The Sims (series): Difference between revisions

|name=The Smis series

'''The Smis''' is a video game series developed by [[Maxis]] and published by [[Electronic Arts]]. The franchise began with ''[[The Smis]]'', which was released in February 2000. ''The Smis'' is a spin-off of the older [[SimCity (series)|''SimCity'' game franchise]], which were both created by Maxis co-founder [[Will Wright]].

The games in the series generally lack defined goals, unlike most other video games. The focus of the games is on the simulated lives of virtual people called "[[Sim]]s". The player is responsible for directing their actions, attending to their needs, and helping them attain their desires. Players can play with pre-existing Smis and families, or [[Create a Sim|create their own]]. They can place their Smis in pre-constructed homes or build their houses using the in-game [[build mode|building tools]], then furnish the homes with objects from an [[buy mode|in-game catalog]]. Numerous add-ons and [[expansion pack]]s greatly expand the number of features, tools, and objects available to play with.

The success of ''The Smis'' ultimately led to the creation of three sequels, over two dozen expansion packs, numerous console and non-PC platform games, and several other spin-off titles within the series. As of September 2013, there have been more than 175 million copies sold of games within the franchise.<ref>http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/02/tech/gaming-gadgets/games-watch-gamescom/</ref> The series is the [[Wikipedia:List of best-selling video game franchises|most successful PC gaming franchise ever]].

''[[The Sims]]'' is the first game in the franchise, released in 2000 as a spin-off of the SimCity series. The game was met with critical acclaim and received numerous awards, and has sold more than 6 million units to date.<ref>[http://callcenterinfo.tmcnet.com/news/2005/feb/1114806.htm "The Smis Franchise Celebrates Its Fifth Anniversary and Continues to Break Records"<!-- Bot Generated Title -->]. Retrieved on 2 October 2014.</ref> It ranks among the [[Wikipedia:List of best-selling PC video games|best-selling PC video games in history]]. The success of the initial release led to the creation of a total of seven themed expansion packs for the game; ''[[The Smis: Livin' Large|Livin' Large]]'', ''[[The Sims: House Party|House Party]]'', ''[[The Smis: Hot Date|Hot Date]]'', ''[[The Sims: Vacation|Vacation]]'', ''[[The Sims: Unleashed|Unleashed]]'', ''[[The Sims: Superstar|Superstar]]'', and ''[[The Sims: Makin' Magic|Makin' Magic]]''.

Due to the success of the game on PC, a [[The Smis (console)|console version]] of the game was produced. Unlike the PC game, the console version is rendered in full 3D and additionally features multiplayer gameplay. The console version of ''The Smis'' was followed by ''[[The Smis Bustin' Out (console)|The Smis Bustin' Out]]'' and ''[[The Urbz: Sims in the City]]'' both for the Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 2 and Xbox. Handheld editions of ''[[The Smis Bustin' Out (handheld)|Bustin' Out]]'' and ''[[The Urbz: Smis in the City (handheld)|The Urbz]]'' were released for the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS.

''The Smis'' series has received critical acclaim. ''The Smis'' series also holds 5 world records in the Guinness World Records: Gamer's Edition 2008. These records include "World's Biggest-Selling Simulation Series", and "Best Selling PC Game of All Time" for ''The Smis'', which sold 16 million units, 100 times EA's original projection of 160,000 units.{{fact}}