When most people think of computer games, connotations of shooting bad guys, driving and high velocity or simply running through platform levels come to mind. Surprisingly however, the best selling computer game contains none of these elements and instead allows the gamer to control the lives of ordinary people. While this seemingly boring premise would not be popular, it is the case that over 100 million copies of Electronic Arts blockbuster ‘The Sims’ have sold in the meagre eight years that the franchise has been on shop shelves.
EA have this week claimed ‘The Sims’ to be the world’s best selling game. The game is available on pretty much every platform and now only stands behind the lucrative Mario franchise from Nintendo. In terms of figures ‘The Sims’ has a way to go; Mario has sold over 200 million units, but has been on the market for a much longer period.
The game is ultimately about the control of everyday life for ‘simulated people’. Gamers can create homes and businesses for their ‘Sims’ controlling every aspect of their lives. Currently the game has been released in sixty countries and in twenty two language formats. First released in 2000 it rapidly became a hit with all manner of gamers, not just the hardcore. It is believed that over sixty percent of the game’s players are women, a market traditionally neglected by video game developers. The appeal is believed to be the humorous ways in which players can control their ‘Sims’ lives, one EA spokesperson labelling the game as a “very creative sandbox”.
Many gamers upload videos of their ‘Sims’ activities to the YouTube site. Such videos have included recreations of music videos and musicals, and stand testament to the creativity of ‘Sims’ fans. The series has proved lucrative for EA who have been able to create a number of advertising tie-ins that bring extra revenue.
The game was revolutionary when it was released in 2000 and continues to be popular amongst many gamers worldwide. With the increase of social gaming and online game play the game will undoubtedly go from strength to strength. So before you dismiss the gaming industry as blood, guts and high speed antics, remember that the most popular game in recent year’s has had day to day life as its subject matter.
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