The first episode of The Strangerhood is now available for your viewing pleasure.
News
18 Oct 2004 - 23:10
18 Oct 2004 - 23:00
IGN.com interviews the creators of The Strangerhood. Find out some of the tricks to how they make their movies and more.
The Strangerhood
Stranger than fiction? Rooster Teeth's Matt Hullum talks about turning The Sims 2 into an comedy series.
If someone had told me that Halo and it's multicolored crew could be used as a backdrop for fun and frolicking animation series with the occasional taste of death and mayhem, I would have laughed in their stupid face and called them Silly Billy. But I suppose that's why I'm writing about video games with no hope of salvation. The series, Red vs. Blue, is basically about two sides of a civil war fighting over a dry creek bed (the Halo multiplayer map Blood Gulch) for a reason that no one can seem to figure out, including pretty much anyone that has played the game. If you're a fan of Halo at all, you really owe it to yourself to check it out.
In any case, the same guys at Rooster Teeth have begun creating a series based off of the recently released The Sims 2, which lends itself wonderfully to that same kind of humor. It also allows for more emotion than was ever possible for a bunch of characters that never wash or take off their helmets. Having and failed miserably in an attempt to create a movie out of The Sims 2 myself, I have to hand it to these guys for being able to make everything work the way they wish. Their first episode introduces the characters and the very Simsish situation they find themselves in.
When EA approached us with the opportunity to talk to these guys about their process and what we can look forward to seeing with their series entitled The Strangerhood, we figured "why the hell not?" So we got on the phone and talked to Matt Hullum, one of the two ugliest members of the original trio that began the long and emotionally draining story of stupidity, love, Internet sites, and Warthogs that rocketed them from obscurity to Internet-quasi-semistardom. It seems that they enjoy making movies using The Sims 2. Hopefully this means I will soon have more things to distract me from all of my "work."
IGNPC: So I guess the first question should probably be where did you get the name Rooster Teeth?
Matt Hullum: I guess you aren't a fan of Red vs. Blue?
IGNPC: No, I actually have watched almost all of them, I guess I'm just a big idiot.
Matt Hullum: Okay, well... Rooster Teeth is basiclly a euphamism for the bad language that we have in the show that caught on. In one of the early episodes, Church called somebody a *#$% biter. For some reason that just really caught on so we named the company Rooster Teeth since we didn't think parents would wanna write checks to Cock Bite productions.
IGNPC: So how's it different doing movies for Sims 2 as opposed to Halo?
Matt Hullum: It's radically different and very enjoyable but it required us to completely change our mindset on the animations. Using Halo is kind of like puppeteering where the characters we're manipulating don't really have any thoughts or AI that drives them, they just kinda do whatever they want but at the same time, they're expresionless. With the Sims it's fascinating and different in that it's almost like working with real actors. The way it works in the game is that everyone has basic needs so you have to learn to manipulate and adjust those needs in order to get those characters to do what you want in the shot you're trying to create.
IGNPC: Okay, so it's almost like you have to trick them into doing what you want?
Matt Hullum: Yeah! Bernie [Burns] and I both come from a more traditional film making background and we were talking about it one day and how it's a lot like working with inexperienced young actors. You try and get them to embrace method acting techniques saying stuff like, "You have to be mad in this scene so I want you to think about something that really made you upset," and if that doesn't work, then you start trying to make them upset. You start calling them names or tell them they're doing a terrible job.
IGNPC: Yeah, like torturing kids!
Matt Hullum: You have to do the same thing in The Sims 2. When a character wont get mad enough or whatever emotion it is you're trying to acheive, well then you gotta go in there and manipulate their needs. Push them around and make them do stuff that you wouldn't normally do if you were just playing the game. It's really demented, but it's also a lot of fun.
IGNPC: Yeah, I like sticking my Sims in cages, so I know what you mean. So do you think it's more rewarding in that aspect then?
Matt Hullum: It's really rewarding when you try for a long time to get a shot and are finally able to achieve it. It's almost like you work with these characters for so long that when you finally get them to do what it is you want them to do - and I'm talking about something very specific like a facial expression combined with a specific body posture combined with a movement - it's like ah ha! I've brought you around to my way of thinking! It's almost like you're in the game and are working with a personality. But then you have to step back for a minute and realize that this is just a game and think the only person I've managed to fool here is myself. It's really rewarding and fun when you get to that point.
IGNPC: Are the emotions and other types of things something that you can figure out a formula to make happen again and again?
Matt Hullum: You can to a certain extent. Every situation changes depending on who the scene is taking place between. When you're playing the game you get their relationships up to different levels. When they're at different levels like 100% friends or in love with each other, they'll act differently between each other much differently than those that don't like each other very much. You really have to keep that in mind when you're setting up or writing a scene. We realized that after we wrote the first couple episodes that we needed to start taking it from the perspecitve that it's more like a reality series.
You can manipulate them to a certain extent but you're really going to take advantage of what they're doing and take into account where their relationships are.
IGNPC: So does that mean that you guys are just letting the relationships run and see where they go?
Matt Hullum: We do try to build up, modify and alter their relationships but again, that is the game and the point of the game is to do that. It takes a lot of time to do that and we work on a tight schedule so we don't have the luxury or playing the game endless hours to get them into that perfect place, but we're able to get some people into some positions and some into others fairly quickly and then we look at what we have and talk about what we can do from where we are now. We get a lot of ideas that the game generates for us in a way. The same can be said for the relationships and the skill levels and what they're good at doing. Some characters can't go cooking without setting the kitchen on fire. Those kinds of things can be interesting to watch so we pick up on those details and incorporate them into the storyline.
IGNPC: So you're taking the same approach as Red vs. Blue by making fun of the situation that these guys are in?
Matt Hullum: I think that everybody has that experience when they play The Sims for the first time. You make these characters and drop them into a scenario and when they get in there they're all bumbling around there. They don't know how to cook or play chess and don't know who all the other people are. We did want to play off of that kind of situation. As the series progresses we're planning to do more of those types of jokes as well like we did with Halo and Red vs. Blue. We draw on elements that are in the game but may not be specific to the storyline of the game so we can use it to create a fresh approach to looking at it. A lot of people responded to Red vs. Blue because they would watch it and say "I thought the same thing! Why did they call it the Warthog?" and then we just play of those kinds of details. We'll definitely be doing the same types of things.
IGNPC: There's inevitably going to be some expansions so do you have plans to incorporate these things?
Matt Hullum: Oh yeah absolutely! That's the fun of doing this series in particular. We don't ahve any insider information about what the expansion packs are going to be, but we know from the history of the game that they do really cool stuff so there's going to be a bunch of fun stuff to throw in there. And we're trying to think ahead and plan so that if EA comes up with a really cool off the wall idea for an expansion pack we can decide what direction we want to take the show to incorporate these things. We've set up an interesting framework, and I don't want to give up too much about the plot, but I think the way the characters discover the situation they're in will allow for a lot of fun with a lot of differnet types of scenarios that could come up with expansion packs and the other weird stuff that people find fun and wacky in the game.
IGNPC: Awesome, thanks Matt. It'll be fun to see where you take these guys over the season.
14 Oct 2004 - 23:20
EA heeft haar Sims-familie gevonden! De familie zal gedurende vier dagen onderdak vinden in het Glazen Sims Huis, dat van 20 tot en met 24 oktober in de wijk Leidsche Rijn te Utrecht staat.
Nadat Electronic Arts talloze inzendingen heeft bekeken, is de ideale familie gevonden voor het Glazen Sims Huis. De familie bestaat uit vier leden; twee ouders en twee jongens van 15 en 17 jaar oud. Normaal gesproken woont de familie in de Meern, maar wisselen gedurende vier dagen hun luxe en privacy in om tijdelijk als levende Sims te wonen.
“Vooral omdat onze jongens bekend zijn met het spel, leek het ons een unieke ervaring en een leuke uitdaging om in het Glazen Sims Huis te wonen”, aldus de familie.
In het spel De Sims 2 voeren je Sims-personages allerlei opdrachten uit om vrolijker, populairder, rijker en slimmer te worden. Tijdens het verblijf in het Glazen Sims Huis zal de familie ook opdrachten krijgen. Deze opdrachten worden o.a verzonnen door de sims community en bezoekers van de pagina van het glazen huis.
Natuurlijk zullen de opdrachten eerst gescreened worden door Electronic Arts. Bezoekers kunnen via webcams op het internet kijken of de opdrachten ook worden uitgevoerd… Maar de bezoekers van de site kunnen ook zelf even langs het Glazen Sims Huis komen om te zien of de familie zich goed aan de opdrachten houdt.
14 Oct 2004 - 23:10
Inflatable, illuminated Scaredy cats, Goblin Cauldrons and Jack-O-Lanterns! Download them through your in-game browser or by trick-or-treating in our exchange.
13 Oct 2004 - 23:00
Inflatable, illuminated Scaredy cats, Goblin Cauldrons and Jack-O-Lanterns! These objects are coming soon to The Sims 2, but GameSpy's got the screenshots now.
Sims 2 Halloween Downloads Coming Thursday
By Dave Kosak
How will the Sims celebrate Halloween? With a little bit o' kitsch
Our secret Sims bureau chief reports that EA will be releasing some new Sims 2 downloads on Thursday October 14th. Accessible from the in-game browser, the new items should help your Sims get into the Halloween spirit.
Included in the pack are those giant inflatable Halloween yard decorations that are all the rage nowadays: A giant pumpkin, an inflatable black cat, and a bunch of monsters popping out of a cauldron. The decorations are not only animated -- they glow in the dark when the sun goes down.
The Sims in the screens shown here don't seem to know what to make of 'em. Looking for costumes? We've found everything from General Grant to Wonder Woman on the Sims 2 Website, which has led to some, uh, pretty wild parties. Here's some pics of the upcoming downloads (click for scary close-ups!):
8 Oct 2004 - 23:00
Electronic Arts gaat binnenkort een wel heel apart huis bouwen... Het betreft hier namelijk een Glazen Sims Huis!
In het huis zal gedurende vier dagen een familie komen wonen. Iedereen zal ter plaatse door de glazen muren of via het internet via de webcams het wel en wee van de familie kunnen volgen ...en ook een beetje sturen.
en wie kunnen die mensen nu beter sturen dan.... echte Sims Fans!
Daarom hebben we een hele leuke opdracht voor jullie.. Je leest er meer over in het forum onder het topic 'Glazen Sims Huis'
7 Oct 2004 - 23:00
PGNX.net and Gamers-Depot.com review The Sims 2 and give it a 9.4/10 and a 4 out of 5 respectivly. "The game is addictive. It allows you a chance to play out an enormous amount of "what ifs" that could apply to you own life. This is a marvelous hook."
PGNx Media | The Sims 2 Review
by Jose Liz
EA Games releases the sequel to the most successful PC game. Ever. EA Games and Maxis’ The Sims and its seven or so expansions were all phenomenal success stories for EA since the first game’s release in 2000. How exactly do you follow up a game that popular? You add more “stuff” and give it better graphics. In a nutshell, that is The Sims 2, a game that allows fans to continue living virtual lives while improving the core game just enough to warrant the “2” in the title and still allow for future expansion packs.
In this sequel, the focus is still on leading the lives of your many sims. You begin by creating a customizable character. You can edit the character’s facial attributes, hair style (and color!), as well as clothing for different occasions. The game also lets you choose the skin color and eye color to further customize the character’s appearance. You’ll also have a hand at building their personality since you can specify the horoscope and characteristics like playfulness, outgoingness, neatness and niceness.
Once you’re comfortable with the one you made, you can choose to create another or move on to the neighborhood. The game allows you to enter a pre-made house or you can choose to build one on your own. That’s where the fun begins as you’re able to construct a massive, four-story house and populate it with much furniture and other decorations. The game also allows you to design the whole neighborhood to your liking; meaning that you can add parks, additional houses, etcetera to the neighborhood, should you wish to do so. Although there are many options, The Sims 2 allows you to choose how in-depth you want to be in creating your virtual world, which explains why it is so popular with hardcore and casual gamers alike.
While giving “birth” to characters and building neighborhoods is great fun, the main activity in the game is controlling your sims through their virtual lives. Much like the rest of the game, you can sit back and watch the sims go through their day. You’ll notice that the adults go to work, and the children go to school, and they’ll generally interact with each other. They also seem more adept at keeping themselves happy so you don’t need to be constantly telling them to do this or do that. Thanks to the game’s screenshot- and video-capturing utility, you can even choose to watch them live by themselves and relive these oft-humorous moments later on.
The Sims was great fun for many but was continually criticized for being too open-ended. After all, the game had no defined goals… what kind of game has no defined goals? The folks at Maxis have addressed this by making you feel like the game actually progresses. For starters, sims age in the game and can die, even without the strange activities players did in the first game (like telling the sims to swim and remove all the handles to get out of the pool). As your sim ages, it begins to remember fond memories like childbirth in the family or marriage. Hopefully, before the sim passes away it will have children and conceivably those children will have children. Another major addition to the formula is the addition of genetics. Your sims pass their genetic makeup to their offspring, effectively allowing for generations upon generations of your created family. The illusion of family is furthered by occasional visits from children and grandchildren.
Moreover, there are actual goals for your sims. You are now more involved in your sims’ careers and you’ll need to make periodic decisions regarding them which affect the outcome. More importantly, each sim has aspirations, which they’ll want to accomplish, and fears. You can choose to make your sim have a romantic aspiration, or a more financial-oriented one or perhaps just to be popular. Along the way, you’ll to accomplish a couple of defined goals which fill your aspiration meter. The sims also have fears which drain the aspiration meter and can even force your sim into a state of hysteria.
The addition of aging, the passing of genetics and the aspiration system allows players to be more involved in a sim’s life, which is certainly great news. It also keeps the game fresh since you’ll be less likely to get bored when you know that planning the perfect party is only a few more minutes of gameplay away.
The most apparent change can be found in the visuals. The Sims 2 looks pretty great all in all. The engine is completely different from the first game, and allows for many characters on-screen, much more detailed environments and a fully controllable camera system. The sims’ models are much improved and allow for all the customizing I mentioned above, and as always, the animation is spot-on and very impressive.
The game’s background music is solid and certainty fitting with the zany world of the Sims. The numerous sound effects are equally suitable. The audio’s highlight, though, is definitely The Sims 2’s spoken language – Simlish – which while not real is able to showcase a variety of emotions and carry on many conversations.
All in all, while The Sims 2 is no longer a game about “nothing,” its “something” is deep enough, varied enough, interesting enough and most importantly fun enough to justify its purchase for just about everyone from soccer moms to first person shooter addicts. There is so much to do, and the game offers nearly infinite replay value especially when you add in the sure-to-be-strong community into the mix.
GamersDepot | The Sims 2 Review
Sims 2 is the kind of game that makes is its own genre. There really isn’t anything else much like it. Sims 2 provides you a chance to create people with an incredible amount of detail and run their lives as you see fit.
I never played Sims before. I never quite understood the appeal of a game where you micromanage virtual people’s lives. It was an idea that didn’t compute with my ideas of a fun game. There was no bullets, bombs, swords or steering wheels to make this game appeal to me. I have a hard enough time navigating life for myself, let alone trying to herd a virtual person on to a life of happiness and success by reaching goals. It seemed tantamount to playing with dolls.
But steering a man with a gun through a secret military research base, haunted space station or through jungles on tropical islands could also be seen as playing with dolls. These versions are more G.I. Joe than Barbie, but the concept of directing a virtual person into and out of trouble is pretty much the same basic idea.
Sims 2 is more Barbie and Ken. In this game you decide on what the person looks like, their desires and how they reach their goals, aspirations and dreams. Instead of choosing which large caliber firearm to destroy the enemy with, in Sims 2 you are building a home they way you want with the furnishings that will make your virtual person happy. Instead of improving skills in stealth, knife throwing and garrote use, you are working towards cooking, cleaning and maybe creative skills. The amount of decisions in Sims 2 is far beyond any first-person shooter game. There is a lot more to running a person’s life when they want to get married, have children and settle into a larger home than when they want to survive the horde of demons on the space station. Blowing holes in mutants takes very few decisions that are more along the line of pick weapon, loading said weapon and pulling the trigger on said weapon until the enemy resembles Swiss cheese dipped in ketchup and shaken off vigorously. There in lies the fun of Sims 2.
Sims 2’s appeal can be summed up best by brownie Franjean in the 1988 movie “Willow” when he said, “You are mine to toy with.”
It is unbelievable how open the story line is in Sims 2. You can create a child and run him or her through to the end of their life. You make the decisions on who they date, where they work, when they clean the house, eat, use the computer, read the newspaper, watch television, take a shower, sit in the hot tub, propose engagement, marry and have children. There are more options in Sims 2 than first appears. It is a game that could be played forever with generations stemming from your first character’s DNA.
Starting the game is perhaps the most frustrating part of it. The program is a resources pig and wallows on its way to running. Once it is loaded, there are the carefully obscured menus to create your own Sims characters. If I took time to read the manual this would probably have been a better experience, but I was too excited to jump in and play rather than read. The tutorial is wonderful in getting a person used to the controls and options in playing, but it falls short on character creation, saving games and reloading them. There is a trick to loading saved characters. You can start a game with one of the pre-made characters, such as the Goth family, by selecting a house with a name or description over it in one of three communities offered at the start menu. Or you create your own. When you are done with a game session and wish to quit for a shower, sleep or that pesky job, you can easily save the game. Loading it is another trick altogether. Instead of a “load” option, you start the game again and go back to the community you were playing in and select the same character at the same house. At first I thought maybe this would have me starting over but I lucked out. Another bone of contention with the save and loading options is that it is too easy for another player to start running your characters. This game is very appealing to wives and girlfriends and I am sure the last thing you want to find is that your male character is now dating another man after you spent weeks courting one of the hot ladies sprinkled liberally throughout the game.
Once you get a character the game starts to seep into your system as you now have choices to make. First you could decide to buy a new house and fill it with possessions or remodel the one you start with, then again you could leave it alone and start focusing on the character. You can start building skills to get a better job, keeping the house clean, feeding your pet character, interacting with family, friends or try to get some serous whoopee in the hot tub. The choices are pretty much endless. There are a serious of gauges to tell you what the character needs and if you do nothing, they will go about satisfying their needs and very slowly working towards their dreams. It is when you intervene that it becomes interesting and the fun starts to take over. The game is a fascinating time management puzzle. Ever decision you make takes time. You can stack decisions but if you take to long to answer the door, your date leaves. Maybe you ignore the plate on the table to watch television or hot tub with a neighbor. You will find it later to have a nice green mist rising off of it with complimentary flies. Sure, it’s funny and resembles any dorm room but it causes other problems for the character that might not be so funny. A lady left a character’s home because it was too filthy. Cleaning a home can also keep a character happy if they are more of a neat freak than slob. Every decision will have an impact so choose carefully to reach your goals.
Characters have dreams and fears to contend with. This can be pretty interesting as dreams change daily or when you have completed a dream. Maybe the dream was to kiss another character, get married, find a new job, gain skills or as Lothario likes, maybe you need to sleep with someone. The dreams are based on the aspirations set about for characters. When making a character you can choose what they ultimately want in life, money, popularity, family, knowledge, etc. This helps guide what your character dreams. It is up to you to direct this character through their life to reach their dreams and aspirations. Then, if they had children you can play the children through their life and then on to the grand children. Fears come into play when you need to confront one to accomplish a goal. It can be a real problem and offers a nice challenge. Some fears are played out during random disasters, such as when the kitchen appliance catches fire or a burglar rips you off. Disasters happen in Sims 2 and it is up to you to navigate your character around them.
These are some of the new features for the Sims game line. Characters growing old, sharing DNA to have children, dreams, aspirations and fears are all part of the game. Some additional features added were the expanded character creation abilities and a new method for taking in game pictures and video to make a movie of your character’s life. The limit of creativity is expanded far beyond what was available in the previous version, even if you bought the eight million expansions. The graphics and sound have improved since the original was released in 2000. It is pretty. The moving camera and zoom features provides plenty of detail regardless of which character is doing what where ever it might be in the house.
Graphics have improved but it still leaves a very “Twilight Zone” feel to it. You need to keep up on the garden, pick up the paper and meet people outside of your character’s house. The odd part is you have no neighbors. At least there are no neighbors that you can see from your front yard. They will walk by and stop to talk to you when you are out there, but their house is like Wonder Woman’s jet. Invisible. This is a bit of a disappointment. It would have been nice to see how your character’s home fits in with the neighborhood. You are also restricted from leaving your yard. Your characters will go to school or work by car pool, bus, limo and even a helicopter if you work it right. But, you cannot take your character for a walk down the street or to the nearby 7-11 for some tasty nachos. Even with this “life in a fishbowl” feeling, there is still plenty to do in the game.
The game is definitely not for the avid Doom 3 freak nor is it for children. The concepts in Sims 2 are pretty encompassing thoughts about life and how we cope with the issues facing everyone at one point or another. The game is rated “T” for teens due to the ability of characters to have sex. Nothing graphic, but the morals are completely up to the person playing. The sexy parts are covered up by digitized boxes when using the toilet or in the shower or hidden under the water in the hot tub. We are not talking Internet porn.
Without the hook of pulse pounding action, Sims 2 relies on the complexity of running another person’s life to provide the play within the game. At first the slow pace can be trying for action junkies, but after a short bit of time you find yourself playing just a little bit longer to finish that last task or to reach another goal. Pretty soon the sun has come up, your alarm clock is ringing and you need to shower before catching a ride to work. And I am not talking about your character this time. The game is addictive. It allows you a chance to play out an enormous amount of “what ifs” that could apply to you own life. This is a marvelous hook. It is sort of a Star Trek holodeck on your PC. Now there is an idea. Next time I will make a character bent on writing the perfect sci-fi television series or maybe writing the ultimate video game or I could become a doctor. No! This time I will become all knowing and discover the secrets of the aliens living in the desert. Oh wait, I could become a ghost hunter…the possibilities seem endless.
5 Oct 2004 - 23:00
Thank you to everyone that showed up for our chat event. If you couldn't make it the transcripts will posted in the chat area.
maxiskane (Oct 7, 2004 6:04:44 PM)
Hello and Welcome to The Sims 2 chat! Today we are pleased to announce that we have a room full of Maxoids who helped to create The Sims 2 here to chat with you. Please help me welcome Executive Producer Tim LeTourneau, Design Director David Patch, Producer Thomas Vu, Software Engineer Ray Mazza, Software Engineer Matt Goss, and Assistant Producer Jack Greaves.
MaxisDave (Oct 7, 2004 6:04:51 PM)
hello all
MaxisRay (Oct 7, 2004 6:05:20 PM)
Hey there
MaxisTim (Oct 7, 2004 6:06:02 PM)
Hi Folks
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 6:06:08 PM)
Hi Everyone
maxisjack (Oct 7, 2004 6:06:13 PM)
Hello Sims2 Fans!
SimGuyInVegas (Oct 7, 2004 6:06:51 PM)
Are there any Maxis employees still working there or did they all come to chat? lol
MaxisLucky (Oct 7, 2004 6:06:51 PM)
Nope we're all here today to chat with you!
dirppy (Oct 7, 2004 6:08:39 PM)
Love the game, I'm having very few problems. When can we expect an expansion?
MaxisTim (Oct 7, 2004 6:08:39 PM)
Haven't announced a date yet, but I'll let you guys know we're already at work on one
Thecallumus (Oct 7, 2004 6:09:08 PM)
Can you give us a clue about finding Bella Goth. Is she an NPC, do you need a certain requirement. And is her name still the same?
MaxisDave (Oct 7, 2004 6:09:08 PM)
check the balloon
chbbytskn (Oct 7, 2004 6:09:09 PM)
Do you know where Bella is? The guide book says she's a Townie in Strangetown, but I can't find her.
MaxisRay (Oct 7, 2004 6:09:09 PM)
She's there, but reclusive. We're planning on making it easier to find her with the patch.
nickcrabs (Oct 7, 2004 6:10:15 PM)
Why is Sims2 running so much smoother then the original? How you do that?
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 6:10:15 PM)
Lots of optimization from our team of talented engineers!
ddrultramix10 (Oct 7, 2004 6:10:23 PM)
There's a sim video on thesims2 where the camera goes directly through the house like a first person view through a sim, how was that done?
MaxisDave (Oct 7, 2004 6:10:24 PM)
in the lot...hit the "tab key" and that will put you in camera man mode. See the manual for all the keyboard controls
jojo (Oct 7, 2004 6:11:01 PM)
Hello I wanted to say YOU GUYS ROCK!!!!! I love this game. Can you tell us some tentaive ideas you may be having for expansion packs? PLEASE PLEASE Answer me.. Thanks
MaxisTim (Oct 7, 2004 6:11:01 PM)
Like I said we have announced when or what yet. But I think you guys can tell with the lifetime gameplay, we have a lot of ground we cover.
coonhound1974 (Oct 7, 2004 6:11:32 PM)
Can we expect more objects for the community lots in the coming future?
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 6:11:32 PM)
The team is always exploring ways to add more objects to different aspects of the game.
Guest (Oct 7, 2004 6:11:54 PM)
Do you guys know when the Sims 2 is going to come out for Macintosh.
MaxisTim (Oct 7, 2004 6:11:54 PM)
Don't have the exact release date, but it is definitely be worked on.
nickcrabs (Oct 7, 2004 6:11:55 PM)
Any chance of getting SERVO back?
MaxisDave (Oct 7, 2004 6:11:55 PM)
We have thought about it...but right now he's not in the plans.....so far.
Gem Windcaster (Oct 7, 2004 6:12:09 PM)
Hey MaxisLucky, now the game is out - do you feel people reacted as you anticipated, or was you surprised in any way? 
MaxisLucky (Oct 7, 2004 6:12:09 PM)
We've been really happy with the response to the game so far. You guys are finding some of the little cool details and making some amazing movies.
sla (Oct 7, 2004 6:12:09 PM)
Has anyone asked where is Bella yet? Plz give us a hint on what to do to find her! Fans can't wait!Thnx!
MaxisRay (Oct 7, 2004 6:12:09 PM)
I even have trouble finding her. We'll make it easier in a patch.
ddrultramix10 (Oct 7, 2004 6:12:25 PM)
How can a sim die? I know how, but in The Sims 2, are there any other ways a sim can die other than the original deaths in the first Sims? (Besides satellite).
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 6:12:25 PM)
Death by flies!
shurst2004 (Oct 7, 2004 6:12:57 PM)
The balloon? Do we have to use the little shooter from the "As if we need a website" game? 
MaxisLucky (Oct 7, 2004 6:12:57 PM)
LOL - you could try! Glad you find the little webgame!
dirppy (Oct 7, 2004 6:13:02 PM)
Any hint on how to get kidnapped by aliens?
MaxisTim (Oct 7, 2004 6:13:02 PM)
Telescope at night, from there it's random.
dawnspencer (Oct 7, 2004 6:13:20 PM)
Is it possible to have triplets, I've read people have?
MaxisMatt (Oct 7, 2004 6:13:20 PM)
Nope, twins are the limit. (Seriously, can you actually maintain *three* kids at the same time? )
sla (Oct 7, 2004 6:13:53 PM)
How many "hidden" interactions are there in the game? (meaning like th stel back gnome feature)
MaxisRay (Oct 7, 2004 6:13:53 PM)
There are a handful. The Prima guide is a good source. Did you know you can watch TV from a toilet?
shurst2004 (Oct 7, 2004 6:13:57 PM)
So Ray? How much will it cost me to get you to give us just ONE hint as to where Bella is? I've got cookies..................................
MaxisDave (Oct 7, 2004 6:13:57 PM)
again...check the balloon
DesStarFamilySim (Oct 7, 2004 6:13:59 PM)
Any idea when the patch will be released?
MaxisLucky (Oct 7, 2004 6:13:59 PM)
We don't have a date for the Patch yet and we are still gathering information about what will be included.
DeadEnding (Oct 7, 2004 6:14:04 PM)
Hi! I'm addicted to the game...But is there a specific way that you can have twins? And can you give us any hints on how to have twins much easier? I've had 20 pregnancies with different families and no twins as of yet..please help 
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 6:14:04 PM)
Keep on trying; it's not easy getting them. Certain foods may help.
poodlescoot2004 (Oct 7, 2004 6:14:31 PM)
wow... one of your guys is D PatcH! ominous...
MaxisDave (Oct 7, 2004 6:14:31 PM)
hmmmm....
MaxisRay (Oct 7, 2004 6:14:36 PM)
I like Macadamia nut cookies...
kittylvr11 (Oct 7, 2004 6:14:52 PM)
what kind of college degree would you need to work for Maxis?
MaxisTim (Oct 7, 2004 6:14:52 PM)
None. At least I don't have one. But actually a lot of Universities now have degrees available in Game Design - Ray has one in fact from Carnegie Mellon.
kirtai (Oct 7, 2004 6:14:58 PM)
Why did you guys drop the entertainment career track? Will it be reincarnated sometime later?
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 6:14:58 PM)
Sorry if that was your favorite career track. Who knows, maybe it will come back in some form!
Stalex (Oct 7, 2004 6:15:57 PM)
Does the height of a telescope effect the chance of abduction?
MaxisDave (Oct 7, 2004 6:15:57 PM)
No....but it doesn't hurt
Smithmoonstar (Oct 7, 2004 6:16:03 PM)
tnx for answering.. first I'd liek to know.. why doesn't join Union fulfil the marriage want?
MaxisRay (Oct 7, 2004 6:16:03 PM)
There are different wants for marriage/join.
dmelendez0 (Oct 7, 2004 6:16:28 PM)
MY child was kidnapped. Was that a Bug? if so, keep it.
MaxisMatt (Oct 7, 2004 6:16:28 PM)
You can save and reload the lot to get the kid back. They get mailed back to you
Stalex (Oct 7, 2004 6:17:59 PM)
Sims should be able to order more food than pizza.
MaxisDave (Oct 7, 2004 6:17:59 PM)
What would you like to see delivered? Chinese? Indian? Ethiopean? Mom's care package?
Astronas (Oct 7, 2004 6:18:00 PM)
A gamespot preview had once mentioned a "first person camera" where the camera would be stuck on your sims eyes and you would see exactly what your sims see. The same had been mentioned in a chat. What happened to that feature?
MaxisMatt (Oct 7, 2004 6:18:00 PM)
Actually this feature was turned into camera man mode, since Camera man mode gives you so many more ways to look around.
Stalex (Oct 7, 2004 6:18:01 PM)
Are you going to remake any old expansions?
MaxisTim (Oct 7, 2004 6:18:01 PM)
There were some great things in the original expansions, so it's safe to say some of them will make a return. But I guarantee they will be brand new and shiny, not just remakes.
Schweighsr (Oct 7, 2004 6:18:12 PM)
Will the patch make the Nannies better? Because they are pretty useless now.
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 6:18:12 PM)
I've read various things about her on the boards; some think she's useless, while others can't seem to live without her.
SimLogic51 (Oct 7, 2004 6:19:07 PM)
How do we get alien babies?
MaxisDave (Oct 7, 2004 6:19:07 PM)
Space woohoo Actually that is how you get the little green brats
Strike (Oct 7, 2004 6:19:15 PM)
How do I get married people to divorce?
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 6:19:15 PM)
Have them argue with each other a lot. Then fight some more. Then once they hate each other enough, the break up interaction should be available for you to divorce them. But think about the kids!
chbbytskn (Oct 7, 2004 6:20:10 PM)
Is Bella's new name "Bell"?
MaxisRay (Oct 7, 2004 6:20:10 PM)
Yes, but with an "a" on the end of it
simluver1012 (Oct 7, 2004 6:20:27 PM)
R u guys working on a sims 3 yet???
MaxisDave (Oct 7, 2004 6:20:27 PM)
what....you finished with the Sims2???
Guest (Oct 7, 2004 6:20:56 PM)
when you package a lot, do you lose all relationship with others except household member?
MaxisTim (Oct 7, 2004 6:20:56 PM)
Yeah, only the household relationships are maintained. This allows the house to be moved to other neighborhoods or the exchange properly.
Little Programmer (Oct 7, 2004 6:21:19 PM)
The Sims 2, is it make in C++?
MaxisRay (Oct 7, 2004 6:21:19 PM)
A lot of it. We script a lot, too.
SimGuyInVegas (Oct 7, 2004 6:21:42 PM)
Are there male nannies?
MaxisDave (Oct 7, 2004 6:21:42 PM)
nope. That would be a mannie.
poodlescoot2004 (Oct 7, 2004 6:22:00 PM)
There is a real controversy brewing on the BBS about WooHOo with the Grim reaper. Possible? or only if you're the programmer?
MaxisRay (Oct 7, 2004 6:22:00 PM)
I don't think it's possible to flirt with death.
Naiya (Oct 7, 2004 6:22:13 PM)
how many days are sims abducted?
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 6:22:13 PM)
Sims are abducted for roughly 3 Sim hours. It's all the time the aliens need for probing and… in-fertilization..
Dirk-kun (Oct 7, 2004 6:22:23 PM)
MaxisTim, any relation with Brandi LeTourneau from Pleasantview?
MaxisTim (Oct 7, 2004 6:22:23 PM)
Distant cousin.
MooFwee8 (Oct 7, 2004 6:22:49 PM)
will sims EVER have cell phones?
MaxisDave (Oct 7, 2004 6:22:49 PM)
ever....maybe, you know never say never
aeroenginr (Oct 7, 2004 6:22:51 PM)
Why wasn't the alien skintone included when creating a sim family?
MaxisLucky (Oct 7, 2004 6:22:51 PM)
We wanted to give the community something to do with The Body Shop! Seriously, you guys make great skins for your Sims.
Nicki (Oct 7, 2004 6:24:12 PM)
hello, when will the patch be released?
MaxisLucky (Oct 7, 2004 6:24:12 PM)
We haven't announced a release date for the patch yet.
Trixie (Oct 7, 2004 6:24:18 PM)
What is the closest relationship that CAN get married? Uncle and Neice doesn't work, I'm trying first cousins,
MaxisDave (Oct 7, 2004 6:24:18 PM)
In West Virgina or the sims? The Sims2 Second cousins...HEEEEEEEEEEEEHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
irishsimmer (Oct 7, 2004 6:25:06 PM)
why are there conflicts in the wants and fears? for example my sim wants to have a baby but at the same time she is afraid of having one
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 6:25:06 PM)
There are tons of edge-cases here. A family Sim may always want to have a baby, but if she just recently had a baby, she would probably fear having another baby too soon.
Deedee (Oct 7, 2004 6:25:19 PM)
Did you expect this kind of interest in Bella?
MaxisTim (Oct 7, 2004 6:25:19 PM)
We were hoping...and as always you guys didn't disappoint us.
jones4nona (Oct 7, 2004 6:25:45 PM)
What kind of patch? I have had no problems.
MaxisLucky (Oct 7, 2004 6:25:45 PM)
Will you marry me?
vetsimmer (Oct 7, 2004 6:25:48 PM)
MaxisDoctorVu, are you still the weirdest?
MaxisDave (Oct 7, 2004 6:25:48 PM)
Of course he is...He's one of the quite wierd guys
Thecallumus (Oct 7, 2004 6:26:19 PM)
Is this a bug. In the Pleasants house I made Daniel woo hoo with Kaylynn and Mary-Sue caught them cheating and instead of getting angry and lowering relationship she cheered and clapped and boosted relationship. Is that a Bug or my bad timing?
MaxisRay (Oct 7, 2004 6:26:19 PM)
Sims just act in unpredictable ways sometimes.
Melsaisyou (Oct 7, 2004 6:26:24 PM)
I love the sims 2, I think you guys have offically thought of a way to get people distracted from their actually lives!
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 6:26:24 PM)
Awesome, the team is extremely pleased with the community response to the Sims 2.
Harvestfreak (Oct 7, 2004 6:26:34 PM)
When does this chat end?
MaxisLucky (Oct 7, 2004 6:26:34 PM)
This chat will run for another 40 minutes.
simcasey1979 (Oct 7, 2004 6:26:40 PM)
So, what are ya'll doing now that the game is released?
MaxisDave (Oct 7, 2004 6:26:40 PM)
celebratin' and working on the EP.
Vickster (Oct 7, 2004 6:26:43 PM)
Is it possible to have more than 8 people to a household?
MaxisMatt (Oct 7, 2004 6:26:43 PM)
Nope, 8 is the max. You can always move out family to other houses if you need to add more space.
Harvestfreak (Oct 7, 2004 6:27:13 PM)
Is the head in the strangetown circle of stone of Will Wright?
MaxisDave (Oct 7, 2004 6:27:13 PM)
WrightHenge
TorturedArtist73 (Oct 7, 2004 6:27:55 PM)
are there going to be new food in the expansion?
MaxisTim (Oct 7, 2004 6:27:55 PM)
I take it you guys like the food options. It was definitely designed as an expandable system, so I think you can expect more ways to fulfill hunger.
nickcrabs (Oct 7, 2004 6:28:02 PM)
How are Townies made? Is it completely random?
MaxisRay (Oct 7, 2004 6:28:02 PM)
There are 30 standard townies per neighborhood, but if the game needs more, it creates random ones.
simluver1012 (Oct 7, 2004 6:28:09 PM)
is it possible to fall in love with a ghost?
MaxisDave (Oct 7, 2004 6:28:09 PM)
Have you been reading too much Ann Rice.....? currently you can't.
Schweighsr (Oct 7, 2004 6:28:14 PM)
So, no news about the release dates, the EP or any new Custom Content tools - what are we supposed to ask about then?
MaxisLucky (Oct 7, 2004 6:28:14 PM)
The chat today is about gameplay - what you are curious about now that you've played the game a bit.
JayTweek (Oct 7, 2004 6:28:21 PM)
Some of the response you've got in the tech support boards is pretty grim, what with the less fortunate folks flaming and all. How do you feel about this?
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 6:28:21 PM)
It's always tough, but we will try our best to work through the problems. There are so many different PC configurations out there that it's tough to hit all the edge cases with a game this huge.
Racoon (Oct 7, 2004 6:28:53 PM)
This patch, will it fix only gameplay problems or will it fix some technical problems, too? For example graphic problems with notebook graphicchips?
MaxisLucky (Oct 7, 2004 6:28:53 PM)
We're still looking at data from users and Tech Support in order to determine what will be in the patch.
chapsticky (Oct 7, 2004 6:28:55 PM)
Would you consider releasing an EP rated M?
MaxisMatt (Oct 7, 2004 6:28:55 PM)
Nope. We're committed to providing games that families can enjoy.
Guest (Oct 7, 2004 6:29:02 PM)
OH! I just rembered! are you guys bringin back the Hacker job! That was my fav! OH! and you guys ROCK!
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 6:29:02 PM)
Hopefully, we can bring in some brand new jobs that you will like just as much!
Deedee (Oct 7, 2004 6:30:04 PM)
It wasn't actually intentional to have kidnappings though, was it?
MaxisTim (Oct 7, 2004 6:30:04 PM)
No, not part of the design.
Guest (Oct 7, 2004 6:30:12 PM)
how do u flirt with a burgler once he is arrested i cant talk to him!!
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 6:30:12 PM)
When the policeman puts the burglar in the police car, sneak out and free him/her. Now you will have the burglar in your relationship panel to call over and flirt with.
Joey (Oct 7, 2004 6:30:13 PM)
Does the ram or cpu effect the amount of sims that can be invited to a party or is it just random? The reason I ask this is sometimes I can invite 2 and sometimes can invite 4 to a party.
MaxisMatt (Oct 7, 2004 6:30:13 PM)
Yeah, it does depend on your computer, but it also depends on how many folks are already on your lot.
ace21fox8 (Oct 7, 2004 6:30:29 PM)
Hey guys great gaem, you did a great job, are the movies you are seeing suprise you, in how great there turning out?
MaxisDave (Oct 7, 2004 6:30:29 PM)
the movies are amazing! Some have almost rought us to tears
Trixie (Oct 7, 2004 6:30:47 PM)
What is the mystical Significance of 327,670 Aspiration points, that you guys made it the maximum?
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 6:30:47 PM)
That number holds a special place in all of our hearts….
BerkleyJL (Oct 7, 2004 6:30:49 PM)
Will we ever be able to build walls/floors on slopes? I've tried to build some really beautiful rooms with depressed sections, but the grass inside makes it look a bit silly.
MaxisRay (Oct 7, 2004 6:30:49 PM)
There's a trick to build flooring on slopes. Surround it with a fence first and hold the shift key when putting the floor down, then delete the fence.
Naiya (Oct 7, 2004 6:30:55 PM)
why can't you marry the grip reaper? it was one of my plans
MaxisDave (Oct 7, 2004 6:30:55 PM)
He's got comitment problems...
simluver1012 (Oct 7, 2004 6:31:25 PM)
which one of u is the cutest?
MaxisDave (Oct 7, 2004 6:31:25 PM)
maxis kitty of course!
MaxoiRodi (Oct 7, 2004 6:32:42 PM)
Can you give us some tips that will help us convince the Head Master...????
MaxisRay (Oct 7, 2004 6:32:42 PM)
You really gotta pamper that guy, he's a bit high-maintanence. Make the best food and put some nice decorations outside for when he arrives.
kirtai (Oct 7, 2004 6:32:52 PM)
Does a sim have to be at the top fitness level before making a graceful entrance to the pool?
MaxisDave (Oct 7, 2004 6:32:52 PM)
close to the top...
Brad34thesim (Oct 7, 2004 6:33:52 PM)
so hows Will ?
MaxisLucky (Oct 7, 2004 6:33:52 PM)
He's doing great!
plzsime (Oct 7, 2004 6:34:23 PM)
The Helicopter is cool, what other weird carpools are there are and going to be?
MaxisRay (Oct 7, 2004 6:34:23 PM)
Did you see the top of the Law Enforcement career? (Or "not see" it...)
Guest (Oct 7, 2004 6:35:05 PM)
I love the basements! Did you plan on this or did someone be creative and managed to create one and them on from there?
MaxisTim (Oct 7, 2004 6:35:05 PM)
So here is the reality. We had wanted them in the design, and for scope reasons decided we couldn't do them. So it was all about creativity with the tools. And they are great!
shurst2004 (Oct 7, 2004 6:35:05 PM)
So, what do you all think about the movies we've all made so far? Any thoughts of making an expansion involving movies? (I'd love to have an expansion that would help create different type shows, like Big Brother or Survivor.) You guys don't have to answer this, just think about it!
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 6:35:05 PM)
The team loves the fan movies that you guys have been making. It's usually sent out team wide and the creative juices are definitely evident in our fan community. Very cool ideas you have there.
AtomicSimmer (Oct 7, 2004 6:35:19 PM)
whats with the reticulating 3dementinal splines?
MaxisRay (Oct 7, 2004 6:35:19 PM)
We have to do *something* with the splines, so we reticulate them.
vetsimmer (Oct 7, 2004 6:35:51 PM)
What game is Will Wright working on now. (I heard it was a secret project) {spooky}
MaxisLucky (Oct 7, 2004 6:35:51 PM)
If I told you it wouldn't be a secret if we told you....
Guest (Oct 7, 2004 6:36:50 PM)
Hey, you all are great! A while back, people were talking about getting vacation houses, is that possible?
MaxisDave (Oct 7, 2004 6:36:50 PM)
not currently, sorry
MorningGlory (Oct 7, 2004 6:37:23 PM)
I think the aliens that impregnate our sims should have to pay child support!
MaxisTim (Oct 7, 2004 6:37:23 PM)
Perhaps we'll have to do a Family Law expansion pack and work that in.
dawnspencer (Oct 7, 2004 6:37:45 PM)
How come we can only invite 2 people to parties? Thats a small wedding?
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 6:37:45 PM)
Are you sure? I've invited as much as 8 people to my parties before.
Jonny (Oct 7, 2004 6:37:52 PM)
Do you like donuts?
MaxisDave (Oct 7, 2004 6:37:53 PM)
ummmmm donuts.................................................................................................................................
cdpengin (Oct 7, 2004 6:38:08 PM)
How are the community and BBS ranks calculated?
maxiskitty (Oct 7, 2004 6:38:08 PM)
Its super secret formula!
simluver1012 (Oct 7, 2004 6:38:26 PM)
why do u guys like teasing us?
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 6:38:26 PM)
We only tease those we care about…
Paigeypoo (Oct 7, 2004 6:38:27 PM)
when will the transcripts be posted?
MaxisLucky (Oct 7, 2004 6:38:27 PM)
same as always - not too long after the chat ends we'll post the transcripts.
Guest (Oct 7, 2004 6:38:42 PM)
In one of the movies,some guy hits a little cup on a stick...Where can i get him?
MaxisDave (Oct 7, 2004 6:38:42 PM)
just drive your sim nut to the point of break down!!!
simluver1012 (Oct 7, 2004 6:38:44 PM)
is it possible to fall in love with a ghost?
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 6:38:44 PM)
You? Or your Sims?
Trixie (Oct 7, 2004 6:39:55 PM)
is the Wants/Fears/Aspiration points an expandable system too? Do you think we would ever get 60,000 point aspiration wants?
MaxisTim (Oct 7, 2004 6:39:55 PM)
Definitely expandable. That would be a pretty major want, we'll have to get creative with the requirements for fulfilling it.
Guest (Oct 7, 2004 6:40:18 PM)
how do you pronounce "spline"?? What's up with them??
MaxisDave (Oct 7, 2004 6:40:18 PM)
spaaaaaa lineeee
Simlogic51 (Oct 7, 2004 6:41:21 PM)
how do you get your sims turned into a ghost?? do they have to die?
MaxisDave (Oct 7, 2004 6:41:21 PM)
Um I think you have to be dead before you come come back from the grave....
Paigeypoo (Oct 7, 2004 6:41:33 PM)
wat is doctor vu's real name????????????
MaxisDave (Oct 7, 2004 6:41:33 PM)
Evil
Astronas (Oct 7, 2004 6:41:54 PM)
Isn't it a bit unrealistic for children not doing their homework to be taken away by the social worker? In real life there are many people who weren't good students and still grew up well.
MaxisTim (Oct 7, 2004 6:41:54 PM)
This actually happened to DrVu, his experience was the model for this in the game.
ANKEWI2 (Oct 7, 2004 6:42:14 PM)
I love the spontaneous stuff the sims do. I really loved it when Vincund looked straight at me and whined about the furniture I bought. I almost died laughing ....but then that would have brought about the grim reaper. Yall have some of the best and bizarririest imaginations ever. thank you. Oh and thanks for the social bunny......he is great to fight with.
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 6:42:14 PM)
Lucy was one of the people really pushing for this idea of "breaking the forth wall". Looks like it was a huge hit with our fans since I've read many threads of people feeling a deeper connection to their Sims after these moments.
SyeraMiktayee (Oct 7, 2004 6:43:13 PM)
Why do Sims who have a happy life and die a peaceful death come back as angry ghosts?
MaxisDave (Oct 7, 2004 6:43:13 PM)
they just can't tear themselves away from the wonderful life they had....sniff sniff
ddrultramix10 (Oct 7, 2004 6:43:42 PM)
Will users ever be able to upload their videos to the sims 2 "my sim" websites? That would be fun. (Or can we already?)
MaxisLucky (Oct 7, 2004 6:43:42 PM)
You can already upload movies to your MySim page. Lots of people have and we love the movies that are being posted.
protege188 (Oct 7, 2004 6:44:26 PM)
Can you add custom videos to show on the TV? and How?
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 6:44:26 PM)
You certainly can… I'm sure you can easily find an FAQ floating about on one of our many fan sites.
ddrultramix10 (Oct 7, 2004 6:44:30 PM)
We hear a sim tinkle but we dont hear them poo! Whats up with that?
MaxisDave (Oct 7, 2004 6:44:30 PM)
Cuz. and that should be good enough of an answer.
BerkleyJL (Oct 7, 2004 6:44:43 PM)
Is there a game-engine limitation that left out rugs, or did you underestimate their popularity?
MaxisTim (Oct 7, 2004 6:44:43 PM)
Rugs are really challenging technically, but we definitely know how much you guys want them.
coonhound1974 (Oct 7, 2004 6:45:30 PM)
Is there any way to keep ghosts from peeing everywhere?
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 6:45:30 PM)
Your ghost probably died from drowning. Removing the tombstone would remove the ghost, but if you want to keep that ghost, you will have to live with the puddles.
Harvestfreak (Oct 7, 2004 6:46:25 PM)
What is the rate at which Boys and Girls are born. Because some people get 90/10 boys or 90/10 girls?
MaxisDave (Oct 7, 2004 6:46:25 PM)
50/ 50 seems your reseach has shown this.
Ali (Oct 7, 2004 6:46:27 PM)
what job jets u the richest fastest
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 6:46:27 PM)
The business career track or the athletic career is your best bet. Chance cards from any career can get you rich fast too.
Cool54654 (Oct 7, 2004 6:46:34 PM)
Will we ever be able to chose the shoes.
MaxisTim (Oct 7, 2004 6:46:34 PM)
Absolutely, as long you don't mind picking the pants at the same time. Alas, they are part of the lower body and can't be separated.
shurst2004 (Oct 7, 2004 6:46:50 PM)
Any plans to up the file size limit of movies? I'm just curious because a lot of people seem to want longer movies but have issues with the allowed file size. Do you all have any tips for those people?
MaxisLucky (Oct 7, 2004 6:46:50 PM)
We're watching this feature and seeing how it's working out. This is the kind of feeback we're looking for - you should post on the Movies BBS thread.
~Bubble~ (Oct 7, 2004 6:46:58 PM)
Hiya! Did you know that you released the sims 2 on my birthday?
maxisjack (Oct 7, 2004 6:46:58 PM)
We did that just for you!
Chiron (Oct 7, 2004 6:47:48 PM)
Are the Sim food choices based on the kinds of meals the developers enjoy munching?
MaxisTim (Oct 7, 2004 6:47:48 PM)
They are based on the food we wished we were munching, as we were living on pizza and takeout for most of the project.
simgelf (Oct 7, 2004 6:47:53 PM)
I love the new interactions between the Sims, especially when they snuggle in close in bed while sleeping. That must have been lots of fun. You all have the best jobs in the world.
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 6:47:53 PM)
Sim spooning is great. I think we all love our jobs.
Jonny (Oct 7, 2004 6:48:41 PM)
Wat is reticulating?
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 6:48:41 PM)
Resembling or forming a net or network: reticulate veins of a leaf. v. re·tic·u·lat·ed, re·tic·u·lat·ing, re·tic·u·lates (-lt) v. tr. To make a net or network of. To mark with lines resembling a network. v. intr. To form a net or network.
SimGuyInVegas (Oct 7, 2004 6:48:47 PM)
WIll there ever be a Mormon EP with a commune-type aspiration that lets you have 10 or so wives?
MaxisTim (Oct 7, 2004 6:48:47 PM)
DrVu fought for this in the design as it also mirrored and experience in his real life.
CrazySimPerson (Oct 7, 2004 6:49:24 PM)
I have to wait untill Christmas to get my copy...I need to buy a new computer, hopefully my parents will chip in! You'll still be selling it right?
maxisjack (Oct 7, 2004 6:49:24 PM)
I think we will have a few copies for Santa to hand out. You better be super nice though!
MooFwee8 (Oct 7, 2004 6:49:40 PM)
Will the Urbz ever meet the SIMS 2?
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 6:49:40 PM)
Yes, they sit across the hall. We see each other all the time…
dcspuppy (Oct 7, 2004 6:49:43 PM)
you guys are very sarcastic
MaxisTim (Oct 7, 2004 6:49:43 PM)
It keeps us sane.
d3tslnicqui (Oct 7, 2004 6:49:44 PM)
How come only male children have musical pee?
MaxisDave (Oct 7, 2004 6:49:44 PM)
It has to do with the harmonics of porcelin, velocity, and air wave compression.
vetsimmer (Oct 7, 2004 6:50:20 PM)
DocterVu is the best!!!
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 6:50:20 PM)
No you guys are the best!
maxiskane (Oct 7, 2004 6:50:45 PM)
15 more minutes left in the chat!
redsilkSim (Oct 7, 2004 6:51:00 PM)
why is it that all the adult sims r the same height and etc
MaxisTim (Oct 7, 2004 6:51:00 PM)
The honest answer. So that their lips meet properly when they kiss.
rkow (Oct 7, 2004 6:51:02 PM)
Does Dr. Vu look likr the Dr. Vu in Sim City?
MaxisDave (Oct 7, 2004 6:51:02 PM)
Yes, only meaner
ddrultramix10 (Oct 7, 2004 6:51:20 PM)
What is yalls favorite thing to do on the sims 2?
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 6:51:20 PM)
I like to watch people who've never played the game play the game for the first time. Their eyes light up and you can totally see them get connected to their Sims.
Simc23' (Oct 7, 2004 6:51:32 PM)
MaxisLucy is the best!
MaxisLucky (Oct 7, 2004 6:51:32 PM)
Lucy, is that you lurking in the chat?
SyeraMiktayee (Oct 7, 2004 6:52:06 PM)
What are the aliens trying to accomplish by impregnating the men? There's GOT to be some kind of diabolical plan here!
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 6:52:06 PM)
You got it. Diabolical they are.
MaxoiRodi (Oct 7, 2004 6:53:04 PM)
The bills our sims pay in TS2 are much less than in TS1.... Did you want to help us in this?
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 6:53:04 PM)
Yes, it certainly helps relax the economic game so that you can buy more objects for your lots.
TheSidDog (Oct 7, 2004 6:53:47 PM)
Why isn't there country music in this game? Don't tell me DoctorVu had a bad experience with that music and cut it out 
MaxisTim (Oct 7, 2004 6:53:47 PM)
No, MaxisDave did. We was raised by Rodeo Clowns and scared emotional as a child.
justsimznc (Oct 7, 2004 6:53:53 PM)
out of curiosity which one of you in attendance maxis employees would be classified the most certifiable SIMS freak? Another words which one of you takes your work home and likes it tooo much?
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 6:53:53 PM)
Tim not only takes his Sim to work. He IS a Sim. =-)
abble (Oct 7, 2004 6:53:56 PM)
any tips on how to get 2 story windows in? HAving trouble....keeps saying must be placed along wall
MaxisDave (Oct 7, 2004 6:53:56 PM)
you have to make sure you have a second story, and walls built on that story where you want to place the window....can't help much more than that without pictures
xobabikatxo (Oct 7, 2004 6:54:18 PM)
when will the next chat happen
MaxisLucky (Oct 7, 2004 6:54:18 PM)
We'll be having a chat about The Urbz next week! Look for more information at http://www.theurbz.com
Guest (Oct 7, 2004 6:54:23 PM)
please answer!!!!!!!!! will pregnant sims bellies who are having twins be larger than one child?
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 6:54:23 PM)
Nope, the bellies are the same size regardless.
almyghty (Oct 7, 2004 6:54:59 PM)
MaxisDoctorVu!, just thought I'd let you know, one of your relatives, Crystal Vu, of Strangetown, is now married to Dirk Gently. How do you feel about having a Douglas Adams character in the family?
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 6:54:59 PM)
I welcome Douglas with open arms!
Harvestfreak (Oct 7, 2004 6:55:17 PM)
Is DrVu really messed up?
MaxisTim (Oct 7, 2004 6:55:18 PM)
He makes us call him DrVu, what do you think?
LokiDeuce (Oct 7, 2004 6:56:00 PM)
Are Dave and Lucky suggesting we drink foamy beverages from mugs when playing TS2, or any Maxis game in particular?
MaxisDave (Oct 7, 2004 6:56:00 PM)
or any other activity where heavy equipment is not involved.
Gem Windcaster (Oct 7, 2004 6:56:28 PM)
The toddlers are so unearthly cute! Who si responsible for that!?
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 6:56:28 PM)
Our most talented skins, animation, and skins team! The voice work really helps with the cute factor!
Paigeypoo (Oct 7, 2004 6:56:29 PM)
you guys are so sweet. other than the sarcasm and tormenting!
MaxisDave (Oct 7, 2004 6:56:29 PM)
yea right...sure.
Lamaqueen2 (Oct 7, 2004 6:56:44 PM)
Can a sim die from getting the flu?
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 6:56:44 PM)
Yes indeed.
Karrieness (Oct 7, 2004 6:56:46 PM)
Why isn't there classical music?
MaxisTim (Oct 7, 2004 6:56:46 PM)
You guys can drop in any music you want as MP3's
reni401 (Oct 7, 2004 6:57:11 PM)
Any plans to bring back a chat room?
MaxisLucky (Oct 7, 2004 6:57:11 PM)
Nope - we're only going to be hosting moderated chats like this one. Plenty of fan sites have chat rooms, tho... you should check them out.
TheSidDog (Oct 7, 2004 6:57:25 PM)
Hey, my bro next to me is playing at this very moment (I swear), and his Sim was taking out the trash when a weird pile of ask appeared. What is it? It's on the side walk?
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 6:57:25 PM)
A weird pile of "ask"?
Brinas Creations (Oct 7, 2004 6:58:11 PM)
Will there be more careers and aspirations in the expansion packs?
MattTorchia60 (Oct 7, 2004 6:58:12 PM)
Do you guys love me?
MaxisDave (Oct 7, 2004 6:58:12 PM)
right now...oh yea! babe!
ANKEWI2 (Oct 7, 2004 6:58:23 PM)
Do the mad scientists and secret researchers work for DrVu?
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 6:58:23 PM)
Oh, how insidious is DrVu - he may have a finger in everything… muahaha!
Lamaqueen2 (Oct 7, 2004 6:58:41 PM)
Why does my sim fart all the time? Thats such bad manners!
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 6:58:41 PM)
Your Sims are sloppy yes?
bowlwoman (Oct 7, 2004 6:58:50 PM)
Why do my kids look so butt-ugly? LOL
MaxisTim (Oct 7, 2004 6:58:50 PM)
It's all in the genes. Look in the mirror.
koolkat (Oct 7, 2004 6:59:06 PM)
when is ts2 coming out for mac??? PLEASE ANSWER AND IF SO THE DATE!!
MaxisLucky (Oct 7, 2004 6:59:06 PM)
We haven't announced a date yet - sorry - more information will be announced when we have some.
ddrultramix10 (Oct 7, 2004 6:59:21 PM)
One of my sims drowned and when the came back from the dead, they leaked water all over the house. Do ghosts come back from the dead and bring acts upon living sims based on how they died? Like a sim who died from hunger would eat all the food in the fridge when he came back from the grave?
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 6:59:21 PM)
How'd you guess?! Right on!
dcspuppy (Oct 7, 2004 6:59:57 PM)
I am a Sims 2 addict and wonder why the sims mood bars go down soooo fast? Is there a way I can slow it down or just completely refresh them?
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 6:59:58 PM)
Get platinum aspiration. Mood is maxed at that point.
theevilwriter (Oct 7, 2004 6:59:59 PM)
When will the form for reporting bugs be put on the site? I think Lucky (or was it Lucy?) said last wekend it'd be this week, but it is this week already!
MaxisLucky (Oct 7, 2004 6:59:59 PM)
The form is up on the site - You can find a link to it on the Help page - The Feedback Submission Form.
Harvestfreak (Oct 7, 2004 7:00:13 PM)
In the future will there be more ways of torturing your sims, and dieing?
MaxisTim (Oct 7, 2004 7:00:13 PM)
If DrVu is involved, I think it's guaranteed.
ddrultramix10 (Oct 7, 2004 7:00:14 PM)
Can sims have a threesome? Foursome? Eww what am I saying!
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 7:00:14 PM)
They can have twosomes!
Chalko110 (Oct 7, 2004 7:00:39 PM)
I have a super neat Sim, and when she cleans bubbles follow her around afterwords. Is this a glitch?
MaxisTim (Oct 7, 2004 7:00:39 PM)
No, she rocks at cleaning.
Tattoogirl (Oct 7, 2004 7:00:55 PM)
Do "Maxoids" find the level of obsession with this game to be a compliment, or a scary comparison to what has come to matter in everyday lives of people?
MaxisDave (Oct 7, 2004 7:00:55 PM)
We are humbled and take it as a compliment, so long as you keep your distance....
maxiskane (Oct 7, 2004 7:00:58 PM)
Just a few more minutes left in the chat.
sla (Oct 7, 2004 7:01:12 PM)
why can't we place furniture diagonnally while doors/windows can be placed that way?
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 7:01:12 PM)
Wacky Sims logic!
dmelendez0 (Oct 7, 2004 7:02:06 PM)
OMG sponge baths!!! OLD Man sponge baths! Thanks for that one.
MaxisTim (Oct 7, 2004 7:02:06 PM)
That was mine! Believe it or not, the sinks were the second object we designed for Sims 2 and I wanted something outrageous. I guess I did ok.
Guest (Oct 7, 2004 7:03:51 PM)
You should come out with a neighborhood creation tool for those unlucky ones that dont have Sim City 4!!!!! PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 7:03:51 PM)
If you don't have SimCity 4 you are indeed Unlucky! Now… to get lucky, run out and grab SC4 deluxe!
Chiron (Oct 7, 2004 7:03:51 PM)
Thanks so much for the SHEER BRILLIANCE of this game. It's been a great chat!
MaxisTim (Oct 7, 2004 7:03:51 PM)
Thanks it's been really fun for us too. And we are so glad you guys are enjoying the game. As someone who has spent the last 2.5 years making it, it's an awesome feeling to have everyone loving it so much.
maxiskane (Oct 7, 2004 7:04:02 PM)
The Chat is now over. Thanks to everyone for joining us today!
MaxisDave (Oct 7, 2004 7:04:08 PM)
Thanks much all! this was too much fun!
maxisjack (Oct 7, 2004 7:04:20 PM)
Thanks you all!!!!
MaxisLucky (Oct 7, 2004 7:04:26 PM)
Thanks for coming everyone! The transcripts will be up later today.
maxiskitty (Oct 7, 2004 7:04:32 PM)
bye all!
MaxisDoctorVu! (Oct 7, 2004 7:04:35 PM)
Thanks all!
4 Oct 2004 - 23:10
Wired has an article about The Sims 2; Makin' Woohoo!
Makin' Woohoo
by Regina Lynn
By all accounts, The Sims is the most successful computer game on Earth. It's a game even non-gamers have heard of, and it's as addictive in its own way as cybersex and Doritos. I even spent a couple of months playing The Sims long-distance. Who needs phone sex when you can have phone Sims?
The Sims 2 improves on the original with a more detailed representation of what happens between the sheets -- the game calls it "woohoo" -- and a gene-transfer element that creates children who resemble their parents in looks and temperament. You can nurture or torment your Sims from infancy to old age and play for generations if you have the attention span to do so.
The game is about life, so you would expect it to include sex. What you might not expect is the matter-of-fact way in which this mainstream game accepts the full spectrum of human sexuality.
You can make your Sims straight or gay, bi or transgender. Sims of any sex can live together and make woohoo and become parents -- through DNA transmission for hetero couples and through adoption for same-sex couples. Gay Sims are not confined to expansion packs and add-ons. They're simply part of the game.
If you're wondering why that's news, good for you. It did not occur to me that this was anything to write about until I read this Gamespot article in which editor Avery Score searches out U.S.-based games that have homosexual characters. While The Temple of Elemental Evil can reward your male swashbuckler with a gay pirate's hand in marriage and Fable permits multiple spouses of any sex, you have to turn to Japan to find a plethora of games with a wide range of sexual orientations.
You could argue that American game developers are mostly straight males creating games for mostly straight 14- to 34-year-old males (hence the availability of nude skins just weeks after the new game hit the shelves). And you could argue that while sex has always been a popular aspect of gaming, it's generally not the ultimate goal of the game plot, and therefore the characters' sexual orientation is of little importance.
But The Sims is specifically a relationship game (which probably accounts for its popularity beyond the young male demographic). How your Sim interacts with other Sims pretty much decides his or her fate.
Even if your Sim's primary aspiration is wealth, he or she can still only get rich through building the right relationships within the game. The other four aspirations depend on interSim relationships as well: romance, family, popularity and knowledge.
On my first foray into The Sims 2, I created an exotic female Sim with an aspiration for romance, bought her a house in Strangetown, furnished her with a refrigerator and a double bed, and sent her out to lure another woman home.
Unfortunately, I was in a hurry, unwilling to spend the time necessary to let my Sim develop relationships naturally. After about 10 minutes of Sim chat and my increasing frustration as I waited for Flirt to become an option, the other woman strode away and would not return. Perhaps she was offended by the way my Sim told all of the male visitors to leave, or perhaps my Sim was too eager.
Or maybe my Sim told one too many jokes. What can I say? I didn't have many actions to choose from.
Either way, my Sim was rejected, a common event in the real-life relationship game as well. Whether that rejection came from the opposite sex or the same sex makes no difference -- it still brought my romance meter down. Romance is romance, regardless of sexual orientation.
The inclusion of gay relationships in The Sims and other games reflects the Will & Grace effect. For the majority of the gamer generation, there's nothing provocative, political or puerile about homosexuality in The Sims -- it's simply no big deal.
And I like that.
As we continue to redefine human communication through technology, I can imagine a future in which a person's sexual orientation truly makes no difference beyond helping determine who we want to sleep with. Whether we're gay or straight or somewhere in between will cease to be of concern to anyone but ourselves and our lovers, and future generations will roll their eyes at their elders and wonder what all the fuss was about.
And I like that too.
See you next Friday,
Regina Lynn
4 Oct 2004 - 23:00
Alle Vlaamse Sims Fans kunnen vanaf nu stemmen op de SIMpathiekste Bekende Vlaming! Surf dus snel naar de site en maak kans op een exclusief kaartje voor de SimsAwards in Antwerpen!