Gaming —

The Sims 3 coming in February

EA has finally announced a release date for The Sims 3, which will be coming …

At the Games Convention in Leipzig, Electronic Arts finally updated the vague release window of 2009 for The Sims 3: it's now slated to come out on February 20, 2009.

Interestingly, EA also announced that in addition to being released to retailers, the game will be made available as a digital download the same day. Additionally, the game will be getting the collector's edition treatment, with a version that includes the game, a Sims USB drive, exclusive in-game Italian sports car, Sims stickers, and a hint book.

The Sims 3 will look to improve on its predecessor with an expanded create-a-character mode, a new open neighborhood to explore, and a new goal system, with both long- and short-term goals. The game will also finally allow players to customize items, such as furniture or clothing, to their liking.

With Spore set to be released in September, it looks like EA is trying to put a bit of breathing room between its two gigantic PC franchises. For those with plans to play both, this is indeed a good thing.  

Channel Ars Technica