bachelor parties" available in the game will allow for burying the "entertainment" in the desert when things go wrong. What? Everyone experiences that at least once in real life.

The Sims 3: Generations expansion pack sprouts in spring originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 05:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3DS launch games: The best of the rest

Justin McElroy — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 16:00:00 EST

With limited time, 3DS systems and eyes capable of processing 3D, we couldn't deliver full reviews for the full 3DS launch lineup. However, we've got the next best thing, a ton of impressions on some of our favorite releases we couldn't get enough quality time with for a full critique.

Between the cheat sheet after the break and our bevy of full reviews, you should have all that you need to be a 3DSpecialist at your local electronics retailer. Happy hunting! ... And, umm, sorry about saying "3DSpecialist." It was a long weekend.

Continue reading 3DS launch games: The best of the rest

3DS launch games: The best of the rest originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MadCatz making Sims-branded peripherals

Justin McElroy — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 12:28:00 EST

Just in time to capitalize on the Sims fever that's sweeping the nation, MadCatz has announced it will produce a line of accessories based on the life simulation series for pretty much every platform on the market (including 3DS).

There are no images or further details on the "wide range" of peripherals, but we'd really appreciate a time-saving controller equipped with a "have sex with all present" button and another macro-button for "lock character in room with no doors or windows until they defecate themselves to death, their last vision the stink lines emanating from their pre-corpse."

MadCatz making Sims-branded peripherals originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gaikai is live with streaming demos of Mass Effect 2, Dead Space 2 and more

Randy Nelson — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:25:00 EST

Following more than a year of media demos and beta testing, cloud gaming startup Gaikai is letting the public try out the fruits of its efforts: Demos of Mass Effect 2, Dead Space 2, Spore and The Sims 3 are all playable from within your web browser. That is, if you have the bandwidth -- we don't, apparently. (Granted, we're on gratis Wi-Fi here at GDC.)

You might have better luck at home: You can visit Gaikai's site where you'll be prompted to launch Mass Effect 2. "Just wait and if your connection quality to our Server is fast enough," instructs CEO David Perry, "one of several pop-up designs will appear."

Additionally, taking a survey about the service will grant you access to the Dead Space 2 demo. Spore and The Sims 3 trials can be found here and here, respectively.

Gaikai is live with streaming demos of Mass Effect 2, Dead Space 2 and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Sims 3 3DS preview: A sim-ple port

Andrew Yoon — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 18:25:00 EST

It's a good thing people don't play The Sims for the graphics. The Sims 3 is not a looker on 3DS -- no matter how you adjust the three-dimensional slider. In an unfinsihed build of this launch game, the visuals lacked detail (even compared to versions of the game running on mobile phones) and the framerate was inadequate. Perhaps its saving grace, then, is in how The Sims 3 takes advtage of the 3DS's other unique features, making this particular iteration somewhat novel (especially compared to EA's other 3DS port).

Using the 3DS camera, players can create Sims based on snapshots of their faces -- or anyone's face nearby. Oddly, the feature will only import a close approximation of the source's facial features, leaving aspects such as skin tone, hair and even gender to be manually selected. Though the process is a bit tedious, on the plus side, I now know what I'd look like if I were a rail-thin blond ... girl.

Gallery: The Sims 3 (3DS)

Continue reading The Sims 3 3DS preview: A sim-ple port

The Sims 3 3DS preview: A sim-ple port originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo 3DS to launch with 18 games in North America, $40 each for most

Andrew Yoon — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 09:00:00 EST

The North American launch details for Nintendo 3DS have been finalized. In addition to Face Raiders and AR Games, both pre-installed on the hardware, the system will launch with three first-party games: Pilotwings Resort, Steel Diver, and nintendogs + cats. Each first-party game has a suggested retail price of $39.99.

Thirteen third-party games will be available on March 27th, including Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition and Rayman 3D. Nintendo promises that thirty games will be available for the platform by E3 expo. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, Star Fox 64 3D, Kid Icarus: Uprising and a new Mario Kart game will all be available before year's end.

You'll find the complete launch lineup listed after the break.

Continue reading Nintendo 3DS to launch with 18 games in North America, $40 each for most

Nintendo 3DS to launch with 18 games in North America, $40 each for most originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EA 'continuing to look into' Sims 3 console-crashing bug

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 19:20:00 EST

EA tells Joystiq that it's aware of some players experiencing a bug, which appears to stop any further progress, in The Sims 3 for consoles. A representative for the publisher says EA is "continuing to look into it."

InGamingWeTrust has the details on the bug, occurring on both PS3 and Xbox 360, which involves the entire console locking up while attempting to automatically or manually save the game. EA has no details on what currently triggers the bug, or how to prevent it.

If you're experiencing the issue with your copy of Sims 3, it seems the only recourse at the moment is to add your voice to the choir. Check out the video after the break to see the crash in action.

Continue reading EA 'continuing to look into' Sims 3 console-crashing bug

EA 'continuing to look into' Sims 3 console-crashing bug originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kyocera Echo: a dual-screen Android gaming phone with two launch games

Andrew Yoon — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 20:20:00 EST

Nintendo may not be making a smartphone, but if it did, it might look a bit like the Kyocera Echo. Coming to Sprint later this year, it's being touted as the world's first "dual-touchscreen smartphone." At a preview event today, we got to see the phone running The Sims 3, optimized to take advantage of both screens. Unsurprisingly, it looked a lot like the DS version, albeit with higher-resolution graphics. The phone is set to launch with one other game, although a Sprint representative wouldn't reveal what it was.

Running on a custom Kyocera-skinned version of Android 2.2, the Echo augments the growing "fragmentation" problem that Google's mobile OS faces. Games must use Sprint's SDK to take advantage of both of the screens offered by the Echo. But, how many developers will flock to create games for a single device available on a single carrier? We're going to guess: not many. At least the phone will be able to play other Android games -- maybe even PlayStation Suite games, if the specs are up to snuff.

Gallery: Kyocera Echo

Kyocera Echo: a dual-screen Android gaming phone with two launch games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3DS 'launch window' to include more than 30 games leading up to E3

James Ransom-Wiley — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 11:15:00 EST

Did you hear? It's got a built-in pedometer! The 3DS measures your steps as you walk -- right there in your pocket! Even better: You can pull the thing out whenever and snap all kinds of pics -- the thing's got three cameras! And get this: It also pipes out music, browses the internet and even plays games.

True, you've already got a pile of old DS games (and now defunct DS devices) that you could be playing on your new pedometer, but more than 30 three-DEE titles are expected to be released during the 3DS "launch window" (which begins March 27 and promptly closes on June 7 with the start of E3).

We've listed 24 of the apparent launch-window releases after the break (though Nintendo's being coy about exact dates), including Nintendo's own Nintendogs + cats and Pilotwings Resort, plus a hearty helping of third-party support; with notable newcomers, Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked (previously unannounced outside of Japan) and Crush 3D, a possible port of the 2007 PSP platforming puzzler from Sega.

Don't look at the date ambiguity in dismay -- see it as an opportunity! Beginning in late March, you can walk to and from GameStop in anticipation of a new batch of games each Tuesday for ten whole weeks, and the 3DS will count your steps -- each and every one of them! And just imagine how many Street Passes you're going to rack up?

Continue reading 3DS 'launch window' to include more than 30 games leading up to E3

3DS 'launch window' to include more than 30 games leading up to E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EA gets a board member from Ford, you get a virtual car

Mike Schramm — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 05:00:00 EST

EA has picked up Luis Ubiñas to sit on its board of directors. Ubiñas is president of the Ford Foundation, which gives grants and starts projects all over the world. Previously, he worked at a consulting firm called McKinsey & Company, where he specialized in working with media and wireless technology companies.

In what is probably a complete coincidence, players of The Sims 3 are all getting Ford Fiestas for free. The virtual kind, that is -- you can head over to the Sims website right now to pick up a downloadable pack which includes a Fiesta hatchback or sedan for your Sims' garage, and a bevy of other brand-related virtual items to use and play with.

That news probably has nothing at all to do with Ubiñas' new or old job titles, but we figured we'd let you know anyway.

EA gets a board member from Ford, you get a virtual car originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Nov 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will Wright explains what The Sims and an ant colony have in common

Randy Nelson — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 22:00:00 EST

Originally titled Home Tactics, Will Wright's hit people simulator The Sims was largely made possible by a bunch of simulated ants. During an interview with Doom creator John Romero at the IGDA Leadership Forum dinner last Friday, Wright revealed that his previous title, Sim Ant, was a key inspiration for -- and the basis for the core emergent gameplay in -- The Sims.

"We decided to program Sim Ant as close to how real ants work as we could, which means that they're actually responding to pheromone trails, and the intelligence is distributed environmentally," Wright recalled when asked how The Sims came about. "We were able to get very complex behavior out of the ants just using these pheromone distributions. So I started to wonder how much of human behavior I could simulate the same way." As it turns out, a lot.

"The basic engine for The Sims really ends up being one of any pheromones. Every object in the environment is sending out an 'advertisement' of pheromones in a particular flavor. The flavors are the eight basic needs of the Sims. So they can advertise 'food,' 'energy,' 'fun,' 'social,' 'hygiene.' Every object is described in those terms, being the collection of pheromones that it broadcasts," Wright explained. "A Sim is always sitting there, smelling all of the pheromones around it saying, 'oh I need to be clean, or I need to be fed' -- whatever -- so they follow that pheromone trail to the closest object that's producing it. The advantage of that -- the whole point of that -- was that we could add new objects into the game later without the Sims having any foreknowledge of what the objects were, as long as they had these pheromones."

Romero began to ask Wright if he thought actual humans might somehow work this way, but stopped himself. He was probably picturing the audience as a group of hideous ant people, or imagining he could see clouds of pheromones wafting about. Even the guy who thought up the Doom demon would be grossed out by that.

Will Wright explains what The Sims and an ant colony have in common originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sims 3: Late Night assets get frisky

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:30:00 EST

Remember all those pervy storylines you created for your Sims back in the day? Well, consider that all approved by Electronic Arts Corporate now, as this trailer for Sims 3: Late Night shows the digital dolls' plunge into debauchery.

Continue reading Sims 3: Late Night assets get frisky

Sims 3: Late Night assets get frisky originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EA announces Windows Phone 7 launch titles

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

It looks like Electronic Arts is breaking out its biggest guns for its Windows Phone 7 launch lineup -- well, it's biggest guns that can be adequately turned into smaller guns for use on a mobile platform, anyways. The publisher has named four games that will hit the WP7 storefront soon after the platform goes live on November 8: Need For Speed: Undercover, The Sims 3, Monopoly and some obscure indie puzzle game called ... Tetris?

Now sure, all those games are already available on other mobile platforms, but you're forgetting why you're going to feel compelled to purchase them again on the Windows Phone 7: Sweet, sweet 'Cheevos. Hell, Monopoly's like 85 years old. You've probably bought it a dozen times already -- but now you're going to buy it a baker's dozen times, because, admit it, you've got to be boosting that Gamerscore.

Continue reading EA announces Windows Phone 7 launch titles

EA announces Windows Phone 7 launch titles originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Sims 3: Barnacle Bay coming this fall

David Hinkle — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:20:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Embark on a quest for booty in the upcoming DLC, "Barnacle Bay," for The Sims 3 -- er, wait, we're mixing up our content here! Rather: You'll get to explore a tropical paradise in the Barnacle Bay, available for download this fall. Whether you decide to be a lowdown, dirty pirate on the hunt for treasure and grog, or a sightseeing tourist looking to soak up virtual sun, is up to you.

The Barnacle Bay area will be sold exclusively through The Sims 3 Store. Within, you'll discover new locales such as Founder's Beach, Goldbeard Galleon Gallery and Pirate's Hideaway -- plus several other locations and NPCs that await your inner Magellan. The expansion pack will also include "nearly two dozen" new items.

Gallery: The Sims 3 - Barnacle Bay

Continue reading The Sims 3: Barnacle Bay coming this fall

The Sims 3: Barnacle Bay coming this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Sims 3: Late Night Expansion takes your Sim out on the town this fall

David Hinkle — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Looking for a virtual metropolis in which your Sim can par-tay down? EA just announced the next expansion for The Sims 3, called the "Late Night Expansion." The add-on will include an "active downtown scene" where players can "become a local celebrity, member of a music band, mixologist, director, and more." You can also apparently become a vampire, but if the announcement trailer past the break is any indication, you'll just loiter around a lot of alleys. We imagine it's kinda like being a teenager ... forever.

The Sims 3: Late Night Expansion launches this fall.

Gallery: The Sims 3 (Late Night expansion)

Continue reading The Sims 3: Late Night Expansion takes your Sim out on the town this fall

The Sims 3: Late Night Expansion takes your Sim out on the town this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Sims 3 and expansion packs on sale at Amazon

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:20:00 EST

The current Amazon Deal of the Day is quite possibly the site's most cyclical discount yet: The Sims 3 and all of its expansions have had their prices temporarily slashed. That means you can buy the game online, play it, and then buy more games online, but in a virtual world.

Continue reading The Sims 3 and expansion packs on sale at Amazon

The Sims 3 and expansion packs on sale at Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Sims 3 hits the 'Fast Lane' this fall

David Hinkle — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 01:05:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Even though The Sims 3 is gearing up to give console gamers the chance to live vicariously through its virtual, incoherent inhabitants in October, it doesn't mean EA has ceased support for the PC version of the game. In fact, there's a new expansion coming this fall, titled "The Sims 3 Fast Lane Stuff" pack.

This new content pack gives players the choice between four different lifestyle options: racing; intrigue; rockabilly; and classic luxury. Each option provides your Sim with custom furniture, outfits, and vehicles suited to the respective lifestyle choice -- there's even a garage for storing and/or pimping your rides. Suddenly, Xzibit's services don't seem so valuable.

If you want to pre-order the $20 add-on, head on over to the EA Store and have at it. In the meanwhile, feel free to swerve into our gallery below for some new screens.

Gallery: The Sims 3 Fast Lane Stuff

The Sims 3 hits the 'Fast Lane' this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 01:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sims 3 moves to consoles October 26

JC Fletcher — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:15:00 EST

The first news from EA's E3 presentation is out -- without anyone having to say a thing. The console version of The Sims 3 will launch on Xbox 360, Wii, PS3, and DS on October 26, according to ... this banner!

We'd like to imagine that our Sims are learning the news of several new vacation spots in their own virtual, all-Simlish E3.

[Thanks, Ryan]

Continue reading Sims 3 moves to consoles October 26

Sims 3 moves to consoles October 26 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sims 3 console trailer exposes the dark nature of humanity

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

"I did it with 312 girls in two months."

That unsavory proclamation is the first in a long series of deep, dark confessions made in the debut trailer, currently hosted on MTV, for the console versions of The Sims 3. Watch as ordinary people -- by which, of course, we mean paid, professional actors -- air out their dirty, in-game laundry.

We find the whole ordeal more than a little surprising. We've always conducted ourselves in the world of The Sims just as we do in real life -- that is to say, as fine, upstanding citizens. Not as murderers, thieves and unashamed hussies.

Sims 3 console trailer exposes the dark nature of humanity originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Sims 3 coming to PS3, Xbox 360, Wii and DS this fall

Andrew Yoon — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 09:41:00 EST

As promised, last year's best-selling PC franchise is finally coming to consoles, and just in time for the holiday season. EA has announced that The Sims 3 is in development for PS3, Xbox 360, Wii and DS, with all versions planned for fall release. The console versions promise "all-new" features, like "Karma Powers" that determine whether your Sim can "get lucky" or, on the other end of the spectrum, experience an "epic fail." In addition, the PS3 and Xbox 360 editions will include Facebook connectivity, so you can share Trophy and Achievement updates with friends.

The Wii version will feature an exclusive beach town, complete with its own residents, careers and "lifetime wishes"; and the DS version will introduce a new "Story Mode," a first for a handheld Sims game, allowing players to go through a "complete life simulation."

"We're bringing players the best console and handheld game for The Sims franchise to date and are excited to offer a unique experience for all types of gamers on their platform of choice," said executive producer Sam Player in EA's announcement. And there's good reason for the publisher to be excited, too -- considering the franchise has already generated over $2.5 billion in revenue for EA. We can already hear EA's coffers quivering in anticipation.

Gallery: The Sims 3 (Console Editions)

The Sims 3 coming to PS3, Xbox 360, Wii and DS this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 09:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault saves the fake Sims 3 world with downloadable electric cars

JC Fletcher — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 10:45:00 EST

Are you rife with guilt over the damage your Sims' extravagant lifestyles have done to their nonexistent environment? Now you'll be able to reduce your simulated carbon footprint and decrease your dependence on the imaginary world's dwindling supply of e-fossil fuels by driving an electric Renault Twizy Z.E Concept in-game.

The tie-up with Renault is part of the "Electric Vehicle Pack," a free Sims 3 download to be offered in EMEA countries, comprising the car and other environmentally conscious items like solar panels and windmills. Despite the fact that all cars are electric in the game (because they're inside your computer, which is electric), driving the tiny Renault and using the other items will noticeably improve your Sims' lives -- by reducing their weekly bills.

Gallery: Renault Twizy Z.E. in The Sims 3

Renault saves the fake Sims 3 world with downloadable electric cars originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Apr 2010 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sims 3 expansion beats Star Trek Online in February's PC top 20

Mike Schramm — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 05:00:00 EST

NPD has released its monthly list of the top 20 PC games, and while Star Trek Online made a valiant showing in the month of its debut, landing at number two for the main game and number four for the collector's edition, it was beaten in the end by the Sims 3: High End Loft Stuff (yes, "Stuff") content pack. The Sims juggernaut of a brand continued to rock the top 20, claiming six spots total, and perennial favorite World of Warcraft continued to place almost all of its current editions on the list in three different spots.

Other big titles in February were Bioshock 2, the Everquest II: Sentinel's Fate expansion, and Mass Effect 2. Aliens vs. Predator appeared at a miserable number 19, below something called the Mumbo Jumbo Assortment. Full list after the break. We'll say this about PC game players: They know what they like, and they stick with it.

[via Big Download]

Continue reading Sims 3 expansion beats Star Trek Online in February's PC top 20

Sims 3 expansion beats Star Trek Online in February's PC top 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Sims explore their 'Ambitions' in latest expansion pack

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:45:00 EST

It's time for EA to announce the latest Sims 3 expansion: Ambitions. Arriving in June, the pack gives players the opportunity to pull the strings of the helpless electronic dolls throughout their careers. No longer safe from Little Susie's megalomania on the job, the Sims will now do their work as a conduit for an ethically ambiguous puppeteer. Although, we doubt it'll ever get to the visceral level of Five Minutes to Kill Yourself.

Ambitions will apparently include a huge variety of jobs, including solving cases as a detective, hunting ghosts as a (wait for it) "ghost hunter," and "leveraging Build and Buy mode" as an architect. The expansion also includes a tattoo system -- so, go ahead and give your teenage Sim that tribal or barbed wire ink they'll regret every time they take a blurred-out shower as an adult.

The Sims explore their 'Ambitions' in latest expansion pack originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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