| The Sims | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Maxis |
| Publisher(s) | Electronic Arts |
| Designer(s) | Will Wright |
| Series | The Sims |
| Native resolution | 800x600 and 1024x768 |
| Version | N/A |
| Platform(s) | Windows, Linux, Mac OS, PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo DS |
| Release date(s) |  North America: February 4, 2000  Europe: February 28, 2000 |
| Genre(s) | Life simulation game, God game |
| Rating(s) | ERSB: T (teen) PEGI: 7+ |
| Media | 1 CD-ROM |
| System requirements | Windows
|
| Input | Keyboard, mouse |
The Sims (sometimes referred as The Sims 1, TS1 or Sims 1) is a life simulator, a spin-off from the SimCity series (released on February 4, 2000 for US and February 28, 2000 for EU) which has in turn eclipsed SimCity in popularity since its release in 2000. The game puts players in control of isometric neighborhoods and people, or "Sims". Originally released for the PC, the game has also been ported to the Mac, and versions have been released for several video game systems. The game was developed by Maxis and published by EA Games.
First released on February 4, 2000, the base game has sold more than 15 million copies, and the franchise has sold over 100 million units as of 2008. Since its initial release, seven expansion packs and a sequel, The Sims 2 (with its own expansion packs), have been released. A reboot to the series, The Sims 3, was released on June 2, 2009. Sims require direction, via mouse inputs, in order to have their needs met and live their lives efficiently. Sims have a degree of free will, but not enough to be considered completely independent (and even this limited free will can be disabled). The residential lot that individual Sims or families call home can be upgraded both in terms of the structure (Build Mode) and the furniture which occupies it (Buy Mode). The game has now won numerous awards, propelling the popularity of the game. As the next sequel (in release order) and reboot (in chronological order), The Sims 3 has big expectations to live up to, and is thought to sell millions of copies worldwide, much like the original games.