EA announces Sims 3 launch; receives authorities' merger go-ahead

Posted on 20 Aug 2008 at 18:03

Electronic Arts (EA) has revealed that it will be releasing the latest instalment of its biggest selling franchise, Sims 3, early next year.The game will be on sale from 20th February 2009, and EA said the new version of the game will allow players greater control over the personality of the characters whose lives they control.

In the game, players set everything from the design of a character's apartment through to career goals and romantic life. Around 100 million copies have been sold since the first version was launched in 2000 - the game has been a hit among casual players who are not traditionally PC gamers.

The game manufacturer also received another boost, as US antitrust authorities said they would not block a move for EA to merge with game publisher Take-Two Interactive Software.

EA has made a £1 billion bid for its rival, which produces the Grand Theft Auto series, Rock Band and Need for Speed games.

The US Federal Trade Commission has published two letters say that it would approve the two games developers merging.

"Upon further review of this matter, it now appears that no additional action by the commission is warranted at this time. Accordingly, the investigation has been closed," the letters said.

EA has said its chief executive, John Riccitiello, and Take-Two's executive chairman Strauss Zelnick held talks over the weekend. EA claims Take-Two's management has agreed to present its three-year product pipeline and financial forecasts to the company.

Author: Dawinderpal Sahota

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