Create and Share Your Own Sims Games
The most popular game around asks you to expand it even further.
Game makers used to be obsessed with crafting experiences that people wanted to play. While that's still largely the case, there is a growing movement in the other direction, where publishers see themselves more as tool makers giving would-be players everything they need to make their own entertainment.
It's nothing new, of course. Modifications for PC games have been around for years, but with the rise of YouTube, Digg and other sites where the audience is the content creator, game makers are striving to be the facilitators.
EA is taking a more concerted stab at it. The company this week announced The Sims Carnival, which the company describes as a "new online community and gaming experience".
Essentially the site is an online clearinghouse for simplistic design tools that allows registered users to create, share and play casual games.
EA emphasises that it will provide tools to users of all levels, meaning you don't need to know bits from your bytes to be able to have fun and participate in the community.
EA is currently taking registrations for a closed beta test of The Sims Carnival due to start this year. To be considered for the beta test, sign up at TheSimsCarnival.com.
Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo
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