Episodic storytelling in the Sims
EA press release from Digitalmediawire:
Electronic Arts on Tuesday announced the launch of "The Sims Stories," a new line of laptop-friendly games that feature evolving storylines. The episodic "Sims Life Stories" game includes 12 chapters, in which players follow the lives of one of two Sims characters. "The Sims Pet Stories" is also slated for release in mid-2007, while "The Sims Castaway Stories" will ship in late 2008.
The Sims Life Stories is the first release in an all-new product line called The Sims Stories. Play through all the great moments of your Sim's life in this easy-to-play, laptop-friendly version of The Sims. In the new and engaging directed Story mode, you take your Sims through a unique and entertaining storyline full of romance and dramatic twists. You even unlock cool rewards along the way as you achieve set goals. In open-ended Classic mode, you create Sims and then choose how they'll fulfill their dreams through life's biggest moments. Stay connected by using your own IM and email while playing.
Also of interest and SIMS related, a provocative article in " Grey Room" from MIT Press:
"Digital Allegories (on The Sims)" by McKenzie Wark
Fall 2006, No. 25, Pages 126-138
Posted Online November 8, 2006.
A PDF of the article should be accessible from the USC network.