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The Sims Online: The Free Trial Has Become Permanent Play
The free trial of The Sims Online game is currently undergoing a revision. Very soon, according to EA, the free trial will become permanent free play. This is great news for those of us who can’t afford the $9.99 a month for full play, but what has brought about this change?
Background of the Game
Simply put, EA faced challenges. The Sims Online was released to the public four years ago and earned itself a relatively small user base. In contrast, the immensely popular game Second Life, released around the same time, has gone from strength to strength. While both games offer unique experiences, The Sims franchise boasts two of the highest-selling games of all time, making it surprising that The Sims Online didn’t achieve higher success.
Initial Success and Decline
At the beginning of January 2003, The Sims Online claimed over 100,000 active subscriptions, positioning it at the top of the list for online games. Sales soared, and EA projected 40,000 subscribers by the end of the year. However, as time passed, interest waned. Luc Barthelet, the Senior Vice President of Electronic Arts, seemingly turned his back on the game. Bugs and instabilities went unresolved, and cheats emerged that allowed players to acquire large amounts of Simoleons (the in-game currency), effectively ruining the game’s economy and undermining its objectives.
Changes on the Horizon
As Second Life flourished, The Sims Online drifted into obscurity. Despite this, a few loyal users remained, while most players sought newer games with more engaging features. Fortunately, changes are now underway. Luc Barthelet announced in March 2007 that he would re-engage with the game. For the first time in years, the forums have been consulted, indicating a forthcoming overhaul of The Sims Online world.
New Features and Improvements
One of the first moves that EA is making is to create new cities for players to explore. The logo will also undergo a change, and they have promised to close the loopholes that facilitated money cheats. Registration will be simplified, and the free trial will soon transform into permanent free play. Although there will be limitations’such as only one city choice for non-paying players, a single avatar, and reduced starting money’this commitment by EA could draw in many new players.
Anticipating The Sims 3
So, why now? The release of The Sims 3 is anticipated in 2008, which might be influencing this decision. No one wants a stagnant game when trying to build hype for a new product. It will take some time for The Sims Online to regain traction, but this is a promising restart and an exciting time to enter the world of The Sims Online.
Community Engagement
New features like AvatarBook, similar to Facebook, will likely generate interest and could attract a larger audience. Many players who have enjoyed The Sims games have often wondered what it would be like to play with others but were discouraged by poor reviews or friends’ experiences. Now, the community can strengthen and grow, creating a more vibrant online environment.
Final Thoughts
The question is not why EA is making these changes now, but why they didn’t implement them sooner. As we wait for the new features to roll out, players can remain hopeful that EA will get it right this time. The future of The Sims Online looks brighter than ever, promising an engaging experience for both new and returning players.
