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MaxoidGoonter (Feb 21, 2008 5:29:32 PM)
Hi everyone

MaxoidGoonter (Feb 21, 2008 5:29:57 PM)
Welcome to The Sims 2 FreeTime chat with the game team!

MaxoidShannon (Feb 21, 2008 5:30:38 PM)
Hi Folks!!

MaxoidLakshmi (Feb 21, 2008 5:30:39 PM)
Hello everyone!

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 5:30:46 PM)
Greetings!

Tasha (Feb 21, 2008 5:32:18 PM)
Will we be able to choose our sims hobbies?

MaxoidJerome (Feb 21, 2008 5:32:18 PM)
Every Sim has a pre-destined hobby which will be selected at birth. But you can guide what your Sims do and build up their enthusiasm for any hobby you like.

Anne (Feb 21, 2008 5:32:31 PM)
is there any new furniture for toddlers?

MaxoidShannon (Feb 21, 2008 5:32:31 PM)
There is new furniture for the toddlers. We have a crib, changing table, and even a new toy table that they can draw and play with building box.

GregusR01 (Feb 21, 2008 5:32:48 PM)
I want to know what are the new career reward objects

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 5:32:48 PM)
intelligence - spy microphone

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 5:34:25 PM)
intelligence - spy microphone; entertainment - fame star rug; oceanography - koi pond; architecture - drafting table; dance - special ballet barre

ErhamaPlayer (Feb 21, 2008 5:34:55 PM)
what types of new badges are there?

MaxoidLakshmi (Feb 21, 2008 5:34:55 PM)
There are 2 new badges for your Sims to obtain, Sewing and Pottery.

Guest (Feb 21, 2008 5:35:13 PM)
What else is there to the Books & Movies hobby?

MaxoidScott (Feb 21, 2008 5:35:13 PM)
The Film and Literature hobby, in addition to all the old things you could watch and read, contains new movies that can be watched on your television, along with new book genres and an expanded novel-writing experience.

rosierealea (Feb 21, 2008 5:35:32 PM)
Is "Grilled Cheese" now a selectable aspiration?

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 5:35:32 PM)
Yes! You may select the Grilled Cheese aspiration as a secondary aspiration.

emerald (Feb 21, 2008 5:36:22 PM)
Can my sims play football match or they are all playing together like in one team?

MaxoidJerome (Feb 21, 2008 5:36:22 PM)
If you mean soccer, then your Sims can play penalty shootouts one on one

Guest (Feb 21, 2008 5:36:51 PM)
So far the game looks great! I can't wait! Can you tell us more about the genie?

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 5:36:51 PM)
The Genie will grant one lucky Sim 3 wishes. Sims have a variety of options to choose from. Be careful what you wish for!

lawzylaus (Feb 21, 2008 5:38:25 PM)
other than the violin, can we expect any other new instruments?

MaxoidLakshmi (Feb 21, 2008 5:38:25 PM)
There are two new musical objects in FreeTime. The violin and the modular synthesizer.

MissingStudiosJonny (Feb 21, 2008 5:39:23 PM)
Do skill's help boost a sims enthusiasm to a particular activity?

MaxoidJerome (Feb 21, 2008 5:39:23 PM)
Yes, every hobby has a skill associated with it. High skill will help you build enthusiasm for that particular hobby.

Alla (Feb 21, 2008 5:39:29 PM)
Hi Shannon and Lakshmi, I was wondering that when our sims make, say like teddy bears, well if they didn't want to sell them for money, could they either keep them for themselves, OR put them into their inventory to hand out as gifts later?

MaxoidShannon (Feb 21, 2008 5:39:29 PM)
Yes, when you make the teddy bear on the sewing machine, you can sell them, display them or put them in your inventory to give as gifts.

TS2MichaelD (Feb 21, 2008 5:40:27 PM)
I really like the look of the "rebuild vehicle" object thing...lol, anyways what types of things can you do to it rather than change the colours?

MaxoidScott (Feb 21, 2008 5:40:28 PM)
I really like the restorable car as well. You'll only be able to paint it once you've actually finished working on it, though! First, your Sims will have to put in some time working on making the engine work and the body shine.

Guest (Feb 21, 2008 5:40:31 PM)
Will hobby enthusiasm be determined completely randomly, or will it be dependant in any way on skills or personality?

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 5:40:31 PM)
You can build hobby enthusiasm in a variety of areas. We are tracking 10 types including sports, arts & crafts, science, muscic & dance, etc. Enthusiasm is independent of skill such that you can be very enthusiastic about sports and not be a star if your body skill is low.

Angel (Feb 21, 2008 5:40:53 PM)
What are some of the negative consequences of wishing on a genie?

MaxoidJerome (Feb 21, 2008 5:40:53 PM)
most of the wishes the Genie grants have a chance to backfire. It could be that you are so pretty that everyone wants to hang out with you. Or you have so much money that the burglar hears about your riches...

lbstr81 (Feb 21, 2008 5:41:37 PM)
Are there any new careers included?

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 5:41:37 PM)
Yes there are 5. Please look above for the break down.

ChatMaster (Feb 21, 2008 5:41:41 PM)
Wow..we have 482 people!

al244p (Feb 21, 2008 5:42:48 PM)
can toddlers practice ballet?

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 5:42:48 PM)
Nope. But toddlers do have specific skill building objects like the Tiny Tikes Activity Table.

Guest (Feb 21, 2008 5:42:59 PM)
is the shipping date the 26th or the 28 th??

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 5:42:59 PM)
26th in North America

Thyrcmng827 (Feb 21, 2008 5:43:02 PM)
Rumour has it that with FreeTime, our Sims can play The Sims 3, MySims and Spore on their computers. Is this true?

MaxoidJerome (Feb 21, 2008 5:43:02 PM)
Yes, your Sims can play a bunch of cool new games on their computers. The games you mention are among those new games.

tushieerin (Feb 21, 2008 5:43:36 PM)
Any new music instruments besides the violin?

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 5:43:36 PM)
Yes. There is a modular synthesizer. You can compose tracks.

Andyric94 (Feb 21, 2008 5:44:18 PM)
how long will it take our sims to finish a car?

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 5:44:18 PM)
Now that depends on the Sim. It takes some time.

Angel (Feb 21, 2008 5:44:54 PM)
Are there any new townies?

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 5:44:55 PM)
Yes. We have all new family in our new neighborhood - Desiderata Valley.

Ampatent (Feb 21, 2008 5:45:08 PM)
Is there going to be an entirely new, playable neighborhood?

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 5:45:08 PM)
Yes. Desiderata Valley!

Guest (Feb 21, 2008 5:45:15 PM)
In The Sims 2 FreeTime, how do you setup a current created sim with the life time and secondary aspiration. Does it do this automaticly or similar to Nightlife with the potion for turn ons and Offs?

MaxoidScott (Feb 21, 2008 5:45:15 PM)
Every Sim will have a lifetime aspiration bar, regardless of whether they already exist or are created in CAS after FreeTime is installed. Secondary aspiration is something that you can "buy" with benefit points that you accrue for keeping your Sim's aspiration high.

ri (Feb 21, 2008 5:45:17 PM)
will the sims develope interests in more than one hobbies, or will most of them just focus on one

MaxoidLakshmi (Feb 21, 2008 5:45:17 PM)
Sims, like people, have many interests. If they spend time doing different types of activities they will be enthusiastic about more than one hobby. Or they can focus their energy on just one.

Lolovolley (Feb 21, 2008 5:45:22 PM)
How are you today? Thanks for taking the time to chat with us. When enthusiasm happens for a particular hobby, does it make it easier to become more skilled? Is there any other benefits scuh as slower sims needs decaying etc?

MaxoidJerome (Feb 21, 2008 5:45:22 PM)
We are doing fine. thanks for asking Talking to the community is always exciting, so we are having a blast over here. High enthusiasm will not help you build skill in a field, but high skill will help you build enthusiasm in the related hobby.

Lammashta (Feb 21, 2008 5:45:56 PM)
are there new tv channels?

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 5:45:56 PM)
We have new movies and new video games.

mudmittens (Feb 21, 2008 5:46:35 PM)
Do you build any skill from the llama jenga game, or is it just for fun?

MaxoidShannon (Feb 21, 2008 5:46:35 PM)
Don't Wake the Llama is a game you can play with family and friends. You gain fun while playing the game.

Guest (Feb 21, 2008 5:46:46 PM)
What are some of the actions the Genie can do?

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 5:46:47 PM)
The Genie grants a variety of wishes. You only get 3 wishes though

Shannon (Feb 21, 2008 5:47:15 PM)
Can older sims influence younger sims into likeing the same hobbies?

MaxoidJerome (Feb 21, 2008 5:47:15 PM)
Children will absorb hobby enthusiasm if a Sim around them performs an interaction related to a hobby. This effect increases if the child has a high relationship with the adult who is performing the interaction.

kaitlyn (Feb 21, 2008 5:48:17 PM)
Will sims perform actions that involve their favorite hobby autonomously or will we have to instruct them to?

MaxoidJerome (Feb 21, 2008 5:48:17 PM)
If a Sim is really into a hobby, s/he will be more likely to autonomously do things associated with that hobby.

al244p (Feb 21, 2008 5:49:00 PM)
what is the most interesting thing you can do in free time?

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 5:49:00 PM)
Depends on who you are and how you play. There are loads of new objects and gameplay. I love the lifetime aspiration benefits and the option to choose a secondary aspiration. I also enjoy the sewing machine objects.

Thyrcmng827 (Feb 21, 2008 5:49:45 PM)
Building the Train set seems particuarly fun. Is the Trainset customisable? Or does it appear in seperate Stages like when a Sim paints?

MaxoidScott (Feb 21, 2008 5:49:45 PM)
The train set is awesome! It can be totally customized. Each Sim that buys the table can choose to have a different set of items on the table, including trees, signs, a small town, a mountain, and a lake. There's a total of 256 possible configurations (if I did my math right)!

wildstar24 (Feb 21, 2008 5:50:28 PM)
Will the OFB craftable stations (toys, robots & flower arrangements) count towards hobbies and if so, which ones?

MaxoidLakshmi (Feb 21, 2008 5:50:28 PM)
Many of the objects already in existance are part of Sims' hobbies. The OFB stations in particular contribute to Arts & Crafts (toys and flower arrangements) and Tinkering (robots).

poochdog25 (Feb 21, 2008 5:50:37 PM)
Does the restored car come in just yellow or a variety of colors?

MaxoidShannon (Feb 21, 2008 5:50:37 PM)
You can choose from a variety of colors, including silver, white, yellow, green, blue and gray. My favorite is the gray color with flames.

bellestiger (Feb 21, 2008 5:50:59 PM)
How did you guys come up with free time?

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 5:50:59 PM)
Sims are alot like us in that there is much more to life that work and school. All of us have hobbies and interest that make life exciting. We wanted to capture the fun and bring that to Sims 2 gameplay.

lawlorm (Feb 21, 2008 5:51:43 PM)
Do townies have hobbies built in?

MaxoidJerome (Feb 21, 2008 5:51:43 PM)
Every Sim you can marry will have hobby enthusiasm of some kind. If those Sims have really high enthusiasm you will notice that those Sims can show up on the special lots for that hobby.

Guest (Feb 21, 2008 5:52:08 PM)
explain more about tinkering please

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 5:52:08 PM)
Tinkering is the ability to play or "tinker" with any mechanical/electric object in game.

Guest (Feb 21, 2008 5:52:58 PM)
How many hobbies can your sims have?

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 5:52:58 PM)
Your sims can have any number of hobbies. We have divided the various interest into 10 types including sports, music & dance, fitness, science, tinkering, etc.

Guest (Feb 21, 2008 5:53:00 PM)
How we can meet the Genie ?

MaxoidJerome (Feb 21, 2008 5:53:00 PM)
The ways to meet the Genie are mysterious and unknown to most. Rumor has it that being really into a hobby or having high Lifetime Aspiration works. But no one knows for sure

Angel (Feb 21, 2008 5:53:30 PM)
I would like to thank you all for doing these chats, they really are alot of fun.

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 5:53:30 PM)
your welcome. The Sims community is awesome.

MaxoidGoonter (Feb 21, 2008 5:54:15 PM)
There are 30 minutes left in the chat!

Shell05231 (Feb 21, 2008 5:54:38 PM)
Hey, I know there's a new activity table for toddlers, but with the drawings they make do they all look the same, or is it like the easel depending on their skill and how long they practice depends on what picture they draw? Same with the blocks do all toddlers build the same type of tower or does it vary with skill? Thanks for chatting with us!

MaxoidLakshmi (Feb 21, 2008 5:54:38 PM)
Toddlers and children at the activity table will definately show their skills.

Delariean (Feb 21, 2008 5:54:39 PM)
can you restore other cars other than a mustang

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 5:54:39 PM)
There are customizable options for our players with the car.

GregusR01 (Feb 21, 2008 5:54:45 PM)
Lakshmi is the best!!!!!! What are some of the different things we can sew?

MaxoidJerome (Feb 21, 2008 5:54:46 PM)
Yes she is!

Guest (Feb 21, 2008 5:55:56 PM)
How many new music stations will there be?

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 5:55:57 PM)
1 new music station - IndieWave. However you will also find customizable radio stations in this pack.

nermal654 (Feb 21, 2008 5:56:24 PM)
What new dishes can you prepare with the cooking hobby?

MaxoidJerome (Feb 21, 2008 5:56:24 PM)
There are a few new platters you can unlock through Cuisine enthusiasm. Chips, Cheese and appetizers to be precise.

robert_red (Feb 21, 2008 5:56:51 PM)
Lakshmi and Drea are my favorite maxoids!

MaxoidGoonter (Feb 21, 2008 5:56:51 PM)
Mine too!

Guest (Feb 21, 2008 5:56:53 PM)
Does Deiderata Valley have a storyplot like Pleasantview or Strangetown?

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 5:56:53 PM)
Of course. We didn't want to disappoint our fans. You'll find new families, new plot lines and new dramas.

Shadowsim (Feb 21, 2008 5:56:55 PM)
With all the expansions, like university open for business and the fact sims have needs and jobs I'm a bit concerned my sims won't have much time to do all the new stuff in freeTime. Have you found that a problem or does the expansion blend in quite smmoothly with the work?

MaxoidScott (Feb 21, 2008 5:56:55 PM)
It really depends on how you play the game, but I've found that this pack actually flows really well with the base game and other expansions because it adds a lot of gameplay that can be used no matter what you're doing with your Sims. You'll find that some of the hobbies are more interesting to you and you might even find that a lot of the things your Sim is already doing correlate to a particular hobby!

Anime4Eva (Feb 21, 2008 5:57:05 PM)
wat happens after u used the 3 wishes??

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 5:57:05 PM)
The Genie disappears

Jixi (Feb 21, 2008 5:57:14 PM)
will we be able to put the toddler's drawings on the walls as we can with the easel?

MaxoidShannon (Feb 21, 2008 5:57:14 PM)
Yes, you will be able to place their drawings on the wall. It is really adorable!!

McThistlepants (Feb 21, 2008 5:58:22 PM)
Can you explain "customizable" radio stations?

MaxoidJerome (Feb 21, 2008 5:58:22 PM)
It means that you can create your own playlists with the songs that we have in the game or your own MP3s. So you can have your favorite songs play on the radio in the game (and your Sims can do the slap dance to it :))

FreshRob (Feb 21, 2008 5:58:27 PM)
How long does it take to buld a train set?

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 5:58:27 PM)
Depends on the player. The cool thing about the train set is that it is customizable and an object several Sims can enjoy at once.

purplelighter (Feb 21, 2008 5:59:53 PM)
Give an example of what wishes our sims could make

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 5:59:53 PM)
Sims, like most people, might wish for wealth or fortune; after world peace of course.

April (Feb 21, 2008 6:00:41 PM)
Can sims be experts in more than one hobby?

MaxoidJerome (Feb 21, 2008 6:00:41 PM)
Yes you can. But it will be difficult to keep your enthusiasm at the highest level for more than one or two hobbies at the same time.

KarterFanatic67 (Feb 21, 2008 6:01:07 PM)
I'd like to thank you maxoids, you've made a great series, and I think FreeTime will be my favorite.

metsfan6 (Feb 21, 2008 6:01:12 PM)
Can you name the customizable radio stations

MaxoidJerome (Feb 21, 2008 6:01:13 PM)
of course you can name the stations you create

poochdog25 (Feb 21, 2008 6:03:05 PM)
Can you explain how the secondary aspirations work? Do they have seperate wants and fears for the secondary aspriation?

MaxoidLakshmi (Feb 21, 2008 6:03:05 PM)
When a Sim has a secondary aspiration they will see wants in their panel from both their primary and secondary.

wildstar24 (Feb 21, 2008 6:03:05 PM)
Will hobby-related secret lots only be available in Desiderata Valley? Will people who play in the base game neighbourhoods or custom 'hoods have access to these new secret lots?

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 6:03:05 PM)
Sims in different neighborhoods will be able to access secret lots. The secret membership cards are linked to hobby enthusiasm.

poochdog25 (Feb 21, 2008 6:03:31 PM)
Do the toddlers gain skill points when using the drawing and building blocks table

MaxoidShannon (Feb 21, 2008 6:03:31 PM)
Toddlers will gain creativity skill from drawing and mechanical from building blocks.

hlstrab07 (Feb 21, 2008 6:04:21 PM)
i heard you will be able to play spore in freetime is that true?

MaxoidJerome (Feb 21, 2008 6:04:21 PM)
Your Sims will be able to play it on their computers, that is correct.

KevinRawrr (Feb 21, 2008 6:04:26 PM)
can sims perform a hobby together?

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 6:04:26 PM)
Yup!!! And it doesn't stop there. You can instruct other Sims in hobbies, blog about hobby interest, etc.

Pengurden (Feb 21, 2008 6:04:37 PM)
Will working in the garden raise nature enthusiasm?

MaxoidLakshmi (Feb 21, 2008 6:04:37 PM)
It sure will! What better place to experience nature is there?

vintagemagn0lia (Feb 21, 2008 6:05:37 PM)
We know that we can't assign hobbies, but will enthusiasm be determined completely randomly or will it be based on a Sims personality points?

MaxoidScott (Feb 21, 2008 6:05:37 PM)
There still seems to be a little confusion about hobby enthusiasm. It insn't something that's assigned, but it rather it's kind of like a combination of skills and motives, in that your Sims will build hobby enthusiasm based on what activities they engage in. Predestined hobbies are the only things that are predetermined.

Elvenauthor (Feb 21, 2008 6:06:35 PM)
Will there be anything that we can do to decide for ourselves what our Sim's favored hobby will be instead of it being preset?

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 6:06:35 PM)
Of course! Your Sims can be enthusiastic about any number of hobby types. While every sim has a predestined hobby they do not have to focus on a specific kind of activity

Guest (Feb 21, 2008 6:06:44 PM)
What inspired you to name the neighborhood 'Desiderata'?

MaxoidJerome (Feb 21, 2008 6:06:44 PM)
It comes from a poem and the wonderful person who made our neighborhood thought it reflected the people living in the neighborhood. Hi Rain, great job on that neighborhood!

rissa39 (Feb 21, 2008 6:07:14 PM)
Can we place toddlers dawings on the fridge, that would be so cool?

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 6:07:14 PM)
You can place toddler's drawing around the kitchen but unfortunately not on a fridge.

Guest (Feb 21, 2008 6:08:19 PM)
Other than teddies and clothes, what else can you make with the sewing machine?

MaxoidShannon (Feb 21, 2008 6:08:19 PM)
You can make cute decorative pot holders and quilts to display on your wall, as well as curtains, a teddy bear and clothes.

Bane (Feb 21, 2008 6:08:30 PM)
Could we get married with Genie so he MUST fulfils our wishes forever?

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 6:08:30 PM)
We wouldn't want the Genie to be used now, would we? In order to prevent such abuse he has taken a vow of celebacy.

tushieerin (Feb 21, 2008 6:08:33 PM)
what's the best tip you can give us about playing this new expansion?

MaxoidScott (Feb 21, 2008 6:08:33 PM)
I'm not sure if there's one "best tip" but I'd say not to forget about lifetime aspiration. It'll be easy to keep track of what hobbies your Sims are enthusiastic about, but those lifetime aspiration benefits can help make life much easier for your Sims.

Twoyys4me (Feb 21, 2008 6:09:26 PM)
In the latest Comic Strip I noticed several H&M fashion runway entries... will these ship with the game?

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 6:09:26 PM)
There was an online competition in which finalist were chosen over a 5 week period. You can find the finalist design in FreeTime using the sewing machine.

Freetime! (Feb 21, 2008 6:10:05 PM)
With the whole secondary aspiration idea, what would happen if a sims primary aspiration was family and secondary aspiration was romance. Would they have a want to get married and a fear of getting married at the same time?

MaxoidScott (Feb 21, 2008 6:10:05 PM)
While that would be funny (and perhaps realistic for some people who both want to settle down yet fear commitment), secondary aspirations won't generate fears for your Sims, only new wants.

bellestiger (Feb 21, 2008 6:10:27 PM)
I'm so glad you all finally made new baby/toddler furniture, I've wanted new stuff for them for sooooo long.

MaxoidShannon (Feb 21, 2008 6:10:27 PM)
ME TOO!! They are SO cute!!!

nermal654 (Feb 21, 2008 6:10:30 PM)
How much can you sell artwork for if your sim is very skilled at it?

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 6:10:30 PM)
ALOT! it could definately be profitable. However art takes time...so you may want your Sim to have a day job

indeed (Feb 21, 2008 6:11:29 PM)
Will there be special hobby lots?

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 6:11:29 PM)
Yes. You can visit these secret lots with a membership card.

Matt8951 (Feb 21, 2008 6:11:29 PM)
what are the video game contests like?

MaxoidJerome (Feb 21, 2008 6:11:29 PM)
You will need to have friends and several computers on your lot. Then you pick one of the games your Sim has availabe and play it against the other Sims to see who is best. And if you're good enough, you'll even win a prize.

misterrpm (Feb 21, 2008 6:11:48 PM)
How the is genie different from the Voodoo Doll or the Wishing Well?

MaxoidJerome (Feb 21, 2008 6:11:48 PM)
He has a great big bushy beard

EveryOneHatesSyd (Feb 21, 2008 6:13:01 PM)
what determines a sims predistined hobby?

MaxoidLakshmi (Feb 21, 2008 6:13:01 PM)
A good portion of a Sims hobby inclination is determined by their personality. An active, outgoing sim will be likely to have Fitness as their predestined hobby, but their interests also have some influence.

Greenfeet93 (Feb 21, 2008 6:13:12 PM)
are there bad hobbies?

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 6:13:12 PM)
There are no bad hobbies. If your Sim isn't talented/skilled you may find that Sims have different outcomes than those who are skilled.

MaxoidGoonter (Feb 21, 2008 6:13:26 PM)
There are 15 minutes left in the chat!

ambnumber11 (Feb 21, 2008 6:13:46 PM)
With the new ant farm, will the ants be able to give away sickness to our Sims?

MaxoidJerome (Feb 21, 2008 6:13:46 PM)
Ants won't make you sick, but they can escape from the ant farm and that is not a pleasant experience

Matt (Feb 21, 2008 6:15:23 PM)
Maxoids have a great sense of humour! will we see alot more Llama Stuff in this pack?

MaxoidScott (Feb 21, 2008 6:15:23 PM)
We're glad that our community gets our sense of humor! We always try to sneak some llama stuff into each pack, and there are definitely a few llamas to be found in FreeTime.

Guest (Feb 21, 2008 6:15:25 PM)
Is roller-blading like walking, meaning you can just go from one place to another? How exactly does that work?

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 6:15:25 PM)
There are no roller-blades in FreeTime. It is easy to confuse a sim running with it gliding in a video.

babibubblez00 (Feb 21, 2008 6:15:31 PM)
Where do you get a membership card?

MaxoidJerome (Feb 21, 2008 6:15:31 PM)
Once you have developed enough enthusiasm in a field, other Sims will hear about it. They may seek you out and give you that membership card.

UmiKagami (Feb 21, 2008 6:15:35 PM)
Besides gaining access to secret lots, what are some of the rewards for maxing out a hobby?

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 6:15:35 PM)
The Zone!

Thyrcmng827 (Feb 21, 2008 6:17:43 PM)
Restorating the Mustang must be a time absorbing project for Sims. Is it a Solo-only job? Or can Sims team together on it?

MaxoidScott (Feb 21, 2008 6:17:43 PM)
The car's big enough for two Sims to work on at the same time.

SamRappaport (Feb 21, 2008 6:18:20 PM)
Can you please explain the 'Summon Aliens' ability?

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 6:18:21 PM)
The Lifetime Aspiration Meter rewards Sims with points that can be spent on Lifetime Aspiration Benefits. One of them being the Summon Aliens ability that ups your chances of an Alien abduction!

NTH (Feb 21, 2008 6:18:21 PM)
When can we expect the game to be in stores if we live in North America?

MaxoidShannon (Feb 21, 2008 6:18:21 PM)
FreeTime will be shipped out on the 26th, it may take a couple of days to hit stores.

script4833 (Feb 21, 2008 6:19:25 PM)
Explain the Zone

MaxoidJerome (Feb 21, 2008 6:19:25 PM)
The Zone can be entered by a Sim who is so enthusiastic about a hobby the she forgets everything else around her. The Sim's motives will decay more slowly so that they can perform interactions related to that hobby for a longer period of time without taking a break. For some particular interactions, there are also special effects which only the Sim who is in the zone can see or hear. You will have to find out!

JIT3893 (Feb 21, 2008 6:21:17 PM)
What will happen if you combine Platnium Aspiration and The Zone?

MaxoidScott (Feb 21, 2008 6:21:17 PM)
WATCH OUT! Your computer might just explode from how awesome you are at the Sims.

Guest (Feb 21, 2008 6:21:17 PM)
Bim, I saw one of your interviews on YouTube and you said that you enjoyed dance in real life. Is this your favorite hobby in the game or do you have a different favorite for your sims?

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 6:21:17 PM)
My Sims are often enthusiastic about Music & Dance! My Sims often engage in sports and film & literature activities...areas I like as well.

Greenfeet93 (Feb 21, 2008 6:21:47 PM)
In your opinion, who is the coolest Maxoid?

MaxoidJerome (Feb 21, 2008 6:21:47 PM)
I'll nominate Scott for his answer about combining Platinum Aspiration and The Zone

al244p (Feb 21, 2008 6:22:03 PM)
what kind of things can you make with the pottery wheel?

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 6:22:03 PM)
Vases, pots, tea sets, there are ALOT of things you can make on the pottery wheel.

MaxoidGoonter (Feb 21, 2008 6:23:14 PM)
The chat ends in 5 minutes! If you didn't see your question answered, be sure to check the transcript that will be posted soon after the chat is over.

Guest (Feb 21, 2008 6:23:16 PM)
I love the new bohemian style clothing, is it directed towards the more artsy sims?

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 6:23:16 PM)
We like introducing new styles of clothing. We hope the artsy types and everyone else enjoy them.

Faris-sims (Feb 21, 2008 6:23:19 PM)
Thanks for doing this chat How will we be able to customize books that our sims make?

MaxoidScott (Feb 21, 2008 6:23:19 PM)
The novels your Sims write now can be customized several different ways. Not only can you pick what genre/cover the book should be, you'll also get to pick a sequence of plot elements that the novel is about!

Guest (Feb 21, 2008 6:23:24 PM)
How do the food contests work? Do sims go to a community lot and show off their dishes in front of everyone?

MaxoidLakshmi (Feb 21, 2008 6:23:24 PM)
On a community lot with a food contest table and judge, your Sims can submit their food for a competition. Other sims will submit their food too. The judge compares the 4 entered dishes and determines a winner.

nsyncck (Feb 21, 2008 6:24:39 PM)
How long does the zone last?

MaxoidJerome (Feb 21, 2008 6:24:39 PM)
The Zone will last as long as your Sim has max enthusiasm for a hobby and performs an interaction related to that hobby.

Guest (Feb 21, 2008 6:25:10 PM)
Will reading magazines raise interest in a certain hobby?

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 6:25:10 PM)
Hobby enthusiast will find that there are magazines that are suited to their taste. Reading these mags will build hobby enthusiasm.

Danom8 (Feb 21, 2008 6:26:20 PM)
Will it be possible to practise hobbies in neighbourhoods other that Desiderata Valley?

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 6:26:20 PM)
Of course. You can build hobby enthusiasm in any neighborhood.

ambnumber11 (Feb 21, 2008 6:26:59 PM)
Can you name a few of the career levels for archetict?

MaxoidShannon (Feb 21, 2008 6:26:59 PM)
Just to name a few, you can be a Cement Mixer, Foreman, Draftsman and City Planner.

nermal654 (Feb 21, 2008 6:28:03 PM)
Where are cooking and other competitions held?

MaxoidJerome (Feb 21, 2008 6:28:03 PM)
The competitions rely on the objects that are needed to hold them. For the gaming competition you will need computers, for the dancing competition you will need a DJ booth and for the cooking competition you will need judges - so look for a table that looks like you could present your food on it.

Guest (Feb 21, 2008 6:28:29 PM)
Can you tell us anything about the new families residing in Desiderata Valley?

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 6:28:29 PM)
We have the Una, Mole, Aspir and other Families. There are single family units as well as bigger families. Every family has something nteresting about them. Some may be related!

Greenfeet93 (Feb 21, 2008 6:28:47 PM)
What is the easiest hobby to accelerate at?

MaxoidJerome (Feb 21, 2008 6:28:47 PM)
It's the easiest to excel in your pre-destined hobby. Try out interactions related to a few hobbies to find out what your Sim is best at.

MaxoidGoonter (Feb 21, 2008 6:28:51 PM)
The chat is now over, thanks for participating!

MaxoidGoonter (Feb 21, 2008 6:29:08 PM)
if you missed part of the chat, be sure to check out the transcript, it will be posted in a bit!

MaxoidGoonter (Feb 21, 2008 6:29:19 PM)
Bye everyone!

ashleyyy (Feb 21, 2008 6:29:21 PM)
is there any hobbies you can do with your pets

MaxoidJerome (Feb 21, 2008 6:29:21 PM)
Fitness Sims can go jogging with their dogs

MaxoidScott (Feb 21, 2008 6:29:21 PM)
Thanks everyone. This pack is going to be legendary!

MaxoidShannon (Feb 21, 2008 6:29:26 PM)
Bye guys!! Thanks for joining us in the chat!! You had lots of great questions! I can't wait for you to play FreeTime!!

MaxoidLakshmi (Feb 21, 2008 6:29:30 PM)
Have a great day everyone!

MaxoidBim (Feb 21, 2008 6:29:40 PM)
Bye! Thanks for all the great questions :0

MaxoidJerome (Feb 21, 2008 6:29:51 PM)
Bye! Thanks for coming here and listening to our answers

TheSimsCarnival.com Designed to Convert Millions of Players Into Game Designers and Allow Anyone to Play, Create, and Share Games

Read More ...

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EA ANNOUNCES CLOSED BETA FOR THESIMSCARNIVAL.COM

NEW ONLINE COMMUNITY AND GAMING EXPERIENCE FROM THE SIMS

TheSimsCarnival.com Designed to Convert Millions of Players Into
Game Designers and Allow Anyone to Play, Create, and Share Games

Game Developers Conference 2008

REDWOOD CITY, CA. - February 21, 2008 - Today, Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) announced an invitation to participate in a special closed beta at The Sims Carnival™, a new online community and gaming experience from The Sims™ studio An innovative online destination, TheSimsCarnival.com empowers members to play, create and share casual games within an online community. This announcement comes out of today's Game Developers Conference (GDC) in a speech presented by the Head of The Sims Studio, Rod Humble.

With the launch of TheSimsCarnival.com, hundreds of games will be available to play and as members create and contribute games this number will grow. The online community is made to be collaborative, so that designing games becomes a fun and shared creative process. To design games, TheSimsCarnival.com provides game creation tools for a range of user skill sets so that millions of players can become game designers with no prior programming abilities necessary. TheSimsCarnival.com will be available to the public online in spring 2008.

"We're very excited to launch TheSimsCarnival.com, a new and accessible gaming experience that gives players all the tools they need to play, create and share games online with friends," said Rod Humble, Head of The Sims Studio. "Whether you're a new player who wants to simply customize a game with a family photo, a gamer who always wanted to make the best platformer or a seasoned expert ready to create the next big game, TheSimsCarnival.com makes game creation and publication easier than ever before."

To potentially be selected for participation in a closed Beta for TheSimsCarnival.com, create a new account at TheSimsCarnival.com.