Wanna play with Katy Perry? An agreement between Electronic Arts Inc. and the pop superstar is creating multiple games within The Sims franchise featuring special Katy Perry themed in-game content and virtual goods. New advertising and marketing campaigns for the franchise, which is one of the most successful game series ever, also will showcase Perry. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The first result of what EA characterizes as “an extensive and exclusive creative collaboration” will be a special Collector’s Edition for The Sims 3 Showtime in March 2012. Preorders for the expansion pack, which requires gamers also have The Sims 3 to play, are now being accepted.
EA said Perry is working closely with The Sims Studio to create appropriate and authentic digital accessories, clothing, hairstyles, furniture and props like the giant fruit from her recent tour. Additional premium content is also available for download, like an Ultimate Stage venue, fashions, a guitar and additional stage props. Virtual tabloids and wedding rings are unlikely to be included in the foreseeable future.
Perry has a long-standing relationship with The Sims. She recorded a version of her hit “Hot N Cold” in Simlish, the native language of all Sims, the video of which was included a recognizable Perry avatar and was filmed using assets from The Sims 2.
“I love how you’re able to play out different stories through your Sims characters – giving them different careers and watching them succeed,” said Perry. “It’s cool to see the Sims’ stage performances in The Sims 3 Showtime decked out just like my California Dreams Tour – even my cotton candy video screens are in there! I always like to think of myself as a cartoon, and now I’m a Sim!”
The Sims franchise has sold more than 140 million units since its launch in February 2000, and now is available in 60 different countries and 20 different languages. The Sims 3 community site has more than 5 million unique visitors monthly, handles more than 100 content downloads every minute, and has received more than 3.5 million uploads of fan-created content to date.
“Today marks the start of the most integrated and exciting collaboration with any artist in the history of The Sims,” said Steve Schnur, worldwide executive of Music for EA. “ We couldn’t be more excited to work with Katy and bring her distinctive talents, style and personality to the franchise’s global fan base. No performer could better represent the humor and fun of The Sims brand.”
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