Hi Everyone,
Happy 4th of July weekend to all our American readers, and a just-as-happy end-of-week to everyone else! This week we're taking another look under the hood at some of the more technical things that are making The Sims 2 the definitive Sims experience to date. Specifically, we're going to talk about some of the new interface features found in the game that make uploading and downloading Custom Content a positively painless process in The Sims 2. More specifically, Darren Futa, one of The Sims 2 Producers charged with implementing these features, will be doing the explaining. Take it away, Darren:
Thank you, Lucy. Hi. I'm Darren Futa, a Producer on The Sims 2, and I'd like to talk to you a little bit about how you play with Custom Content in The Sims 2. Specifically, we've put the download browser right in the game! On the Neighborhood puck (for the uninitiated, the puck is the affectionate nickname for The Sims 2 user interface, because it, well, looks a lot like a blue hockey puck) you'll see the custom content icon, the "snowflake" -- click on this icon, sign on and gain access to select custom content that players have created and want to share. Just download the content you like and it is ready for immediate use. No tasking out or rebooting necessary!
How will you find the content you've downloaded? Just like in The Sims, custom content shows up in all the same places as Maxis content does. But in The Sims 2, you'll be able to find it much easier. As many of you have already seen in The Sims 2 Body Shop, whenever you see a thumbnail for custom content, you'll also see the "snowflake" icon in the upper-right hand corner. Something else that is new is the ability to delete custom content right from within the interface. You just click the thumbnail of the content you want to toss, then click the "delete" button. No more searching for files in the directory system.
Finally, we've added a "Collections" system to help you once you've amassed piles of custom content. When creating a Collection, you give it a name and choose an icon. Now, as you're browsing the catalogs, you can copy items into any of your Collections. Feeling blue? Copy all your blue shirts into one Collection. Have dozens of Sims downloaded from your favorite fan site? Group those under another. You can even import your own graphics to make a custom icon for your Collection folders. You'll find the Collections system in Create A Sim and the Build and Buy catalogs.
We can't wait to see these new features come to life with content created by all of you. Every day we marvel at the new creations we see in the Showcase and on your fansites. So, take a breather and check out these great screenshots of Custom Content interface in the game. We've also included a patriotic screen to commemorate Independence Day this weekend!
Happy Independence Day (where applicable)!
Lucy & Darren
News
Ever wonder what its like to be the General Manager of Maxis? Meet Maxis' Neil Young in the chat transcripts!
maxiskitty (Jul 2, 2004 5:02:30 PM)
Hello and Welcome to today's friday fun chat with Neil Young our new GM (that is general manager) here at Maxis. He is hanging out with us here in chat today to get to know you guys and answer any questions you guys might have about Maxis.
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:02:47 PM)
Hi everyone - I'm really happy to be hear and have the opportunity to answer questions.
glitterbell77 (Jul 2, 2004 5:04:15 PM)
how does it feel to be GM of maxis?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:04:15 PM)
It feels great, it's a great honor to be a part of the team. Luc's shoes were big to fill....and french too.
Juliunos (Jul 2, 2004 5:05:30 PM)
Do you speak french??
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:05:30 PM)
No, but I do speak English.
Guest (Jul 2, 2004 5:05:45 PM)
do you feel you are going to be a great addition to the maxis team?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:05:46 PM)
I hope so.
SuperSonic1(st) (Jul 2, 2004 5:07:35 PM)
How have you helped make The Sims 2?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:07:35 PM)
Well the Sims 2 has been in development for a while, but I work very closely w/Lucy to make sure that all of EA is really focused on the parts of the game & it's launch that we hope will make it successful
PMaster (Jul 2, 2004 5:07:54 PM)
How much hours do you work as a GM and what do you do as a GM?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:07:54 PM)
I work 20 hrs a day and I earn about $8.50 per hour
Fabian[SimsZone.de] (Jul 2, 2004 5:09:08 PM)
According to Maxis September 17 is world release of Sims 2. But according to EA Germany the releasedate for Germany is September 16. Can you solve this contradiction?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:09:09 PM)
The worldwide (well most of the world) "in store" date is September 17th. It might be out a few days earlier in different places around the world.
Opalesence (Jul 2, 2004 5:09:22 PM)
Uhh... what's a GM?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:09:22 PM)
GM is General Manager
a_mashru88 (Jul 2, 2004 5:10:05 PM)
Neil, are u married? do u have kids?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:10:05 PM)
Yes I am married and I have 2 children.
Meg (Jul 2, 2004 5:10:26 PM)
If you were a Sim in sims 2, what kind of sim would you be? (ie romance, knowledge, etc)
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:10:26 PM)
I would be a romance sim.
straightXedge (Jul 2, 2004 5:10:47 PM)
i thought GM meant genettically modified?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:10:47 PM)
It does....Create-a-Sim is the sequel to Create-a-GM
soccerstar (Jul 2, 2004 5:11:52 PM)
what did u do before you were a GM
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:11:52 PM)
I ran the Lord of the Rings franchise for EA and I directed the last 2 games that we made. Before that I made an Online game called Majestic and before that I was the GM for Origin.
zen (Jul 2, 2004 5:12:54 PM)
have your children been able to play the game yet
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:12:54 PM)
Yes...well kind of...My Daughter has spent about 10 hrs in Create-a-Sim, she's only 5, so that's the coolest thing in the world to her
JulianVelasquez (Jul 2, 2004 5:13:41 PM)
How long do you plan to stay with maxis?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:13:41 PM)
Just until we achieve total world domination.
SuperSonic1(st) (Jul 2, 2004 5:14:19 PM)
Is it the law that all of your names start with Maxis in chat?
MaxisLucky (Jul 2, 2004 5:14:19 PM)
Yes. It is a law.
DpS (Jul 2, 2004 5:15:00 PM)
Isnt there anything *NEW* you want to tell us about the sims2?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:15:00 PM)
Yes...the first expansion pack should be released early in the new year.
me_myself_and_sim (Jul 2, 2004 5:15:39 PM)
Beside lucy who do you get along with?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:15:39 PM)
pretty much no-one else
homestarfan21 (Jul 2, 2004 5:16:09 PM)
so, neil, what's your favorite snack? ^-^
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:16:09 PM)
baked beans on toast. Is that a snack or a meal?
lattyware (Jul 2, 2004 5:17:06 PM)
How hard is it to get to a job like yours? I am 12 and really want to be a game designer/programmer. I allready make my own games - Could I get your job one day?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:17:06 PM)
You're doing exactly the right things to get my job. Sounds like you'll get there at a lot younger age than I did.
xxseraphimxx (Jul 2, 2004 5:17:20 PM)
What is the expansion going to be? Just a little hint... Please???
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:17:21 PM)
It'll be good.
voicesinhead (Jul 2, 2004 5:17:50 PM)
thesimsresource.com had an article that announce that The Sims 2 would be changing its rating to M to add Threesomes and Orgies, is ts this true?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:17:50 PM)
No, not at all true.
_Coke_ (Jul 2, 2004 5:18:53 PM)
What will SimCity 5 be like?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:18:53 PM)
SImCity 5 will go back to it's roots. Think of it less of the 5th SimCity and more of The SimCity
Guest (Jul 2, 2004 5:19:35 PM)
Will Sims2 come out for gamecube at the same time as computer on Sep. 17 or will i have 2 wait
MaxisShorty (Jul 2, 2004 5:19:35 PM)
The Sims is planned exclusively for the PC, but you'll be able to pick up The Urbz: Sims in the City on the console of your choice this fall.
lattyware (Jul 2, 2004 5:19:48 PM)
Will the EP's be copies of old EP's? I know I for one would really like a new version of 'Unleashed' a favorite among the sims community!
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:19:48 PM)
They won't be copies, but we will listen to you guys about the things that you'd like to see and we'll try our best to address those things
bigzz4 (Jul 2, 2004 5:20:13 PM)
How many Cd's will the sims2 be?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:20:13 PM)
4 or you will be able to by it on 1 DVD (although the current plan for that is as a pre-order)
_Coke_ (Jul 2, 2004 5:20:58 PM)
Have you played The Urbz? any good?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:20:58 PM)
Yes, I have played the Urbz & Yes it is good and doing some really exciting new things with camera, control, pacing & metagame
mskgymnast (Jul 2, 2004 5:21:02 PM)
can babies die @ birth?
Domdncr (Jul 2, 2004 5:21:09 PM)
What's your zodiac sign?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:21:09 PM)
Aries
SCAD_Man (Jul 2, 2004 5:21:49 PM)
Are you still adding new features to The Sims 2 or are you just polishing every thing up for the release?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:21:49 PM)
We're polishing & tuning right now. I have Lucy locked away in a hermetically sealed chamber. Occasionally we let her out for a meeting
Utena (Jul 2, 2004 5:21:59 PM)
What do you mean "as a pre-order?"
MaxisShorty (Jul 2, 2004 5:21:59 PM)
Right now, you can go to your favorite games retailer and place your very own copy of Sims 2, thus assuring yourself a copy when it begins to fly off shelves
splashmo (Jul 2, 2004 5:22:23 PM)
Will the DVD edition be available at the same time?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:22:23 PM)
The current plan is that this will be for pre-order customers - Although that's subject to change
elmo (Jul 2, 2004 5:23:00 PM)
Whats your favorite Maxis Made family in the Sims 2?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:23:00 PM)
The Caliente Sisters are my favorite. Or at least that's who's house I always seem to find myself in!
Tinkerbelll (Jul 2, 2004 5:23:32 PM)
PLEASE ANSWER THIS QUESTION!! I am a die hard macintosh user and I realize that the sims2 is coming out for PC's only. Will a mac version of the sims2 come out? if so, when?!?!
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:23:32 PM)
I am a Mac user too! There will be a Mac version of Sims 2 - We haven't announced the release date yet.
Guest (Jul 2, 2004 5:23:55 PM)
When is the exact date for the urbz sims in the city to be announced?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:23:55 PM)
The current plan is for it to release on November 16th
Guest (Jul 2, 2004 5:24:10 PM)
Do you feed Lucy?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:24:10 PM)
We have people to do that
MONS PANTS (Jul 2, 2004 5:24:46 PM)
Is each neighborhood a little bit different?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:24:46 PM)
Yes, each neighbourhood is dramatically different
cory (Jul 2, 2004 5:26:02 PM)
What game do you like better "urbz or the sims 2"???
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:26:02 PM)
Aww..come on, that's not fair. I like them both for different reasons.
Dee (Jul 2, 2004 5:26:21 PM)
What version of SImCity is used to make neighborhoods? will later versions be compatible?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:26:21 PM)
You can make the neighbourhood landscapes with SC4.
Guest (Jul 2, 2004 5:26:49 PM)
where is the maxis H.Q
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:26:49 PM)
Maxis has a studio in Redwood City, CA and another in Walnut Creek, CA
_Coke_ (Jul 2, 2004 5:26:55 PM)
Will we have our own Sims2page? (Like our SimPages?)
MaxisLucky (Jul 2, 2004 5:26:55 PM)
Yes - we are working on improving the MySim pages for thesims2.com
JesusFreak (Jul 2, 2004 5:27:32 PM)
Will you guys be starting a The Sims 3 once The Sims 2 is finished?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:27:32 PM)
Yes, we're already thinking about Sims 3.....
Coldmenace (Jul 2, 2004 5:29:51 PM)
PLEASE ANSWER!!! Will the Sims 2 have Portuguese Language?
MaxisLucky (Jul 2, 2004 5:29:51 PM)
We are planning on releasing in Portuguese....
soccergirl4EvA93 (Jul 2, 2004 5:30:03 PM)
What other projects is the Maxis team working on?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:30:03 PM)
We're working on Urbz which is a new people simulator for consoles. Will is working on a new, top secret thing that will blow your mind & we're working on our design for SimCity.
kailove (Jul 2, 2004 5:30:31 PM)
What is the rating for the Urbz game?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:30:32 PM)
Urbz is T for Teen
Mathilde (Jul 2, 2004 5:31:06 PM)
Neil, what are you currently working on exacly?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:31:06 PM)
I'm working on figuring out how to sequel Maxis. Take all the great features and make them even better and then add some new ones!
Guest (Jul 2, 2004 5:31:29 PM)
What is URBZ?
MaxisLucky (Jul 2, 2004 5:31:29 PM)
http://www.urbzsims.com
Gabe (Jul 2, 2004 5:32:04 PM)
ANSWER PLEASE! Will there be a video when you start the game (like in TS1)?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:32:04 PM)
If you mean an intro video, then yes. If you mean tutorial then no, there are tutorials in the game itself.
JesusFreak (Jul 2, 2004 5:32:46 PM)
When will Will Wright release info on his top secret "thing" ? They said 2004 was when he would tell us, is he planning to tell us soon within months?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:32:46 PM)
I don't think we'll announce this until after the holiday season
HollywoodCeleb (Jul 2, 2004 5:33:12 PM)
Are you the Neil Young who wrote the song Heart of Gold?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:33:12 PM)
Yes
Jeter (Jul 2, 2004 5:34:12 PM)
PLEASE ANSWER!!!!!! is being a GM exhausting? are you at work more then at home?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:34:12 PM)
Home? What's that? We merged home & work a long time ago ;o)
Answer (Jul 2, 2004 5:34:36 PM)
Neil how old are you?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:34:36 PM)
34
_Coke_ (Jul 2, 2004 5:36:43 PM)
Are you open to any System Requirements questions for Sims2?
MaxisLucky (Jul 2, 2004 5:36:43 PM)
The system requirements are on thesims2.com. If you have questions, please post them to the BBS. Thanks.
tashascool (Jul 2, 2004 5:37:35 PM)
What is your favorite feature in The Sims 2? And in Urbz?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:37:35 PM)
Favorite feature in Sims2 is the Wants & Fears - totally changes the dimensionality of the game experience. On the Urbz, I love the way it looks & sounds it's got a new pace to the play and having the ability to move off of the lots an intro districts is very cool.
HollywoodCeleb (Jul 2, 2004 5:37:51 PM)
Wait a minute if your thirty four, you couldn't have wrote Heart of Gold. It came out in 1972 didn't it?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:37:51 PM)
I was prodigious as a child.
beefy_the_llama (Jul 2, 2004 5:39:06 PM)
Is it complicated designing a game?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:39:06 PM)
Yes beefy, it's very complicated - but also really, really fun
Meg (Jul 2, 2004 5:39:19 PM)
Are you still prodigious?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:39:19 PM)
I've slowed.
*Tired* (Jul 2, 2004 5:39:33 PM)
Why is it's name The URBZ? I get really confused about that. IS IT a Sim-game???? :S
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:39:33 PM)
Yes, it has Sims Inside.
Guest (Jul 2, 2004 5:40:02 PM)
girl gamers scare me
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:40:03 PM)
I'll tell Lucy
pinkY891 (Jul 2, 2004 5:40:11 PM)
I've never heard of URBZ...what is it?
MaxisLucky (Jul 2, 2004 5:40:11 PM)
http://www.urbzsims.com
MiniMartMan (Jul 2, 2004 5:40:27 PM)
what is your favorite old skool maxis game
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:40:27 PM)
SimEarth
Drew (Jul 2, 2004 5:40:53 PM)
What's your worst fear?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:40:53 PM)
In the Sims 2 or real life?
christy (Jul 2, 2004 5:41:53 PM)
where is lucy
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:41:53 PM)
we've locked her up in a room to finish tuning Sims2
bigzz4 (Jul 2, 2004 5:42:17 PM)
what is your degree in?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:42:17 PM)
I don't have a degree
JesusFreak (Jul 2, 2004 5:44:34 PM)
Niel, are you guys ever planning to make The SIms Online 2?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:44:34 PM)
I think that all of our games in the future will have some elements of Online, including The Sims. So in that regard, then yes - but not in the way that you'd associate with TSO. It's unlikely to be a PSW.
BigBoi7 (Jul 2, 2004 5:45:59 PM)
Alright.....I know there's been this sort of big hype on releasing the game for September 17th, and I was wondering if thats like a pretty much positively sure date because don't you think it's possible you could lose interest of people thinking about buying the game...I know I personally can wait or whatever...but like if the game is delayed for whatever reason...couldnt it have a negative effect from the fans?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:45:59 PM)
September 17th is the date. There are no plans to change that - The game is great, it's ready we just need to do the last tuning, polish & bug fixing and it'll be ready for you all.
WhiskersIsMyCat (Jul 2, 2004 5:46:02 PM)
What's a PSW?
maxiskitty (Jul 2, 2004 5:46:02 PM)
Persistant world.. like the Sims Online or Ultima Online
SimsFanaticLUVYA (Jul 2, 2004 5:46:29 PM)
HAVE A HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY EVERYONE!! its my birthday on the fourth! oh yeah! THE CREW FOR THE SIMS 2 ROCK!!! YOU GUYS ARE SO AWESOME .. THANX FOR INVENTING SUCH AN AWESOEM GAME!!
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:46:29 PM)
Happy birthday!
seansgirlkemi (Jul 2, 2004 5:47:34 PM)
What was your dream job when you were younger
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:47:34 PM)
Pre 11 yrs. old I though astronaut would have been cool - England didn't have a space program, so when I was old enough to realize that wasn't going to work, I got into games.
Unknown Sheep (Jul 2, 2004 5:47:47 PM)
What will you do after the chat?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:47:47 PM)
Prepare for the Maxis company meeting.
kailove (Jul 2, 2004 5:48:11 PM)
How long does it take a game to hit stores after it has "gone gold"?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:48:11 PM)
Usually about 30 days.
girl_17 (Jul 2, 2004 5:50:02 PM)
Do the designers for Sims 2 have a fine arts background?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:50:02 PM)
Some do. To be a great game designer, you need a unique blend of skills and being creative is definately one of those things
Coldmenace (Jul 2, 2004 5:50:20 PM)
if youre english what do you think about the Euro 2004 game?? PORTUGAL VS ENGLAND???
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:50:20 PM)
Ack.
phoenixsp (Jul 2, 2004 5:51:19 PM)
PLEASE ANWSER Are you planning on releasing any further tools for The Sims 2 like an object creator?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:51:19 PM)
Yes we will release tools in the future for Sims 2, but probably not ahead of the release of the main software.
simsfreak51 (Jul 2, 2004 5:51:37 PM)
how much longer in the chat?
MaxisLucky (Jul 2, 2004 5:51:37 PM)
We have about 10 more minutes of our chat with Maxis General Manager Neil Young.
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:51:38 PM)
Lucy just came to my cube! I need to lock her back up
MatthewGreene (Jul 2, 2004 5:52:00 PM)
Do you plan on creating any Sims games for the upcoming DS or PSP?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:52:00 PM)
Yes, we do.
seansgirlkemi (Jul 2, 2004 5:53:00 PM)
About how many people have been working on the Sims2
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:53:00 PM)
A lot.
TheSidDog (Jul 2, 2004 5:53:20 PM)
Where do you see The Sims in twenty years?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:53:20 PM)
They play you....
Jenny Sim (Jul 2, 2004 5:53:42 PM)
When will this chat be posted?
MaxisLucky (Jul 2, 2004 5:53:42 PM)
We'll get the transcripts up as soon as we can after the chat today....
Sabeltan (Jul 2, 2004 5:54:21 PM)
Lucy!! Thank god, maybe you could answer because some other people refuse. How big will our sims 2 lots be in Simcity 4 squares? We need to know so we can start planning our road layouts. P.S. We miss you and had hoped you'd be doing more chats!
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:54:21 PM)
She says she'll answer on the BBS
verejoma (Jul 2, 2004 5:56:10 PM)
how many expansion packs are you guys planning on releasing?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:56:10 PM)
We currently have an outline for about 5 designs. The goal is a couple each year beginning in the first qtr. next year.
loverofchocolate (Jul 2, 2004 5:56:38 PM)
Hey neil do you like chocolate?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:56:38 PM)
I like dark chocolate.
*leagally brunette* (Jul 2, 2004 5:56:58 PM)
how many hours a day do you guys work on the sims 2?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:56:58 PM)
We are working around the clock right now.
alexmas (Jul 2, 2004 5:57:33 PM)
Is Lucky and Kitty their real names??
MaxisLucky (Jul 2, 2004 5:57:33 PM)
Absolutely!
SiMcHiCa (Jul 2, 2004 5:58:06 PM)
i've always been confused about MaxisKitty. i always here that she's a robot? whats this all about?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:58:06 PM)
She's one of our bot moderators - If you ask her questions, you'll often get the same answer.
maxiskitty (Jul 2, 2004 5:58:28 PM)
error does not compute error error
maxiskitty (Jul 2, 2004 5:58:32 PM)
404
nomel (Jul 2, 2004 5:59:17 PM)
why did you guys choose september 17th?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:59:17 PM)
We knew that we'd get it done right by then.
lltytgbr (Jul 2, 2004 5:59:33 PM)
do you think the game 'Singles' suck?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 5:59:33 PM)
Yes - It totally sucks
Guest (Jul 2, 2004 6:02:53 PM)
The Sims 2 BBS- Do you have anything *NEW* for us about The Sims 2?
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 6:02:53 PM)
Well with regards to Sims 2, we're on track, the game looks great. It will come out on September 17th. As for medium term expect big things from the marketplace in the first 12 months after it releases & look for multiplayer later next year.
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 6:03:56 PM)
Thanks for attending today, I'm looking forward to more chats in the future. Thank you for all your support. We love you guys.
MaxisNeil (Jul 2, 2004 6:04:07 PM)
We've got to wrap it up now
maxiskitty (Jul 2, 2004 6:04:14 PM)
That wraps up todays chat with Neil Young, looks for a Sims 2 specific chat in the future!
A Sim with a high Aspiration score will not only have unique behaviors, other Sims will respond differently to them in certain cases and they will be able to use reward objects that help them on other fronts in the game.
The Sims 2 has a tough act to follow -The Sims is the top selling game of all time and has built a large and very loyal following. These fans are very interested in The Sims 2, and are curious about the game's new features as well as how it will preserve the core gameplay that they have come to know and love. We're just as curious as anyone as to what's in store for our beloved sims in The Sims 2, so we asked a few questions of Lucy Bradshaw, VP of PC Development, to find out ...
GT: The Sims games on video game consoles have introduced goal-based play to The Sims, will there be any of this type of play in The Sims 2?
Lucy: The new gameplay surrounding fulfilling a Sims dreams does reward players for helping a Sim meet his or her lifetime aspirational goals. A Sim with a high Aspiration score will not only have unique behaviors, other Sims will respond differently to them in certain cases and they will be able to use reward objects that help them on other fronts in the game.
So, yes, there are goals to fulfill but it not as level based as the course we took in the console design.
GT: Are there any new motives or skills in the game, or will these remain the same as in the original game?
Lucy: While in the original Sims, they were all about their needs…..I need to go to the bathroom, I need energy, in Sims 2 the play is focused around what a Sim wants. Each Sim has a lifelong goal, so as you play them you help them to fulfill their wants to achieve along their aspirational goal or on the flip side you can indulge in their fears.
As for the needs, each age group has some different sensibilities about their needs. Rather than add complexity we decided using this means to give Sims more character would be fun. For example, Teen Sims are much more satisfied if they get to socialize with their friends vs. their family, and Grampa, well he may need to use the loo more often.
GT: Are there plans to incorporate cheat codes into The Sims 2? Will the famous “rosebud” cheat be making its return?
Lucy: Oh yeah. You can’t ship a game without cheats!!!
GT: Will any celebrities make their way into the game?
Lucy: There have been no announcements at this time.
GT: Will we see the return of special Sims like the sad clown and mime? Are there any new characters that Sims 2 players should keep an eye out for?
Lucy: There are definitely a couple of new characters in the mix For example, when your Sim is really lonely, he may be visited by his very own imaginary bunny. Check out what happens if you end up with a couple of bunnies on your lot of different colors. And, my favorite, the Shrink is all new.
GT: What changes are in store for the romantic lives of Sims? Are good moods and high relationship scores still enough to secure a mate?
Lucy: Sims can have the lifelong aspiration for Romance in The Sims 2. These Sims are a bit on the lusty side and you’ll see this in their Wants and Fears panel. Starting at teens, they will want to hook up with boyfriends or girlfriends and it is never bad to have a backup in the case of the Romantic Sim. Crushes, First Kisses and Going Steady all play a major role in a Teen Sims’ life. Hopefully they won’t have a big zit on the night of their big date.
Our romantic Sims also have a tendency to get a bit confident when they are doing well and you’ll see them strut about with a sexy swagger. They can charm other Sims a bit more easily and even make them swoon.
GT: Will career choice have an affect on the home life of Sims?
Lucy: Sims will earn reward objects thru their careers in The Sims 2. So, if you have Sims in different career tracks you’ll find that you can earn some pretty cool objects this way. Also, older Sims can teach younger Sims on how to use these objects which increases their skills at an early age and can set them off on the right path to success.
Also, I’m pretty psyched when my Sim gets picked up in the helicopter, personally.
GT: Is Sim death inevitable in The Sims 2, or will players be able to keep their favorite Sim around for good if they’d like? Will we see the Grim Reaper and Sim ghosts in The Sims 2?
Lucy: We’re leaving in a cheat for those players who just can stomach having their Sim grow old and die, and we get that some players may want this for their story telling etc.
On the other hand the gameplay is tuned around the aging of your Sim. The fun this is that you can affect how long they live by helping them successfully attain their dreams….then they actually live a longer and happier life. If you indulge in their fears, well, let’s just say stress kills.
GT: Will there be community locations in The Sims 2, or will neighborhoods still consist of home lots? Will you be able to take your Sims between locations?
Lucy: You can build community lots in the neighborhoods, in fact you can even select between several neighborhoods and landscape them further too. I tend to like to make community pools and the video game store or clothing stores are good to have for teens and growing Sims. You can even build grocery stores.
GT: How easy will it be for fans to create new objects for the game? Will object making tools be provided by Maxis?
Lucy: We’ve already shipped the first of our custom content tools, The Sims 2 Body Shop, that allows you to make unique Sims, modify their faces and accessorize with game assets as well as create new unique textures. It is really easy to use these in the game as the game knows exactly where to put the new data, so you don’t have to deal with any directory structures anymore. Just import into the game when you get it.
We’ll be making more tools as we go.
GT: Which feature or features of The Sims 2 do you think that diehard fans of the original game will like the most?
Lucy: That’s a hard question. I’ve had players go bananas over the family tree. It is really cool to see it build out as you play Sims thru generations.
I am really enjoying the new Aspiration gameplay. The reward objects are funny and the desperation states that Sims get into are fun to see as well. I feel motivated to help my Sim achieve.
But I think my favorite new feature is that you can make Sims Home Movies with the click of one button in the interface. Just set up your scene and then click the video camera button in the UI and the game will record everything you do. You can then edit your movie using any movie editing software. It is a really fun way to tell the stories of your Sims lives and you can share these with friends. The team and I have been making movies of our Sims as we go and some of the movies are just down right hilarious.
GT: On a final note, are there any gameplay secrets that you can let our readers in on?
Lucy: Not at this time, but we will keep you posted.
Thanks to Lucy for the sneak peek into some of the features of The Sims 2. Look for The Sims 2 in stores on September 17th.
Liven it up with the Green Bedroom set, now available for download.
The features you've been waiting for! Now you can log in, expand your search, download and rate your Sims at The Sims 2 Showcase!
Mix their genes, evolve their family tree and live the life of their dreams! Find out what The Sims 2 has in store for your Sims!
Hey, everyone,
Each week, I try and talk about a few of the amazing features found in The Sims 2, and most of the time I can relay this information to you in real world terms (e.g. Sims have wants, fears, and aspiration). However, we shouldn't forget that The Sims 2 team is stuffed to over-flowing with some serious, Grade-A brainiacs. This week, let's get a little geeky with one of our Directors of Software Development, Dave Gregory. I'm going to let him talk from here on out on some of the more engineering-centric features, all focused on something you all have a lot of experience with, Custom Content:
Thanks, Lucy. Hi there. My name's Dave, and I'd like to talk to you about some of the behind the scenes improvements that we've made to The Sims 2 based on our experiences and feedback on the first The Sims game and using custom content.
First off, when you tear open your new copy of The Sims 2 on September 17th, you may quickly discover that uploading and downloading objects has been integrated directly in the game. In plain terms, this means that you'll be able to browse and contribute to the myriad of community-created objects, skins, neighborhood ploppables, build mode patterns and more right from the comfort of the game.
Also, suppose you downloaded a Sim last week because you loved the dress that had been created for her, but this week, you see a new Sim that you simply must have, but this one is wearing the same dress (how embarrassing for them!). Well, when you go to download this new Sim, the game will automatically see that it already has this dress, and so, using what we call Minimal Transport, you will download only the Sim you want, without downloading the dress a second time. This will certainly be a benefit for users with slower connections, and it puts less strain on our poor, overworked servers.
Furthermore, many of you were exasperated with some of the hoops that the first Sims game made you jump through in order to bring content into the game. No more! Now, when you download new custom content for the game, it will be automatically detected and seamlessly loaded into the game without restarting the game. You'll also be able to easily manage and maintain this content from right within the game. No more nosing around in The Sims 2 file structure (unless, of course, that's your thing, in which case, feel free to snoop around)!
Finally, and perhaps, most importantly, The Sims 2 has been built from the ground up in anticipation of future content being created for the game. Some of our more seasoned The Sims players might have noticed that keeping a large menagerie of custom content can sometimes lead to problems with newer content writing over old content. In The Sims 2, this will never be the case. All conflicts are resolved locally during the download process.
So, will all this fancy-pants engineering lead to slower load times in the game? No. We’ve done our best to ensure that a copy of the game jammed to the gills with custom content will result in only a small increase in load times, so you should plan on going hog wild downloading custom content when you have the game.
Happy Simming!
Lucy & Dave
Ever wonder what its like to be the General Manager of Maxis? Well you can find out next Friday, June 2nd! Meet Maxis’ Neil Young live in chat next Friday from 3:30 – 4:30pm PST!