Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Madden 11, NBA Jam, Sims 2, other EA games go offline in January]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/31/madden-11-nba-jam-sims-2-other-ea-games-go-offline-in-january/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/31/madden-11-nba-jam-sims-2-other-ea-games-go-offline-in-january/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/31/madden-11-nba-jam-sims-2-other-ea-games-go-offline-in-january/#comments Madden 11, NBA Jam, Sims 2, other EA games go offline in JanuaryIf it's in the game, it's in the game, until the game gets too old and the servers are shut down. EA is taking some games offline starting on January 3rd, when FIFA Manager 11 for PC will cease online connectivity.

Most of the unplugging will take place on January 11: that's when FIFA Soccer 11, FIFA Soccer 11 Ultimate Team, Madden 11 and its Ultimate Team, NBA Jam, NBA Live 10, NCAA 11, NHL 11, and NHL 11 Ultimate Team will lose their online capabilities. The loss of NBA Live 10 effectively ends online play for EA's NBA series.

On the 14th the Sims 2 will end online service, and Trenches 2 for iOS will follow on the 19th.

JoystiqMadden 11, NBA Jam, Sims 2, other EA games go offline in January originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Dec 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ea-sportsiosiphonemicrosoftmobilenintendoofflinepcplaystationps3the-sims-2wiixboxMon, 31 Dec 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hunt ghosts in the new Sims 3 Ambitions trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/hunt-ghosts-in-the-new-sims-3-ambitions-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/hunt-ghosts-in-the-new-sims-3-ambitions-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/hunt-ghosts-in-the-new-sims-3-ambitions-trailer/#commentsThere's really only one important thing to take away from the new trailer for The Sims 3 Ambitions expansion. The expansion allows players to extend the lives of their sims, endowing them with many different career options, including inventor, fireman or a detective. None of that is important, though. What is important, is that the expansion allows you to be a Ghostbuster. Legal reasons probably prevent it from being called ghost busting, of course. Atari and EA's lawyers wouldn't want anyone crossing the memes, after all.

Check out the ghost busting catching action -- along with the other professions -- in the trailer above.

Gallery: The Sims 3: Ambitions


[Via Big Download]

JoystiqHunt ghosts in the new Sims 3 Ambitions trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electronic-artsmaxisthe-simsthe-sims-2the-sims-3-world-adventuresTue, 09 Mar 2010 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Sims franchise celebrates 10th anniversary today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/the-sims-franchise-celebrates-tenth-anniversary-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/the-sims-franchise-celebrates-tenth-anniversary-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/the-sims-franchise-celebrates-tenth-anniversary-today/#comments It's hard to believe it's been 10 years since we discovered how hilarious it was to lock a Sim in a doorless room with nothing but ovens to keep him company, but there it is: The Sims franchise has turned 10 years old today. The press release announcing the series' first decade also reveals that the franchise has sold 125 million units lifetime-to-date, which is an impressive figure -- especially when you consider EA is only reporting the PC franchise numbers. That figure doesn't include console ports.

The Sims franchise has managed to generate $2.5 billion in revenue for EA. The latest iteration in the series, The Sims 3, was 2009's top-selling PC game and has sold 4.5 million copies so far worldwide. While one could argue the latest game's success is in large part due to the series' ability to appeal to just about every type of gamer, we'd argue that the inclusion of Ludwig Kietzmann really helped push it over the top.

JoystiqThe Sims franchise celebrates 10th anniversary today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>the-simsthe-sims-2the-sims-3the-sims-3-world-adventuresThu, 04 Feb 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Study finds 'action' video games can improve vision]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/study-finds-action-video-games-can-improve-vision/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/study-finds-action-video-games-can-improve-vision/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/study-finds-action-video-games-can-improve-vision/#comments
So, we've got good and bad news for you. First, the good news: A study conducted by the University of Rochester has found that "the very act of action video game playing enhances contrast sensitivity." Rather, playing lots of Call of Duty might actually help keep your eyes in shape and the contrasts in color sharp as you age. But now, the bad news: Those 100+ hours you sunk into Fallout 3 may not have helped.

The study explains that, of the "expert video game players" tested, the "VGP group" (group playing "action" games Unreal Tournament 2004 and Call of Duty 2) exhibited "enhanced contrast sensitivity" versus the "NVGP group" (the folks playing "non-action" game The Sims 2), especially in the light of the population differences' interactions with spatial frequencies. Wait, WHAT?!

In so many words, majority percentages of the "VGP group" were clustering together on the high end of the scale while "NVGP group" numbers were clustering on the other end. Professor Gary Rubin, of the University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, sums up these findings rather nicely, saying, "This is a small study, showing a small effect, but it was carefully done, and merits further investigation."

[Via BBC]

JoystiqStudy finds 'action' video games can improve vision originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BethesdaBethesda-Game-StudiosBethesda-Softworkscall-of-dutycall-of-duty-2eyesightfallout-3gary-rubinimagesresearchRPGthe-sims-2university-of-rochesterunreal-tournament-2004Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD lists top selling PC games in February ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/npd-lists-top-selling-pc-games-in-february/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/npd-lists-top-selling-pc-games-in-february/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/npd-lists-top-selling-pc-games-in-february/#comments
The debut of Dawn of War II and F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin did little to hold back the mighty power of the Lich King. NPD has released a list of February's top 20 selling PC games at US retail and, per usual, the World of Warcraft and The Sims 2 are a significant presence.

Just to give an idea of how significant WoW and Sims 2 are in the PC space, nine out of the 20 titles on the list are held by some SKU of those franchises. Check out the full list after the break.

Continue reading NPD lists top selling PC games in February

JoystiqNPD lists top selling PC games in February originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dawn-of-war-2fear-2npdthe-sims-2wrath-of-the-lich-kingFri, 13 Mar 2009 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Fluent in Simlish? Unemployed writer? EA has a job for you]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/fluent-in-simlish-unemployed-writer-ea-has-a-job-for-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/fluent-in-simlish-unemployed-writer-ea-has-a-job-for-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/fluent-in-simlish-unemployed-writer-ea-has-a-job-for-you/#comments
The Sims 2 website has a job posting seeking experienced freelance writers for "a variety of projects." This variety includes, but is not limited to: game manuals, in-game text and marketing copy. They would also prefer writers that live near the Sims HQ in Redwood Shores, California. Applicants must have a love for the Sims and should email their resume, along with two professional writing samples, to MaxoidDrea[AT]ea[dawt]com.

Times are tough, and most of us don't automatically get a selection of jobs by reading a newspaper or checking the computer like those Sims. Best of luck to the applicants.

[Via Twitter]
[Image]

JoystiqFluent in Simlish? Unemployed writer? EA has a job for you originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 17:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesseaelectronic-artsfreelance-writingjobsthe-simsthe-sims-2the-sims-3writersWed, 04 Mar 2009 17:24:00 EST<![CDATA[And our latest contest winner is...]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/04/and-our-latest-contest-winner-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/04/and-our-latest-contest-winner-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/04/and-our-latest-contest-winner-i/#commentsFiled under:

Well, our latest giveaway has come to a close and it's about time we chose the winner. The winner of our prize pack is none other than:
  • Adam, who will likely share the gift with his cheesecake
Congrats to our winners and better luck next time to all of you. Keep your eyes on DS Fanboy. We'll be starting up another giveaway soon.

JoystiqAnd our latest contest winner is... originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chronicles-of-narniafanswagnNew-Super-Mario-Bros-DSNintendoPlatformthe-sims-2Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Reminder: NSMB DS Lite and 3 games up for grabs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/27/reminder-nsmb-ds-lite-and-3-games-up-for-grabs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/27/reminder-nsmb-ds-lite-and-3-games-up-for-grabs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/27/reminder-nsmb-ds-lite-and-3-games-up-for-grabs/#commentsFiled under:

Hey folks, you like free stuff, right? Of course you do! So have you checked out our latest giveaway yet? Well, if you haven't, you should, as we've got plenty of goodies up for grabs. Head right on over to the giveaway post here and see how to enter. Best of luck to you all and thanks for reading!

JoystiqReminder: NSMB DS Lite and 3 games up for grabs originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Nov 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chronicles-of-narniafanswagnNew-Super-Mario-Bros-DSNintendoPlatformprince-caspianthe-simsthe-sims-2Thu, 27 Nov 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Thankswagging: Holiday prize pack up for grabs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/thankswagging-holiday-prize-pack-up-for-grab/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/thankswagging-holiday-prize-pack-up-for-grab/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/thankswagging-holiday-prize-pack-up-for-grab/#commentsFiled under:

We've got a special giveaway lined up for you this week. We're calling it Thankswagging, bundling together a bunch of items for one lucky reader as a thanks for, well ... just being you! We appreciate you guys (and gals!) stopping by every day to read us and make our cold, dark corner of the internet a little brighter. So, we're running this giveaway starting today and ending Sunday, November 30th at 11:59pm ET. The winner will be selected the following day via random drawing. To enter, simply tell us what you're thankful for this year. It can be gaming related or not. Just tell us what you're thankful for!

One lucky reader will walk away with a New Super Mario Bros. DS Lite bundle ($150), along with a copy of Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian ($20), N+ ($20), and The Sims 2: Apartment Pets ($20). Of course, we've got a couple of rules. For one, you have to be at least 18 years of age and a current and legal resident of the United States or Canada (excluding Quebec) and you may enter once per day. Also, before entering, read the official rules right here.

Best of luck to you all and thanks for reading!

JoystiqThankswagging: Holiday prize pack up for grabs originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chronicles-of-narniafanswagjoystiqfeaturesnNew-Super-Mario-Bros-DSNintendoPlatformthe-sims-2Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Asphinctersayswhat?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/25/asphinctersayswhat/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/25/asphinctersayswhat/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/25/asphinctersayswhat/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Look, we consider ourselves experts around here. Bungie tries to put one past us? Heck nah! Case closed. But then this little ditty hits our inbox and we're totally stumped. What is this? A game? Is this supposed to get us excited about something? You ever get the feeling, like, there's this whole other planet of other people who play other games...? Yeah, we got that feeling right now.

JoystiqAsphinctersayswhat? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Sep 2008 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artshot-n-coldkaty-perryPCsimlishthe-simsthe-sims-2Thu, 25 Sep 2008 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Apartment Pets shining on the tiny screen]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/e308-apartment-pets-shining-on-the-tiny-screen/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/e308-apartment-pets-shining-on-the-tiny-screen/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/e308-apartment-pets-shining-on-the-tiny-screen/#commentsFiled under: ,

As much as we liked to question the philosophical and political ramifications of the Sims 2: Apartment Pets boxart (hey, we take our jobs seriously), we couldn't immediately condemn this latest trailer for abusing the high standards of Fanboy beliefs. Why? Because it's too damn tiny. Fair enough, E3 might not be a bastion of high quality media at all times, but come on. We love pets and apartments, so give us the goods!

In any case, squint at the above video for admittedly pretty footage of Apartment Pets, and hope that it might turn out to be better than sucky.

JoystiqE308: Apartment Pets shining on the tiny screen originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apartment-petse3e3-2008e308eaelectronic-artspetssimulationthe-simsthe-sims-2Tue, 15 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Sims 2 Apartment games coming to PC, DS in August]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/the-sims-2-apartment-games-coming-to-pc-ds-in-august/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/the-sims-2-apartment-games-coming-to-pc-ds-in-august/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/the-sims-2-apartment-games-coming-to-pc-ds-in-august/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Though EA puts a positive spin on bringing "the adventure, fun and drama of close quarters of apartment living to your Sims," life has shown us that putting a bunch of gibberish-spouting hipsters into an enclosed living space is a recipe for disaster. This latest Sims 2 expansion, Apartment Life, promises new social networks, character types, buildings and a "reputation meter," but it's all inevitably going to devolve into spats over how we left the toilet seat up or forgot the cat outside in the rain. Again.

Incidentally, you'll probably want to avoid doing just that in The Sims 2 Apartment Pets, a matching "apartment adventure" just for the Nintendo DS. The portable pet sim will task you with taking care of a variety of pets -- including "cats and dogs, slithery snakes, hamsters, colorful birds, and cuddly rabbits" -- and realizing that putting them all in the same room is probably not a great idea.

Both games are due on August 26 in North America and August 22 in European and Asia-Pacific regions. The Sims 2 Apartment Life will also be available in a Limited Collection, which includes The Sims 2 Double Deluxe ... and that would be The Sims 2, The Sims 2 Nightlife Expansion Pack, The Sims 2 Celebration Stuff and a DVD filled with "tips and tricks." Those should come in handy for defeating the final boss, Death.

JoystiqThe Sims 2 Apartment games coming to PC, DS in August originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSEAElectronic-ArtsPCThe-SimsThe-Sims-2The-Sims-2-Apartment-LifeThe-Sims-2-Apartment-PetsThu, 05 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Take this, animal-hating landlord]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/take-this-animal-hating-landlord/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/take-this-animal-hating-landlord/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/take-this-animal-hating-landlord/#commentsFiled under: ,

We've already seen The Sims get portable with pets, but now it's time to move those animal-loving sensibilities into trendy, high-rise apartments. Getting very specific with Sim titles these days, EA has announced The Sims 2: Apartment Pets for the DS. Don't leave the penthouse window open for Fido to go barrelling out.

Apartment Pets features a bunch of different animals, including cats, dogs, hamsters, rabbits and snakes. Question - can you let the snake loose in the loft with all the other furry critters? Can the snake be a King Cobra? Funny if possible, but highly unlikely.

You can run your own pet spa, and interact with fellow upstart professionals who fill their lives with a bunch of wildlife. It'll be just like Seinfeld, only Jerry is a nonchalant house cat while Kramer is the wacky next-door macaw.

Apartment Pets is scheduled for an August 28 release, and you can check out the first images in the gallery. We urge you to pay attention to your real pets for a while before this one comes along. They don't want some hot-shot hamster stealing the limelight.

JoystiqTake this, animal-hating landlord originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-gameselectronic-artspetssimulationthe-simsthe-sims-2the-sims-2-apartment-petsThu, 05 Jun 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[TMBG, Natasha Bedingfield headline Sims 2 FreeTime soundtrack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/10/tmbg-natasha-bedingfield-headline-sims-2-freetime-soundtrack/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/10/tmbg-natasha-bedingfield-headline-sims-2-freetime-soundtrack/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/10/tmbg-natasha-bedingfield-headline-sims-2-freetime-soundtrack/#commentsFiled under: ,

We generally don't get very excited about Sims 2 expansions. Don't get us wrong, we love the game (who doesn't), but the thought of dropping $29.99 for a few digital pairs of slacks just seems a little excessive -- there are real pairs of slacks we would invest in, had we the extra income. However, when looking over a recent press release for the game's latest addition, Sims 2 FreeTime, something radical caught our eye -- the game's soundtrack would feature Simlish remixes of actual recording artists, including the Twin Quasars of Rock themselves, They Might Be Giants.

Joining the Giants are Brit-pop princess Natasha Bedingfield, the small indie army of I'm From Barcelona, and a handful of other international artists, each providing a Simlish remix of one of their popular songs. It's a pretty awesome mix of off-the-mainstream tunes -- perhaps it will inspire Harmonix to explore some alternative jams for Rock Band DLC. Like, for instance, anything off of "Flood".

JoystiqTMBG, Natasha Bedingfield headline Sims 2 FreeTime soundtrack originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Feb 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSeaElectronic-ArtsMaxisMicrosoftNintendoPCSimsims2freetimeThe-SimsThe-Sims-2theymightbegiantstmbgXboxXbox-360Sun, 10 Feb 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sims 2 and H&M bring us adver-gaming v2.0]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/01/sim-2-and-handm-bring-us-adver-gaming-v2-0/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/01/sim-2-and-handm-bring-us-adver-gaming-v2-0/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/01/sim-2-and-handm-bring-us-adver-gaming-v2-0/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you can't get enough of your Sims, but you're starting to think they're looking a bit drab in their fashions -- well, buck up kiddo, 'cause SimsGamer tells us you can now pre-order the Sims 2: H&M Fashion Stuff to dress your Sims up for summer. The game releases June 5 and will cost (wait, this can't be right) $20?

Remember how we're always told that advertising in games is supposed to bring cost down? There was even a Morgan Minute about the subject and we're still waiting for it to be true. You'd think that this "expansion" would be given away free at H&M. It benefits the company and extends the life of the three-year-old game. But, if EA is selling it at $20 there must be plenty of people who are going to plunk down the cash for what amounts to an ad for H&M that you play. A brilliant move by H&M and EA to charge customers for advertising if it works, good show.

JoystiqSims 2 and H&M bring us adver-gaming v2.0 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 May 2007 19:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSEAElectronic-ArtsfashionMaxisMicrosoftNintendoPCSimThe-SimsThe-Sims-2XboxXbox-360Tue, 01 May 2007 19:53:00 EST<![CDATA['Sims' credit card will buy everything but a life]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/09/sims-credit-card-will-buy-everything-but-a-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/09/sims-credit-card-will-buy-everything-but-a-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/09/sims-credit-card-will-buy-everything-but-a-life/#commentsFiled under: ,

The official Sims 2 site is featuring a page of four different Visa credit card designs inspired by the game, encouraging fans to vote for their favorites. The site gives no info other than the cryptic announcement that the card will be "coming soon." While many Sims players seem to think it's a late April Fool's joke, so far it appears to be real. That means you'll be able to spend real dollars with a card promoting a product that turned consumerism into a game. Anyone else's brain exploding right about now?

Joystiq'Sims' credit card will buy everything but a life originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Apr 2007 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSEAElectronic-ArtsMaxisMicrosoftNintendoSimThe-SimsThe-Sims-2visaXboxXbox-360Mon, 09 Apr 2007 15:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Milestone: Sims' Hilary Duff campaign]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/26/milestone-sims-hilary-duff-campaign/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/26/milestone-sims-hilary-duff-campaign/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/26/milestone-sims-hilary-duff-campaign/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Hilary Duff
We might have glossed over EA's deal with all-purpose-pop star Hilary Duff when it was announced earlier this month, but we're forced to call attention to a new photo spread of the digitized Duff (starring in Sims 2 Pets) because, one, Ludwig demanded we pay rightful homage to his idol; and two, this is a significant milestone in the games industry. Correct us if we're wrong, but isn't this the first time a publisher has pulled in a female celebrity to market its game to other females? (We exclude Mary-Kate & Ashley because they push their own Olson-branded games.)

While we can't shake the ickiness of this deal, we have to acknowledge that EA landing Duff has opened up games marketing to a new realm of possibilities. Is there more profit in pursuing the ladies' dollar?

JoystiqMilestone: Sims' Hilary Duff campaign originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Oct 2006 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSEAElectronic-ArtsGameCubeHilary DuffHilaryDuffPCPS2PSPThe-SimsThe-Sims-2The-Sims-2-PetsThu, 26 Oct 2006 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Sims 2 Pets will be shedding on the Mac]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/29/sims-2-pets-will-be-shedding-on-the-mac/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/29/sims-2-pets-will-be-shedding-on-the-mac/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/29/sims-2-pets-will-be-shedding-on-the-mac/#commentsFiled under: ,

See Sim Spot run. See Sim Spot chew your Sim's shoes and then chase the Sim neighbor's Sim cat up a tree. Life is about to get a lot hairier for your Sims, but at least Mac gamers will be getting their creature comforts in November, just a few weeks after PC owners. The Sims 2 Pets is the fourth expansion pack in the series, and will feature over 80 breeds of dogs and cats. Better get out the Sim vacuum.

See also: Sims on a plane

JoystiqSims 2 Pets will be shedding on the Mac originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Sep 2006 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aspyrEAea gameselectronic artsElectronic-ArtsMacmac gamingMaxispet simulatorsims 2sims 2 petsThe-SimsThe-Sims-2The-Sims-2-PetsFri, 29 Sep 2006 11:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Sims on a plane]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/21/sims-on-a-plane/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/21/sims-on-a-plane/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/21/sims-on-a-plane/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Electronic Arts is working with Pogo.com -- purveyor of casual internet games -- and in-flight entertainment company DTI Software to expand its dominance into the air. Even on flights, the jabbering tone of Simlish will pull you away from loved ones, sleep, and work.

DTI expects The Sims 2 and a handful of Pogo's games will be added to its in-flight service by Q3 2007. Specific rollout will relate to individual airlines, but DTI tells us that it expects the games to be offered on portable media players throughout the cabins. These games are often free, but pricing will also be determined by carriers.

Most of all, we want to play our DS Wi-Fi in the air, but Boing's Boeing's Connexion has recently been shelved. While other WiFi options might fill that market, we like seeing these casual games offered to people who don't travel with handhelds. Anything that gets gaming exposed to non-gamers seems good.

JoystiqSims on a plane originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Sep 2006 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airplaneBoeingConnexionDTIEAElectronic-ArtsMaxisPogoThe-SimsThe-Sims-2WiFiThu, 21 Sep 2006 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sims 2 wins best Mac game award]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/19/sims-2-wins-best-mac-game-award/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/19/sims-2-wins-best-mac-game-award/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/19/sims-2-wins-best-mac-game-award/#commentsFiled under: ,

Sims 2 wins best Mac game awardAspyr Media's latest newsletter features a summary of the company's participation at last month's Apple Worldwide Developers Conference, where they took home the Best Mac OS X Game award for The Sims 2. Also recognized in the Apple Design Awards was runner-up Wing Nuts 2: Raina's Revenge from Freeverse.

While Apple isn't doing much for Mac gaming on the hardware front, Aspyr discusses their plans for using OS X Leopard's XCode developer toolset in future Mac game releases.

You can download the Universal Binary update for The Sims 2 here.

JoystiqSims 2 wins best Mac game award originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Sep 2006 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleApple Design AwardsaspyrEAElectronic-ArtsfreeverseleopardMacmac gamesMaxisos xsims 2The-SimsThe-Sims-2universal binarywing nutswwdcxcodeTue, 19 Sep 2006 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Best selling PC games: AoE 3 and Civ IV battle for top spot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2005/11/23/best-selling-pc-games-aoe-3-and-civ-iv-battle-for-top-spot/http://www.joystiq.com/2005/11/23/best-selling-pc-games-aoe-3-and-civ-iv-battle-for-top-spot/http://www.joystiq.com/2005/11/23/best-selling-pc-games-aoe-3-and-civ-iv-battle-for-top-spot/#commentsmoney 225

For the week ending November 13th, here's the best sellers list for PC games in the U.S.

1. Age Of Empires III
2. Civilization IV
3. Call Of Duty 2
4. Star Wars Battlefront II
5. World Of Warcraft
6. The Sims 2
7. City Of Villains
8. The Sims 2 Nightlife Expansion Pack
9. Battlefield 2
10. Call Of Duty 2 Collectors Edition

As is obvious from the list, Civilization IV and Age of Empires 3 are deeply involved in a strategic battle for getting the most cash out of gamer's wallets. Age of Empires 3 has been out over a month now but is still topping the chart. With Civ IV being out just under a two weeks, has it already lost the momentum required to knock AoE 3 off the top spot?

JoystiqBest selling PC games: AoE 3 and Civ IV battle for top spot originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Nov 2005 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-GamesActivisionBattlefield-2BlizzardCall-of-Duty-2City-of-VillainsCiv-4Civ-IVCivilizationCivilization-4Civilization-IVDICEElectronic-ArtsFiraxis-GamesFPSInfinity-WardMaxisNCSoftSid-Meiers-Civilization-4Sid-Meiers-Civilization-IVStar-Wars-Battlefront-2StrategyThe-Sims-2The-Sims-2-NightlifeWorld-of-WarcraftWed, 23 Nov 2005 19:20:00 EST