Gaming News - March 2006

Redwood City, CA (March 2, 2006) - Electronic Arts today announced that a song from Depeche Mode has been translated to The Sims native Simlish language.

From EA:

Suffer Well,’ a popular track from Depeche Mode’s critically acclaimed album ‘Playing the Angel,’ has been recorded in Simlish and will be made available to fans of music and PC games through The Sims 2 Open for Business, the third expansion pack to build on the celebrated The Sims 2 entertainment experience.

The Sims development team created the unique Simlish language by experimenting with fractured Ukrainian and Tagalog, the language of the Philippines. Inspired by the code talkers of WWII, Sims creator Will Wright also suggested experimenting with Navajo.

“Like the Sims, Depeche Mode is a worldwide phenomenon, with a distinct style. This unprecedented collaboration brings together two celebrated entertainment icons, and gives millions of Sims fans the opportunity to hear one of their favorite bands sing in Simlish, a language that appeals directly to them,” said Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive of Music and Music Marketing at EA. “Simlish is an emotion-filled language that defies translation—it’s a great fit for the music of Depeche Mode which is so focused on creating a mood, and appeals to people on an emotional level.”

Depeche Mode’s lead singer, David Gahan, said, "Depeche Mode has always been open to new ways of sharing our music, but re-recording a Simlish-language version of 'Suffer Well' just sounded completely bizarre. Of course, that's why couldn't resist doing it."

A video for the song, featuring footage of Depeche Mode and gameplay from The Sims 2 Open for Business will be available at thesims2.ea.com and www.depechemode.com.

The song is also included in the PC game, The Sims 2 Open for Business, which puts commercial creativity in the hands of gamers who can create virtually any kind of business for their Sims, from a trendy clothing boutique or hip beauty salon to a blooming floral shop or bustling restaurant chain. As a savvy entrepreneur, your Sim must keep an eye out for slacker employees and be prepared to fire them as quickly as they hired them!