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Pets Chat This Thursday!
25 Jul 2006 - 23:00

Thank you to everyone that showed up at the chat event. We have posted the transcripts for those of you that couldn't make it.

Read The Transcripts!

ChatMaster (Jul 27, 2006 2:45:04 PM)
Hi everyone! Welcome to today’s The Sims 2 Pets chat! We’re so excited, we’ll be releasing Pets on all of your favorite platforms including PC, Playstation 2, Playstation Portable, Nintendo Gamecube, Nintendo DS, Nintendo GBA. Today’s chat will focus on the Pets Expansion Pack for the PC. Make sure to check back next week for more chats on other platforms!

MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:01:21 PM)
Hi guys!!

Tia Tong (Jul 27, 2006 3:03:50 PM)
How many breeds of dogs are there?

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:03:50 PM)
We plan to ship with about 35 dog breeds and 15 cat breeds, but the Create-a-Pet feature allows you to create an almost unlimited number of custom breeds and mixes.

Tia Tong (Jul 27, 2006 3:04:17 PM)
How many breeds of dogs are there?

MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:04:17 PM)
we will be shipping the game with about 40 or so breeds of dog, but you can make your own kind in Create-a-Dog.

rosierealea (Jul 27, 2006 3:04:21 PM)
What are the age stages of pets? How long do they last?

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:04:21 PM)
Dogs and cats can be puppies/kittens, adults, elders. Then they die of old age.

rauldn (Jul 27, 2006 3:04:41 PM)
Hello! Will we have a new downtown in this EP?

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:04:41 PM)
No new neighborhood.

TSZCheetah (Jul 27, 2006 3:05:02 PM)
how many levels do the pet careers have

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:05:02 PM)
Five levels in each of the three careers.

needtheloo (Jul 27, 2006 3:05:03 PM)
Are there any new fish?

MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:05:03 PM)
Yes, there's a new fishtank with delightful tropical/saltwater fish.

SamuraiCris (Jul 27, 2006 3:05:32 PM)
what kind of jobs can the pets have?

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:05:32 PM)
Pets can be in three career paths: Service, Show Business, and Security.

simaster8 (Jul 27, 2006 3:05:44 PM)
New neighborhoods?

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:05:44 PM)
No new neighborhoods.

meppu (Jul 27, 2006 3:05:54 PM)
I saw few cat and dog breeds told in Info page, but not enough. I wanna know is there golden retrievers or huskys in dog breeds and maine coons and/or other forest cat breeds in the game?

MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:05:54 PM)
We are creating the breeds in Create-A-Family and they are looking great. I can't say exactly how many there will be because we will keep making them until someone takes the computer away from us.

Shanniblue1 (Jul 27, 2006 3:05:59 PM)
Can we take our pet to our busineses if we have open for business

MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:05:59 PM)
Yes, and you can run a pet store if you have ofb, too!

stephy (Jul 27, 2006 3:06:23 PM)
Do you have to get a special bathtub for pets?

MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:06:23 PM)
No, you can use the tubs that you all know and love.

Yuka (Jul 27, 2006 3:06:28 PM)
Will pets have aspirations like regular sims?

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:06:28 PM)
Pets have motives, but no aspirations.

Tia Tong (Jul 27, 2006 3:06:33 PM)
Will guinea pigs or hamster give you a disease like the the first sims game?

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:06:33 PM)
No.

speefus79 (Jul 27, 2006 3:07:37 PM)
Can you combine dogs and cats?

MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:07:37 PM)
No cags or dots. Happy

supersimmer25 (Jul 27, 2006 3:07:46 PM)
Will pets count as a member of the household?

MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:07:46 PM)
Yes they will (dogs and cats), but they dont count against your 8 Sims. You can have up to 8 Sims and up to 6 pets, but we're testing still, so there's probably going to be a limit on total number of characters -- we have it set to 12 right now.

neclika (Jul 27, 2006 3:07:48 PM)
So how can we buy/adopt pets?

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:07:48 PM)
You can create a family with a pet in create-a-family. You can create a pet or pets in create-a-family and merge it with an existing family. You can adopt a pet over the phone. You can adopt a stray. You can give a pet to another Sim. You can buy a pet in a pet store.

greendaynix (Jul 27, 2006 3:07:57 PM)
Are there going to be werewolves?

MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:07:57 PM)
Maybe...

simslover2413 (Jul 27, 2006 3:08:54 PM)
When you Create-A-Breed, does it show up in the pet store with the Maxis breeds?

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:08:54 PM)
Once you create a dog or cat in Create-A-Pet, you can save that breed. Additionally, the offspring of your in-game dogs and cats can be registered into Create-A-Pet to be used as a new template.

abbydnick (Jul 27, 2006 3:09:54 PM)
Are we going to be able to control the pets or do they control themselves?

MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:09:54 PM)
You control your pets only by having your Sims tell them things. Pets aren't controllable like Sims. There will, however, be a cheat to control them, for moviemakers and control freaks. Wink

NotKollormn (Jul 27, 2006 3:10:10 PM)
Why such a simple title? Ive come to expect much more then such a simple title from Maxis.

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:10:10 PM)
Pets says it all. You don't have to explain what it's about. Sims 2 Pets will be _the_ pets game to own on any platform.

Guest (Jul 27, 2006 3:10:25 PM)
what are the gameplay features or objects in the EP that aren't pet-related

MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:10:25 PM)
We have some really cool Atomic Age furniture. Maybe if you're nice we'll post some pictures.

needtheloo (Jul 27, 2006 3:10:40 PM)
Are there any new options in build mode?

MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:10:40 PM)
Diagonal roofs are cool! I also really like the sledgehammer tool, which can delete pretty much anything in 1 click.

dudee (Jul 27, 2006 3:10:47 PM)
will there be any interactions between toddlers and pets?

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:10:47 PM)
Yes, some very cute ones.

BlooFluff (Jul 27, 2006 3:11:33 PM)
Can pets be fat?

MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:11:33 PM)
Dogs and cats can be as fat as you make them in create-a-pet.

MrsEPotter (Jul 27, 2006 3:11:39 PM)
can a pet sleep in a bed with your sims?

MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:11:39 PM)
Yes, if you have a double bed. They will sleep on one side and your Sim will sleep on the other.

MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:11:39 PM)
and that's pretty fat.

fionabalogna (Jul 27, 2006 3:12:00 PM)
what kind of animals will there be other than dogs and cats?

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:12:00 PM)
Womrats, birds, and a saltwater aquarium.

MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:12:32 PM)
The Womrat is my Fav!!

Shanniblue1 (Jul 27, 2006 3:12:42 PM)
can children train pets?

MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:12:42 PM)
Yes, we wanted children to have as many new interactions as possible.

north49guy (Jul 27, 2006 3:12:47 PM)
Are there any stray pets walking around your neighboorhood? Any skunks or raccoons like unleased?

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:12:47 PM)
There are strays and there is a skunk. Gates can be locked to not allow animals through.

hell9997 (Jul 27, 2006 3:13:31 PM)
Will pets run away?

MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:13:31 PM)
Yes! If you don't take care of them!!

fluffydevil04 (Jul 27, 2006 3:13:41 PM)
Will pets be able to die from anything but old age?

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:13:41 PM)
Pets are afforded the same protection as children: if you starve them, they will be taken away by the Animal Control Officer.

abcdefg (Jul 27, 2006 3:13:56 PM)
Will the skunks fart on you?

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:13:57 PM)
They will spray.

mike145 (Jul 27, 2006 3:14:29 PM)
Okay... you gotta get me excited. What kind of interactions will pets have with toddlers?

MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:14:29 PM)
I enjoy the toddler deathgrip on the cat. The cat gives a look that implies a resigned loss of dignity.

stephy (Jul 27, 2006 3:14:41 PM)
can sims hug their pets?

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:14:41 PM)
There are many ways for Sims and pets to express affection to each other, including hugs.

MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:15:11 PM)
Hunter's right, the toddler hugging the cat is ADORABLE!!!

needtheloo (Jul 27, 2006 3:15:30 PM)
Do we have to house train our pets?

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:15:30 PM)
There is a whole learned behavior system between Sims and dogs/cats. This includes housetraining.

ChatMaster (Jul 27, 2006 3:15:49 PM)
We'll be extending the chat 15 minutes. Thanks everyone for joining!

robertsims12345 (Jul 27, 2006 3:16:29 PM)
how do they *try for a baby*

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:16:29 PM)
They have to have a good relationship with each other and with the commanding Sim. You also need to provide a pet house. Then the command becomes available.

simaster8 (Jul 27, 2006 3:16:42 PM)
New music?

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:16:42 PM)
Yes.

PoisonGirl (Jul 27, 2006 3:17:02 PM)
will we be able to have birthday parties for pets?

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:17:02 PM)
You can hire an animal trainer.

BlooFluff (Jul 27, 2006 3:17:37 PM)
Can you hire someone else to train your pet for you?

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:17:37 PM)
You can hire an animal trainer.

stephy (Jul 27, 2006 3:18:26 PM)
Can pets fight?

MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:18:26 PM)
Oh yeah!!!

pianomarie24 (Jul 27, 2006 3:19:21 PM)
What special talents will Parrots have?

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:19:21 PM)
Birds can be taught to talk.

needtheloo (Jul 27, 2006 3:19:45 PM)
What is your favorite/least favorite breed of pet?

MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:19:45 PM)
I love labs!! But that's because I own one.

abcdefg (Jul 27, 2006 3:20:07 PM)
What's the most awesome new feature in the game?

MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:20:07 PM)
Learned Behaviors is going to be a really powerful feature, because it will let you customize the habits of your pet beyond the normal personalities. You'll be able to scold or praise your pets for lots of things, like being noisy and disruptive as opposed to quiet. And once you reinforce a behavior all the way (for example noisiness) you'll unlock new commands for your Sim to perform (sing) that give more control over their pets. Pets with more learned behavior modification will be worth more money if you sell them. Happy

Blue (Jul 27, 2006 3:20:07 PM)
pet tombstones??

MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:20:07 PM)
Yes and they are super cute!!

tara (Jul 27, 2006 3:20:07 PM)
Do pets get lonely?

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:20:07 PM)
Pets have similar motives to humans, and they need Social and Fun, among others. Also, dogs gotta chew, and cats gotta scratch.

neclika (Jul 27, 2006 3:20:47 PM)
Do pets count towards sim limit on lots?

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:20:47 PM)
You can have up to 8 Sims and 6 pets on a lot, as long as the total is 12 or less.

igjkhjkhj (Jul 27, 2006 3:21:07 PM)
DO U PICK UP POOP?!?!?!

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:21:07 PM)
It's blue fluid, and it gets mopped up.

dudee (Jul 27, 2006 3:21:53 PM)
will their be a central park such as the one in the E3 preview?

MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:21:53 PM)
Yes, one of the lots that we'll be including in the pack will be a park.

macmarge (Jul 27, 2006 3:21:57 PM)
Will cats have litter boxes?

MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:21:57 PM)
Of course.

Guest (Jul 27, 2006 3:22:24 PM)
what are some things we can train our pets to do?

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:22:24 PM)
In addition to learned behaviors, typical tricks are Stay, Speak, Roll Over, Play Dead, etc. Also, the cats can be trained to use the toilet.

TushieErin (Jul 27, 2006 3:22:31 PM)
Can you have long-haired cats in the game?

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:22:31 PM)
Yes.

Stacielou132 (Jul 27, 2006 3:23:37 PM)
Do pets have Family Trees?

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:23:37 PM)
Yes. Pets have genealogy just like Sims do.

rauldn (Jul 27, 2006 3:23:57 PM)
can we have pets in university?

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:23:57 PM)
Yes.

asyouareme (Jul 27, 2006 3:24:07 PM)
Could you run a pet shop if you already have OfB?

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:24:07 PM)
Yes, you can.

rosierealea (Jul 27, 2006 3:24:40 PM)
Do the pets go to work alone, or do you have to take them?

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:24:40 PM)
Pets get picked up to go to work. They don't have to be taken by the owner.

PugLove888 (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:02 PM)
Can pets be saved from death or resurrected using the Rresurrect-O-Nomitron?

MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:02 PM)
They can be resurrected.

Stacielou132 (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:15 PM)
How many puppies/kittens are there in a litter?

MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:15 PM)
A litter will be 1-4 puppies or kittens.

ktlovessims2 (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:15 PM)
where can cats and dogs go in/on in the house???

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:15 PM)
They can go anywhere you want them to. The new door locking system can prohibit pets in certain rooms.

greek4 (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:24 PM)
Can dogs eat garbage? **yuk**

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:24 PM)
Yes.

sickpuppy301 (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:28 PM)
will pets have memories?

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:28 PM)
Yes.

sghkg (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:44 PM)
Can we costumize the pets face?

MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:44 PM)
Yes, there are many things you can do to create your pet.

Winter (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:46 PM)
Can they come back as zombies?

MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:46 PM)
Sadly no. :(

Guest (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:52 PM)
Are birds customizable in any way?

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:52 PM)
You have a number of different birds to choose from, but they are not in the Create-A-Family system.

nikki9dor92 (Jul 27, 2006 3:26:20 PM)
is there a new grim reaper for pets?

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:26:20 PM)
No. Grimmie is an equal opportunity reaper.

Teresa (Jul 27, 2006 3:27:33 PM)
Will there be ghost pets Happy

MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:27:33 PM)
Naturally. Happy

SimmerSoph (Jul 27, 2006 3:28:28 PM)
What was the most fun part of making the game?

MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:28:28 PM)
Wow, where do I start? The games we make are so much fun! The people on the team are just amazing!! I have fun every day at work and find myself laughing most of the day!

anissatine (Jul 27, 2006 3:28:32 PM)
they won't ruin my flowers, will they?

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:28:32 PM)
They can, but you can encourage them not to. Eventually, they'll learn to be respectful of your stuff.

rauldn (Jul 27, 2006 3:28:46 PM)
Can a pet take the "elixir of life"?

MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:28:46 PM)
They can eat Kibble of life.

kwilltrice8 (Jul 27, 2006 3:29:37 PM)
Will there be doggie doors

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:29:37 PM)
Pets use the same doors as Sims.

CeJaye (Jul 27, 2006 3:29:53 PM)
Will any Maxis Made families ship with the game?

MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:29:53 PM)
Yes! Rain is hard at work creating the families for you guys.

TushieErin (Jul 27, 2006 3:30:51 PM)
Any openings at Maxis? :D

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:30:51 PM)
Yes. Check out the jobs site at www.ea.com.

ChatMaster (Jul 27, 2006 3:30:57 PM)
OK..5 minute warning! Send in your best questions!

Lottsen (Jul 27, 2006 3:31:29 PM)
can they break things?

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:31:29 PM)
Dogs can chew your stuff and cats can scratch your stuff. They can be discouraged (or encouraged) from this practice.

charming86 (Jul 27, 2006 3:31:31 PM)
is ther a new phone in the game?

MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:31:31 PM)
Yep. Looks totally sweet, too.

MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:31:53 PM)
Yep! There is a picture of it lurking on our site.

Guest (Jul 27, 2006 3:32:57 PM)
What kind of skills do pets have?

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:32:57 PM)
Pets start with personalities. They also learn new tricks and commands to advance in their careers.

kwilltrice8 (Jul 27, 2006 3:32:59 PM)
Can poodles be pink

MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:32:59 PM)
If you unlock pink fur, yes, you can have a pink poodle.

Eria (Jul 27, 2006 3:33:31 PM)
can you trade pets, like being a pet breeder as a business?

MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:33:31 PM)
Yes, and training them to make them worth more.

MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:34:17 PM)
Thanks everyone for your great questions. Bub-bye!

MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:34:57 PM)
Thanks for chatting with us guys!! It was a blast!! Bye!

MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:35:04 PM)
Byee!

ChatMaster (Jul 27, 2006 3:35:06 PM)
Thanks for coming everyone! Aplogies for the technical issues. We will post the transcripts on the site shortly!

ChatMaster (Jul 27, 2006 3:36:46 PM)
OK..if you could please log out we would appreciate it! Thanks!

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Glamour Life Wallpapers
20 Jul 2006 - 23:00

Turn your desktop into something glamorous!

Download Wallpapers

The Sims 2 Glamour Life Stuff The Sims 2 Glamour Life Stuff The Sims 2 Glamour Life Stuff
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New Glamour Life Stuff Pack Coming In August!
13 Jul 2006 - 23:00

Your Sims can now indulge in a glamorous life with this collection of luxurious furniture, fashionable clothing, and extravagant decor items.
Return in a couple of weeks for more great announcements!

More about the Glamour Life!>

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Summer Is Finally Here!
11 Jul 2006 - 23:00

Our own MaxoidMoonBelly has created some fantastic and fun swimsuits for your Sims. Take your Sims to the pool with these Surfer Bunny Trunks or the Aloha Bunny Swimsuits!

Download Some Swimsuits!

The Sims 2 - Happy Summer From The SimsSummer is finally here!
Our own MaxoidMoonBelly has created some fantastic and fun swimsuits for your Sims. Take your Sims to the pool with these Surfer Bunny Trunks or the Aloha Bunny Swimsuits!

If you'd like to know more about how these swimsuits were created, be sure to check out MaxoidMoonBelly's blog.

The Sims 2Aloha Bunny Swimsuit
Your elder can by stylish at the pool side with this one piece.
Download This Swimsuit (Elder)
The Sims 2Aloha Bunny Swimsuit
Take your Sim out in the sun with this two piece swimsuit!
Download This Swimsuit (Adult)
The Sims 2Surfer Bunny Swim Trunks
Be the talk of the pool party with these swim trunks. Surf's up!
Download This Swimsuit (Teen)
Download This Swimsuit (Adult)
Download This Swimsuit (Elder)
The Sims 2Aloha Bunny Swimsuit
Now your little ones can be stylish at the pool party with this two piece set!
Download This Swimsuit (Child)
The Sims 2Surfer Bunny Swim Trunks
The little ones can look cool too with these light blue swim trunks.
Download This Swimsuit (Child)
The Sims 2Aloha Bunny Swimsuit
Don't like a two piece? Take the Freezer Bunny out in the sun with this one piece swimsuit.
Download This Swimsuit (Teen)
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New MySim Page Themes!
29 Jun 2006 - 23:00

There are two great new themes added to the MySim Pages - Family Fun and Pleasantview!

Check it out...

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Digital Download Available!
20 Jun 2006 - 23:00

If you haven't purchased the Family Fun Stuff yet, now you can purchase it and download it digitally from the EA Downloader!

Learn more...

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Patches for your game!
15 Jun 2006 - 23:10

Get two great patches to update your game!

Open For Business
Family Fun Stuff

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Greetings From Don Laabs (AKA MaxoidDon)
15 Jun 2006 - 23:00

"I know that you've been anxious for information lately. Rumors on the boards are like catnip to Sims fans, and many of you seem to be wondering if and when we will finally reveal the new expansion pack."

Read More...

Greetings From Don Laabs (AKA MaxoidDon)

Dear Sims2.com Community:

Greetings. This is Don Laabs (AKA MaxoidDon), Senior Producer on the Sims 2 PC team coming to you from beautiful Redwood Shores, California.

I know that you've been anxious for information lately. Rumors on the boards are like catnip to Sims fans, and many of you seem to be wondering if and when we will finally reveal the new expansion pack. We are quickly approaching the announcement of the next expansion pack, so we just need you to hold out a little while longer. The official announcement is slated to happen in several weeks, and when we go public with the theme, we also expect to provide details on all the cool new features. You will have plenty of information to chew on before the product hits the shelves.

While we're waiting for the announcement, there's a lot to talk about. There's been plenty of action from Maxoids lately, such as a couple of posts from Hunter (pic 1, pic 2, pic 3), a game secrets feature from Lyndsay, cool floor tiles from Shannon (pic 1, pic 2, pic 3), and blogs from a few Maxoids. As you can see, the team has been hard at work and having a blast working on the latest products.

In other news, we've been bumping into a lot of community members here in the Sims studio. Famed sims creator, HappyMoonBelly, joined us as a full-time employee in the video capture department and is now known as MaxoidMoonBelly. There are three new QA testers from the community. Lastly, Nick K., the Sims University contest winner, spent a month working in the Sims marketing department as his first place prize.

I'd like to use the rest of this letter to address some of the hot questions that have been popping up on the forums lately.

First up: patches. I'm happy to announce that the new patches for The Sims 2 Open for Business and The Sims 2 Family Fun Stuff have been posted! You can get the patches here: http://thesims2.ea.com/update/index.php. These patches fix about 54 issues in Open for Business, and about 51 items in Family Fun Stuff. That doesn't add up to 105 total issues, because most the issues appear on both lists. My favorite bug fix description is "Bag of Poo will no longer break after installing The Sims 2 Family Fun Stuff."

There have been a lot of questions lately about why the patches take so long and why they are necessary in the first place. As you longtime Sims fan know, the interwoven systems in Sims 2 games are mind-bogglingly complex. In addition, the success of Sims 2 has added to the problem in that every new product we make has to work with a higher and higher number of combinations of previous products.

This is intended as an explanation and not an excuse. When you buy a game, you are entitled to a bug-free experience. We are always working on improving your experience, and we have a lot of talented people attacking the problem.

A lot of you Simmers are curious about Stuff Packs. Yes, we are working on additional Stuff Packs. These will be officially announced at the appropriate time.

A lot of people ask "Why Stuff Packs? Can't we just download stuff?" It may be hard to believe, but there are millions of Sims products sold to people who don't have access to the same sites that you Web-savvy fans do. These web-silent Sims fans also really like additional official Sims content. The Sims 2 Family Fun Stuff was the #1 selling PC game in each of the first three weeks of its release. Of course, many web-active Sims fans also like Stuff Packs, but we acknowledge that Stuff Packs are not for everyone.

"Whatever happened to Tim LeTourneau?" is a common question. I see Tim all of the time, so he's nearby. I can't tell you what he's working on in his new role as Executive Producer (congratulations, Tim), but I can tell you that he's still in the Sims division.

And, last, but not least, there is a burning question that causes friendships to be strained and marriages to be put in jeopardy: Is it "Live Mode" (intransitive verb, rhymes with give) or "Live mode" (adjective, rhymes with jive).

Both uses make sense and are correct, but if you want to know what we call it internally, it's "Live Mode" (rhymes with give), as in "the mode in which you live." For you fans of the "rhymes with jive" pronunciation, don't feel bad. All new employees start out using this version of Live Mode, until the peer pressure and ridicule cause them to get with the program.

And that's the way it is...

Don Laabs
Senior Producer
The Sims 2

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Maxoids Update Their Blogs
8 Jun 2006 - 23:10

Find out what Maxoids are up to. Several Maxoids have updated their blogs - check 'em out.

Read Their Blogs!

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Game Secrets Revealed!
8 Jun 2006 - 23:00

The poll revealed that you wanted game secrets, so you got 'em! MaxisLittleL reveals some behind-the-scenes secrets to your favorite game.

Show me the secrets!

Game Secrets!

The Sims 2 team lets you in on some of the behind-the-scenes secrets to stuff that you see in the game everyday!

The Sims 2

The Freezer Bunny
You've seen him everywhere and now you know who he is! We call him "the freezer bunny" because his first appearance was inside one of the community lot refrigerators. He was designed by one of our Skins artists, Emmy Toyanaga. He appears in MANY places throughout the game, but I wouldn't want to spoil the fun of searching for him by telling you where they all are. Another fun tidbit - when our previous Art Director Dave Patch left the team, we gave him a baby outfit with the freezer bunny on it for his new daughter. =)

The Sims 2

The Mean Sim
This shirt was created by Scot Phelps, one of our animators. We call it the "Mean Sim" and it says "Sims 2 Crew 2005". Throughout The Sims 2 development he's designed t-shirts for the team and we actually recreated this one as a game skin for you guys! Now your Sims can look like us =)

The Sims 2

Kevin Gibson's Hair
This hair was actually modeled off of one of our Producers - Kevin Gibson. Early on in Sims 2 development our art team was constantly trying to recreate team members to get ideas for the create-a-sim pieces you guys ended up with. This one is straight from Kevin's head and it's actually even called "amhairgibs"!

The Sims 2

The Llama
Did you notice? We love llamas here. =) We actually created a design for an object in one of the expansion packs called "Don't Wake the Llama". The idea was that Sims would play it together and try not to knock items off of the sleeping llama's back. We ended up not having enough time to create it, but we might be able to bring it back someday, who knows!

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