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How The Sims got its same-sex relationships [update]
Update: While Graham originally called out lead engineer Jamie Doornbos as the one responsible for same-sex relationships in The Sims, it was actually one of the general engineers, Patrick J. Barrett III, who added it in. The article has been updated accordingly. The Sims was one of the earliest mainstream video games to include actionable same-sex relationships when it launched in 2000. Rather than being a concerted effort on the part of developer EA Maxis, the equal-opportunity Woohoo (a euphemism for sex in the game) was implemented by engineer Patrick J. Barrett III – an openly gay man who had a reputation for getting the programming done. "He just did it," said David "Rez" Graham, The Sims 4 lead AI programmer and a panelist at EA's GaymerX panel on creating more LGBT-inclusive experiences this past weekend. "He just went in there and it was a thing one day" and "nobody really questioned it, which was cool."
EA's mobile Daily Deals, 'cause mom will probably get you socks again
EA is keeping up its tradition of doing totally original, never-done-before things with a holiday sale on its mobile games -- wait, we meant "totally predictable, done every year" things. Whatever -- free stuff! EA is offering daily deals on its iOS and Android titles now through Jan. 2, including some free downloads and major discounts. Today, The Sims Medieval and Shift 2 Unleashed are free for iOS devices, and FIFA 10 is $0.99 for Android. Hit the source link for EA's holiday Daily Deals, which will be updated (we assume) every day.
Sims Medieval pirate expansion be sailin' this August, matey
The Sims Medieval will receive its first expansion with the Pirates and Nobles pack this August. New features include treasure hunting, with new items like birds (falcons and parrots) and "interrogation chairs," which will subject victims to heinous tickle torture. The game begins with the Pirates of Aarbyville and the Nobles of Tredony arriving in the kingdom, followed by whatever drama you can get your Sims involved in. The war between Aarbyville and Tredony creates a new ambition and opportunity for treasure. Also, for the history buffs reading, before focusing on why 16th century pirates are in a "medieval" game, ask yourself why you're taking The Sims so seriously.
The Sims Medieval 'special edition' coming, specialness debatable
When we heard that EA would be releasing a "special limited edition" of The Sims Medieval next spring, our minds were filled with images of a replica treasure chest, loaded with fittingly medieval goodies -- perhaps a sword-shaped letter opener? (Okay, so our imaginations are a little unimaginative today.) Instead, we learned that the release would include three exclusive throne rooms, "princess," "barbarian" and "dark magic," in addition to two outfits, some royal clothes and executioner garb. While we're already rocking a dark magic theme in our own throne room, the thought of some pre-made costumes for the next Renaissance Faire season seemed pretty cool. Upon closer inspection of the announcement, however, we discovered that these are outfits for the game's "simulation" people. That kind of ruined it for us, but we suppose if you're a diehard Sims buff, resisting this package would be feudal.
The Sims Medieval will be in stock at retailers March 2011
We are now less in the dark about the Dark Ages version of The Sims. During its Gamescom 2010 presentation, EA announced a March 2011 release date for The Sims Medieval. This iteration of the mega-popular life adds more than the poor plumbing and widespread illiteracy of the age: it also adds quest-based gameplay that allows you to gradually expand your kingdom with the help of a user-created "hero."%Gallery-99636%
EA announces The Sims Medieval for PC and Mac
EA is sending The Sims back in time to the dark ages -- wait, is it time for DarkSims already? The publisher has just announced The Sims Medieval, a new series for the PC and Mac that lets you "build up a medieval kingdom, controlling characters from all walks of life, from Kings and Queens, to Knights and Wizards, Blacksmiths and Bards." This is accomplished through a new addition to the series: quest-driven gameplay. As you complete quests in The Sims Medieval, you'll be able to shape the kingdom as you see fit, and either expand it internally or through conquest. And with every new game, you'll create a hero with a variety of traits and the obligatory "fatal flaw." (Ours always forgets to wash his hands, for example.) The Sims Medieval is currently slated to launch in Spring 2011. Head into the gallery below for the first screens. %Gallery-98734%
The Sims 'Medieval' web domains registered
A fan site of all things Simlish, called Infinite Sims, recently uncovered a handful of web domains registered by the ever-stealthy, third-party outfit Corporate Domains, Inc. These reserved addresses could be an indication of an upcoming expansion to the Sims universe -- one that could take the bright, cheerful world of Sunset Valley back into the Dark Ages. The reserved domain names all include some variation of "thesimsmedieval" or "thesimsgetmedieval," which might hint at the subject matter of the next batch of content for the highly successful franchise. Hey, we wouldn't mind trying to move up the Sim caste system. Maybe learn how to joust? Perhaps go pheasant hunting in the northern wilds? Learn how to relieve ourselves properly in a sturdy waste bucket? No, wait. That last thing sounds terrible.
