The Sims Online - The Free Trial Has Become Permanent Play
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Computers Technology -> subcategory Games.
The Sims Online: Free Access Goes Permanent
Summary:
The Sims Online is transforming its free trial into a permanent free play option, similar to Second Life. What prompted this shift, and how will it reshape the Sims Online experience?
Keywords:
sims, the sims, sims online, the sims online, sims trial, the sims free trial
Article:
The Sims Online is undergoing a significant change. Electronic Arts (EA) has announced that the game’s free trial will soon become permanent, allowing players to enjoy the game without the $9.99 monthly fee. But why is this change happening now?
The decision stems from EA's need to revive The Sims Online, which failed to capture a large audience despite the franchise’s success. Released four years ago alongside Second Life, The Sims Online struggled to maintain its player base while Second Life thrived. Given that the Sims franchise includes two of the best-selling games ever, EA expected The Sims Online to be a major hit. Initially, it was.
In January 2003, The Sims Online had over 100,000 active subscriptions, topping online game charts. But issues quickly arose. Luc Barthelet, EA’s Senior Vice President, distanced himself from the game, leaving bugs unresolved and allowing cheats that disrupted the in-game economy. These cheats devalued Simoleons (the game’s currency) and made core objectives, like employment, meaningless. Before these exploits, players could sell Simoleons on eBay, adding real-world value to the game.
As Second Life soared, The Sims Online languished. Only a dedicated few remained, while others moved to newer, more engaging games. However, change is on the horizon. In March 2007, Barthelet announced his renewed involvement in the project. For the first time in years, player forums have been consulted for feedback, promising a revitalized Sims Online experience.
EA's initial steps include creating new cities for players to explore, updating the game’s logo, and fixing monetary loopholes. The registration process will be simpler, and the trial will become permanent free play. There will still be limitations: non-paying players can choose only one city, have a single avatar, and start with less money. Yet, this commitment from EA is likely to attract new players, injecting fresh energy into the game and restoring EA's reputation after past failures.
Why now? The anticipated release of The Sims 3 in 2008 might be a factor. EA wants to avoid negative publicity before launching a new product. Reviving The Sims Online requires time, but these changes are a promising start. Upcoming features like AvatarBook, akin to Facebook, aim to increase interest and expand the audience. Many Sims fans have wondered what multiplayer experiences could offer, but were deterred by poor reviews. This new direction signals a brighter future, strengthening the community.
The key question isn’t why EA is making these changes now, but why it didn’t act sooner. As players return, let’s hope EA gets it right this time.
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