The Sims 3 set for 2009 release

Electronic yesterday announced details of The Sims 3.

Featuring a brand new engine that has been in development for nearly three years, The Sims 3 allows you to immerse your Sims in an open living neighbourhood right outside their door.

The Sims 3 includes the new seamless, open neighbourhood, new Create-A-Sim, new realistic personalities, new unlimited customization and is set to launch globally in 2009.

Since The Sims first appeared in 2000 there’s hardly a man, woman or child this side of the universe that hasn’t been addicted to it (at least a little bit) in some way. Its broad appeal and loyal fans mean that the game has sold 98 million copies worldwide.

Head of The Sims Studio, Rod Humble, believes the latest version of the game will inspire players to be more creative with their Sims.

“In The Sims 3, Sims can go beyond the boundaries of their home lot, and immerse themselves in an open, living neighbourhood, interacting with other Sims using our new deeper personality system.

“It is this type of open-ended gameplay that inspires endless creative possibilities. In addition the new goals and rewards systems will give players of all kinds from core gamers to storytellers the ability to enjoy long-term gameplay.”

There’s something about the Sims that everytime you hear about it you want to play it, isn’t there ? [no -Ed]