Gaming News - January 2006

Redwood City, CA (January 4, 2006) - Electronic Arts today announced The Sims 2 Open for Business, the third expansion pack to The Sims 2.

From EA:

With The Sims 2 Open for Business, commercial creativity is in your hands – create any kind of business, from trendy clothing boutique to blooming floral shop, a bustling restaurant perhaps, or become a mogul with an original business of your own design - the Sims’ world is open for business!

Make Your Dream Store a Virtual Reality

Ever had a great idea for a business? Build it and see how it works!

The world is your entrepreneurial oyster in this all-new The Sims 2 expansion pack, allowing you to experience the victories and challenges associated with creating, owning and running your own business. From the layout and merchandise, to the employees and materials, you choose what your Sim needs to create a profitable and fun business.

Who’s the Boss? Your Sims Are!

In The Sims 2 Open for Business, your Sims will learn what it takes to build a clientele and keep loyal customers happy while improving employee morale and managing a lucrative business. Players can even help their Sims to create and craft new items to sell and meet customer demands. As each customer is different, you’ll be able to apply sales techniques to woo even the most discriminating shopper. Dress your employees in wacky outfits to entertain cranky customers or drop the price for an unsure browser. From training, promoting, hiring and firing, you’re ultimately the boss who calls all the shots!

Learn the Tricks of the Trade

Do the things your Sims love to do while getting virtually paid for it! Keep your employees knowledgeable and the workplace happy, because before you know it you’ll have the most entertaining, booming business in the neighborhood! Flaunt your team’s assets while vying for the “Best of the Best” award, an honor guaranteed to improve their business reputation – and yours!

“The Sims 2 Open for Business is truly an innovative and fresh addition to the franchise. It allows players to build their own business from the ground up, exploring a whole new economic landscape while pursuing their dreams of commercial success. said senior producer, Tim LeTourneau. “For years players have been asking for the ability to play with their Sims in a work environment. Now they will be able to do just that, unlocking not only their Sims business potential, but their own as well. It’s really a whole new way to play the game.” “Whether you’re a clever tinkerer or a master craftsman, your dream store can become a virtual reality as your Sims world becomes open for business!”

The Sims 2 Open for Business is the third expansion pack of the critically acclaimed PC game, The Sims 2. With streamlined gameplay, stunning graphics, and a lifetime of replayability, The Sims 2 Open for Business maintains the core components of creativity and customization that are integral to The Sims experience while allowing gamers to practice their skills at the trade of their choice. With more than 58 million units sold to date, The Sims franchise maintains a unique appeal that allows gamers to create and control the lives of their Sims thus leaving the creative power of their Sims world in their own hands!

Rated “T” for teen by the ESRB, The Sims 2 Open for Business was developed under the EA brand by EA’s award winning Maxis studio.

For more information, or to find out how the game will play on your favorite platform, please visit www.thesims2.com.