The Sims franchise is going strong at over a million copies sold worldwide, a figure no doubt driven by the release of Sims 2 and all those expansion packs. According to Mike Hickey, an analyst at Janco Partners, The Sims 3 will add at least 4 million more to that tally in 2009.

Image: Sims

The basis for the estimate? Well it seems that since The Sims 2 sold 3.5 mil back in 2004 (has it been that long?), the anticipation will probably drive more demand for the third incarnation of the series.

Hickey did emphasize “a demographic transition toward newer entertainment forms like Nintendo’s Wii and DS”. Which is layman’s speak for “these consoles may probably affect sales of the game, it’s not clear how though”. The analyst also raised the spectre of piracy hurting the games sales, while remaining mum on the effects of EAs planned digital distribution system.

As someone who’s never bought any Sims title for himself, I’m glad that I was always behind the curve. Buying all those compilations—which bundle a large number of Sims expansion packs into one manageable price—has always been kind on my wallet. I expect to buy a Sims “Gold Edition” release, once EA declares The Sims 4 as coming soon.

Post from: Sims Gamer