How time flies! It doesn't seem that long ago that I started my bilingual fansite SNW. SNW is 6 years old today! I know things are quiet at the moment. I've got good reasons for that. All I can say right now that we will launch a brand new shiny website in 2010 with awesome features. And I will get back into the custom content making (and uploading it too!) hahaha. Anyway, congrats to SNW. We would never have come this far without our lovely members. So thanks goes out to all of you!
Sims News
23 Mar 2010 - 22:20
To install this update, please start your game and use the “Updates” tab in your Launcher.
This game update includes:
- Base Game: Fixes an issue where Sims continuously perform the "Be Invited Inside" interaction on other Sims’ lots.
- Base Game: Fixes an issue that causes Sims to get stuck in the “Grab a Slice” interaction on pizza.
- World Adventures: Fixes an issue that causes the game to freeze when attempting to save a household on a base camp.
- High End Loft Stuff: Fixes an issue where the family inventory loses functionality after using the Create a Style tool on an object.
- High End Loft Stuff: Fixes an issue that prevents the fulfillment of the “Buy a Video Game System” wish when buying the “GUGA JoyToy 3” and “Console 7” video game systems.
- High End Loft Stuff: Fixes and issue that prevents the “Presenting the Perfect Private Aquarium” Life Time Wish from counting fish in fish aquariums.
- Shop Mode Update: Fixes problems caused by the font and updates the In Game Store to the latest EA Webkit version.
Before installing an Update for The Sims 3, an Expansion Pack, or a Stuff Pack, it is a good idea to run through the following checklist to ensure your game continues to work smoothly.
If you have any questions about the below steps, please visit the Technical Support forum on the official Sims 3 community found at this URL: http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/forums/show/10.page
Step 1: Disable Custom Content
Custom Content is all Sims content that did not come from an official The Sims 3 Update, The Sims 3 Store, Expansion Pack, or Stuff Pack. Custom Content is created by 3rd Party Developers that are not regulated by Electronic Arts or The Sims 3 Development Team and may not work with new updates. Custom Content may cause the game to behave unexpectedly or not function entirely.
To disable your custom content, undo whatever you did to install this content to get your game back into an unmodified state. If you placed it in a Sims 3 directory folder, move it to a new folder that is outside your Sims 3 file directory. Your Sims 3 file directory can be found using the paths listed below:
- Windows File Directory: C:\Documents and Settings\USER\My Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3
- Mac File Directory: User/Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims/
Once you have installed the official update you may re-enable your custom content. If you experience problems, disable it again until the 3rd party developer updates their content to work with the official Update, Expansion Pack, or Stuff Pack.
Step 2: Back Up your Save Files
It’s always a good precaution to back up your save files before installing an Expansion Pack, Update, or Stuff Pack. To do this, copy the “.sims3” folders found in the Saves folder onto your desktop or another file directory.
Your Sims 3 Saves folder can be found using the paths listed below:
- Windows File Directory: C:\Documents and Settings\USER\My Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Saves
- Mac File Directory: User/Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims/Saves
After the Update is installed, run the game to verify your saves still function correctly.
Step 3: Let the Update Complete Entirely
Updates can sometimes be rather large and may take a while to download and install completely. Cancelling the update before it has completed may cause unexpected problems, so it is always best to let it finish entirely. Do not close the Launcher until you have confirmed the update is completely installed, as this will cancel the update.
23 Mar 2010 - 22:20
To install this update, please start your game and use the “Updates” tab in your Launcher.
This game update includes:
- Base Game: Fixes an issue where Sims continuously perform the "Be Invited Inside" interaction on other Sims’ lots.
- Base Game: Fixes an issue that causes Sims to get stuck in the “Grab a Slice” interaction on pizza.
- World Adventures: Fixes an issue that causes the game to freeze when attempting to save a household on a base camp.
- High End Loft Stuff: Fixes an issue where the family inventory loses functionality after using the Create a Style tool on an object.
- High End Loft Stuff: Fixes an issue that prevents the fulfillment of the “Buy a Video Game System” wish when buying the “GUGA JoyToy 3” and “Console 7” video game systems.
- High End Loft Stuff: Fixes and issue that prevents the “Presenting the Perfect Private Aquarium” Life Time Wish from counting fish in fish aquariums.
- Shop Mode Update: Fixes problems caused by the font and updates the In Game Store to the latest EA Webkit version.
Before installing an Update for The Sims 3, an Expansion Pack, or a Stuff Pack, it is a good idea to run through the following checklist to ensure your game continues to work smoothly.
If you have any questions about the below steps, please visit the Technical Support forum on the official Sims 3 community found at this URL: http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/forums/show/10.page
Step 1: Disable Custom Content
Custom Content is all Sims content that did not come from an official The Sims 3 Update, The Sims 3 Store, Expansion Pack, or Stuff Pack. Custom Content is created by 3rd Party Developers that are not regulated by Electronic Arts or The Sims 3 Development Team and may not work with new updates. Custom Content may cause the game to behave unexpectedly or not function entirely.
To disable your custom content, undo whatever you did to install this content to get your game back into an unmodified state. If you placed it in a Sims 3 directory folder, move it to a new folder that is outside your Sims 3 file directory. Your Sims 3 file directory can be found using the paths listed below:
- Windows File Directory: C:\Documents and Settings\USER\My Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3
- Mac File Directory: User/Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims/
Once you have installed the official update you may re-enable your custom content. If you experience problems, disable it again until the 3rd party developer updates their content to work with the official Update, Expansion Pack, or Stuff Pack.
Step 2: Back Up your Save Files
It’s always a good precaution to back up your save files before installing an Expansion Pack, Update, or Stuff Pack. To do this, copy the “.sims3” folders found in the Saves folder onto your desktop or another file directory.
Your Sims 3 Saves folder can be found using the paths listed below:
- Windows File Directory: C:\Documents and Settings\USER\My Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Saves
- Mac File Directory: User/Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims/Saves
After the Update is installed, run the game to verify your saves still function correctly.
Step 3: Let the Update Complete Entirely
Updates can sometimes be rather large and may take a while to download and install completely. Cancelling the update before it has completed may cause unexpected problems, so it is always best to let it finish entirely. Do not close the Launcher until you have confirmed the update is completely installed, as this will cancel the update.
23 Mar 2010 - 22:20
To install this update, please start your game and use the “Updates” tab in your Launcher.
This game update includes:
- Base Game: Fixes an issue where Sims continuously perform the "Be Invited Inside" interaction on other Sims’ lots.
- Base Game: Fixes an issue that causes Sims to get stuck in the “Grab a Slice” interaction on pizza.
- World Adventures: Fixes an issue that causes the game to freeze when attempting to save a household on a base camp.
- High End Loft Stuff: Fixes an issue where the family inventory loses functionality after using the Create a Style tool on an object.
- High End Loft Stuff: Fixes an issue that prevents the fulfillment of the “Buy a Video Game System” wish when buying the “GUGA JoyToy 3” and “Console 7” video game systems.
- High End Loft Stuff: Fixes and issue that prevents the “Presenting the Perfect Private Aquarium” Life Time Wish from counting fish in fish aquariums.
- Shop Mode Update: Fixes problems caused by the font and updates the In Game Store to the latest EA Webkit version.
Before installing an Update for The Sims 3, an Expansion Pack, or a Stuff Pack, it is a good idea to run through the following checklist to ensure your game continues to work smoothly.
If you have any questions about the below steps, please visit the Technical Support forum on the official Sims 3 community found at this URL: http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/forums/show/10.page
Step 1: Disable Custom Content
Custom Content is all Sims content that did not come from an official The Sims 3 Update, The Sims 3 Store, Expansion Pack, or Stuff Pack. Custom Content is created by 3rd Party Developers that are not regulated by Electronic Arts or The Sims 3 Development Team and may not work with new updates. Custom Content may cause the game to behave unexpectedly or not function entirely.
To disable your custom content, undo whatever you did to install this content to get your game back into an unmodified state. If you placed it in a Sims 3 directory folder, move it to a new folder that is outside your Sims 3 file directory. Your Sims 3 file directory can be found using the paths listed below:
- Windows File Directory: C:\Documents and Settings\USER\My Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3
- Mac File Directory: User/Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims/
Once you have installed the official update you may re-enable your custom content. If you experience problems, disable it again until the 3rd party developer updates their content to work with the official Update, Expansion Pack, or Stuff Pack.
Step 2: Back Up your Save Files
It’s always a good precaution to back up your save files before installing an Expansion Pack, Update, or Stuff Pack. To do this, copy the “.sims3” folders found in the Saves folder onto your desktop or another file directory.
Your Sims 3 Saves folder can be found using the paths listed below:
- Windows File Directory: C:\Documents and Settings\USER\My Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Saves
- Mac File Directory: User/Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims/Saves
After the Update is installed, run the game to verify your saves still function correctly.
Step 3: Let the Update Complete Entirely
Updates can sometimes be rather large and may take a while to download and install completely. Cancelling the update before it has completed may cause unexpected problems, so it is always best to let it finish entirely. Do not close the Launcher until you have confirmed the update is completely installed, as this will cancel the update.
23 Mar 2010 - 22:10
To install this update, please start your game and use the “Updates” tab in your Launcher.
This game update includes:
- Create a World - Updating compatibility version of Create a World Tool – Beta to be compatible with The Sims 3 to ensure it continues to function with in-game features and the Exchange.
23 Mar 2010 - 22:00
Love playing The Sims 3 but need a little challenge for your game? Try The Legacy Challenge! Check out the rules and guidelines written by a fellow Simmer.
We wish all of you the best of luck in your Legacies!
17 Mar 2010 - 22:00
We interviewed one of the community's top creators - ruthless_kk. This versatile creator is often known for her fairytale-like cottages and Victorian homes. See what she has to say about her building style, challenging lots, and more!
Community Spotlight Interview: ruthless_kk
Have you downloaded a Victorian-style lot from the Exchange? Chances are it was built by one of the community's top creator, ruthless_kk. She's been one of the community's top builders since The Sims 2 and we're happy to see her talents carry over to The Sims 3! Between building fairytale-like cottages and experimenting with Create a World, ruthless_kk was awesome enough to spare a few moments with us in a Community Highlight interview:
How long have you been playing The Sims games?
I have been playing since Sims 2, I think when I started Nightlife, Uni and OFB were all released. I purchased just Sims 2 to see if we would like it.(lol!) and after a week of my daughters and I being totally involved with the game, we went and bought all the EPs that were out.
What got you into building?
I would have started with Sims a lot sooner if I had known I could build! I enjoy architecture and I always loved to build as a kid - Legos, Lincoln Logs, blocks, you name it. Sims just takes it to a whole other level.
We notice many of your lots are Victorian/cottage style - what inspires you to build in these styles?
I guess part of the appeal is the cute factor. I, personally, like houses that are attractive and cute. Moderns can be very dramatic and stylish, but you don't look at them and say "that's adorable!" The other appeal is the storybook quality...I was into fairytales as a child and I am drawn to that aesthetic.
Is there a style of building you have yet to try that you would like to try?
At some point, I think I have tried them all, and will continue to do so. I don't want to limit myself in any way. It just depends on whether or not I have a good idea, regardless of the style.
What was the most challenging lot you have built?
Since you say "lot" I won't mention my custom world. That was definitely the MOST challenging! As far as lots go, there are a few Victorians that have given me a hard time because I could not get the shape right or I could not easily find a color scheme I liked. The Row House Apartments have to be close to the top of the list. Getting the right balance on the exterior in both shape and color had me pulling out my hair until I hit the right combination.
Do you collaborate with any other builders?
I am a member of several building groups, such as The Flip Team, Builders Boulevard, and Neighborly Sims and we all help each other with works in progress...providing suggestions and ideas. It is wonderful to have a supportive group to bounce ideas off of! I have yet to actually "share" a build with someone at this point.
How much of your time do you spend building Lots compared to playing the rest of the game?
It used to be 50/50...but to be honest, these days I think most of my time is spent building and the "playing" I do is play testing to make sure a lot works correctly. I think it's crucial as a builder to actually play the game, though. That way I know what works and what doesn't, what Sims need to be happy, what makes a lot more player friendly. Playability is very important to me.
What's next on your plate? What are you planning to build next?
There is no telling! It just depends on when the light bulb goes off. I do have plans for another tutorial on interiors and I am also kicking around an idea for a medieval based custom world.
What new items did you enjoy with The Sims 3 World Adventures Expansion Pack, when it comes to building?
For building, the plants and landscaping items are my favorites, hands down - followed very closely by colorable stairs and fences. WA added tons of gorgeous trees and bushes, so many more options to play around with! Oh and the basement tool too - can't forget that. WA was very builder friendly, it gave us lots of new things to use.
What was the highlight of your Simming experience?
The Simposium was an amazing experience! I never thought I would ever get to do something like that. I particularly enjoyed meeting other simmers that I knew from the community....everyone was so nice. It was great to be in an environment where everyone was so enthusiastic about The Sims. It was also my first time to visit San Francisco, and I was in Victorian heaven!
Do you have a gaming ritual that you must perform before sitting down to play The Sims 3 (can be a ritual for Lot building as well) i.e. get into comfy slippers and blanket, handy snack nearby, crank up some tunes.
I must have a Diet Coke within reach at all times...and my house has to be clean. I am a bit of a neat freak, so I can't relax and enjoy the Sims unless I have things in order.
Thank you so much, ruthless_kk, for taking part in this interview! We look forward to seeing your new creations! Want to download her creations? Head over to her studio in her My Page!
11 Mar 2010 - 22:00
Welcome to
Sunset ValleyBlooperville!
The amazing part of a Sims Developer’s job that keeps us coming back to work day after day is the sheer number of hilarious and unexpected moments that occur in our game, typically as the result of portions of the game that are “works in progress.”Just like any movie, television show, or heck, typo filled IM conversation, we’ve got bloopers piled a mile high. The simple truth is that any video game is incredibly complex. The formula is quite simple:
100 People X Animation X Sound X Engineering X Modeling X FX X Design X Sims = Chaos!
I don’t recommend you use that formula in a paper for school.
Some bloopers are simply from text. For example, Townies and Sims created by Story Progression get their names from a huge pool of names. These names come from members of the development team, famous people we like to reference, and in some cases, old census data from the United States circa 1901. Don’t ask! These leads to hilarious names, such as your friendly neighborhood pizza guy “Torgo Pendragon” or a lovely baby named “Charity Slaughter.”
Cars also lead to some of our most amazing bloopers. They are incredibly complex objects that involve pretty much every development discipline and every level of difficulty. For a while, once Sims entered their cars they never left them, so in a sense the Sims BECAME their cars. Just imagine the possibilities: Sims playing chess in the park…as cars. Sims going home for dinner…as cars. Sims fishing at the beach…as cars?
How about a night on the town? Just you, a limo, and your favorite duck.
Death is another favorite of ours. The engineer who does the programming death has been doing so since The Sims 1 – it’s more or less “his baby.” We always try to implement Death so that he has a slight bit of randomness, but this often leads to the unexpected. New for The Sims 3? Death protesting! Can you blame him though? Nuclear power is dangerous. Though I imagine it’s only good for his personal business…
Animation bugs are also high on the list of hilarious. Our Sim rigs can be quite complicated. This is only made more complex by the fact that Sims can do so many things and often times in many different ways. Why is this funny?
Well, how about a Sim taking out the trash becomes a Sim doing break dancing?
Or the always hilarious Sims throwing a toddler?
It’s important to note that no toddlers were harmed in the production of The Sims 3!
Graphics and rendering bloopers don’t always result in awesome hilarity, though sometimes we’re pleasantly surprised. I’m a native of Texas so it’s hard not to be familiar with the gigantic waving Texan at the State Fair Grounds in Dallas. Or, his distant cousin in an early version of The Sims 3.
That is actually my Sim’s shadow! But wait, there’s always more!
Oh hey there! I didn’t see you there FLOATING SET OF EYEBALLS.
Stay tuned for more Blogs from The Sims 3 Development team! Until next time, have a good time Simming!
grant (aka SimGuruWalrus)
4 Mar 2010 - 22:10
Widen your Sim’s horizons with a bunch of killer new career opportunities. With The Sims™ 3 Ambitions, decide whether your Sim will be the brave town hero or cause loads of mischief among their neighbors. Make your Sim save the day as a brave firefighter, change the town as a leading architect, or live on the edge as a tattoo artist. Will your Sim find success as a billionaire high-tech inventor or eke out a living as a bumbling mad scientist? Will they uncover secrets as a private investigator by dusting for prints or roughing up a suspect for information? Their future is entirely in your hands!
FEATURES
- For the first time ever, you control your Sim’s actions and interactions while they’re on the job.
- Be a hero or mess with the neighbors as a firefighter, private investigator, doctor, ghost hunter, and more!
- Choose how your Sim’s career progresses—will they work for good or evil, pursue creative endeavors, rise to success as a mogul, or shirk responsibility as a slacker?
- Your Sim’s on-the-job choices now change their town and affect other Sims as well. Modify the town’s structure as an architect or set neighborhood fashions as a stylist.
- Enjoy all-new skills and activities! Master the arts of inventing, sculpting, and tattooing, and use your skills to earn Simoleons.
ESRB RATING PENDING—May contain content inappropriate for children. Visit www.esrb.org for rating information.
4 Mar 2010 - 22:10
Widen your Sim’s horizons with a bunch of killer new career opportunities. With The Sims™ 3 Ambitions, decide whether your Sim will be the brave town hero or cause loads of mischief among their neighbors. Make your Sim save the day as a brave firefighter, change the town as a leading architect, or live on the edge as a tattoo artist. Will your Sim find success as a billionaire high-tech inventor or eke out a living as a bumbling mad scientist? Will they uncover secrets as a private investigator by dusting for prints or roughing up a suspect for information? Their future is entirely in your hands!
FEATURES
- For the first time ever, you control your Sim’s actions and interactions while they’re on the job.
- Be a hero or mess with the neighbors as a firefighter, private investigator, doctor, ghost hunter, and more!
- Choose how your Sim’s career progresses—will they work for good or evil, pursue creative endeavors, rise to success as a mogul, or shirk responsibility as a slacker?
- Your Sim’s on-the-job choices now change their town and affect other Sims as well. Modify the town’s structure as an architect or set neighborhood fashions as a stylist.
- Enjoy all-new skills and activities! Master the arts of inventing, sculpting, and tattooing, and use your skills to earn Simoleons.
ESRB RATING PENDING—May contain content inappropriate for children. Visit www.esrb.org for rating information.