http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/list/518.page JForum - http://www.jforum.net all
Pick the choices you like the best and poll results posted at end of post.

Option 1: Split EP
Release Showtime for $29.99 containing:
- No SimPort Feature
- No requirement of social interaction to play your game or career advancement (obviously with the patch update, some online features will be there but shouldn't be required for you to earn or obtain extra rewards).
- Given all content released including achievements at that time unlocked using SimPort but only that.
- Extra rewards released for social simmers can be bought for $4.99 (conversions apply) each time they are released for those of us who wish to not use social features.

Release Showtime for $39.99 containing:
- SimPort Feature
- Options to turn off or on social interaction to play your game
- Given only content in the EP
- Future content or extra rewards released can be earned via SimPort feature only

Option 2: Single EP
Release Showtime for $39.99 containing:
- SimPort Feature that can be turned off and on and not required for career advancement
- Options to turn off or on social interaction to play your game
- Given Content in EP
- Given the option to obtain Future content for free using SimPort or "pay" for these extra content in the form of $4.99 (conversions apply).

See what I did there, pretty much for those who don't want to deal with the hassle of wanting to get those content through social features can just pay the $29.99 to get their "money's" worth and pay extra for rewards, not being forced to do social interactions to earn them. Other players who don't care or mind the social interactions can pay the higher price, but can just get the content for free if they get involved in social interactions.

Ya I don't see anything wrong with anyone being disadvantaged or required to do social interactions, do you? Regardless, EA gets moneys from both parties, angry or not and for those of us who hate Social Features can just pay the lower price and deal with playing by ourselves, while those who don't mind the social features and are clearly just buying the EP for the heck can have the option to choose the higher price and deal with it along with options to get the free incentives.

Simmers who want option 1:

Simmers who want option 2:

Simmers who just buy the EP regardless but not use online interaction at all: 1]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7148863.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7148863.page GMT http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7148941.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7148941.page GMT
But it's a moot point. EA's not going to do it, and there is some feeling that the new content will be released in a patch anyway...which we will have to get whether we want to or not, since any updates come via the Launcher which uses Origins. It's either that, or risk losing access to your store content because Origin won't let you download it.

Sucks that I'd be stuck with the chat features whether I want them or not, because it will change the interface of my game.

Almost makes me want to uninstall the Sims 3 from both computers.]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7148958.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7148958.page GMT But it's a moot point. EA's not going to do it, and there is some feeling that the new content will be released in a patch anyway...which we will have to get whether we want to or not, since any updates come via the Launcher which uses Origins. It's either that, or risk losing access to your store content because Origin won't let you download it.[/quote]

Because we obviously know what EA is going to give us entirely in the next patch as they told us themselves. (not really). They release patch notes the day it comes out so you can see whether or not they are putting SimPort with the patch or not. If anything, SimPort is part of Showtime, while online chat and in-game messaging will probably be in the patch, which is not required.

Edit: Made changes to the prices just to be more fitting for EA to make profit.]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7148979.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7148979.page GMT
We have no pictures nor evidence of how the interface will change at all. Wait until more information or screenshots are made before you make assumptions, much like your assumptions of being spammed with facebook constantly and I guess EA's play to shove facebook down our throats ]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7148990.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7148990.page GMT
We have no pictures nor evidence of how the interface will change at all. Wait until more information or screenshots are made before you make assumptions, much like your assumptions of being spammed with facebook constantly and I guess EA's play to shove facebook down our throats [/quote]
If they did the same thing with Origins,it should required you to call the social function out...(example :Shift +`)

If Sims 3 do not suppoort MAC,It is a big chance that they will based on Origin to do the social function.]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7149073.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7149073.page GMT
Or two, get all the features, but have the option to pay money or earn it for free.

This should be possible as we have a Sims 3 Store and EA already makes money off of the sims 3 store. ^_^]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7149082.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7149082.page GMT
We have no pictures nor evidence of how the interface will change at all. Wait until more information or screenshots are made before you make assumptions, much like your assumptions of being spammed with facebook constantly and I guess EA's play to shove facebook down our throats [/quote]
If they did the same thing with Origins,it should required you to call the social function out...(example :Shift +`)

If Sims 3 do not suppoort MAC,It is a big chance that they will based on Origin to do the social function.[/quote]

Since Origin does not support MAC and EA caters to both windows and Mac players, most likely they won't use origin to based their social features for it unless Origin finds a way to be supported by MAC.]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7149105.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7149105.page GMT
We have no pictures nor evidence of how the interface will change at all. Wait until more information or screenshots are made before you make assumptions, much like your assumptions of being spammed with facebook constantly and I guess EA's play to shove facebook down our throats [/quote]

Don't be naive. Whenever EA makes a pre-game patch, they always include elements of the new game...for instance, before Ambitions, players got the option to join professions, although it was grayed out and unplayable, but it was there...along with the laundry options so that players could buy the washer and dryer in the store. Players who got the update for Late Night got the option to make pet food, although they couldn't use it, but it was there so that they could have it when they installed the game.

The chat options will be added, and if the in-game features go through this website, yes, they can very well change my current game's interace via a patch. And they can add Simport, although not playable because I'd need Showtime, but it's there for whenever I would get the game. So I'd have access to chat and the wall via the game's interface which would link me to this website.

And that's not an unreasonable assumption based on past experience. The point is I don't want *any* chat features in the game, but from what I understand, if you don't let Origin install the latest game update, you lose access to your store products, and I have a lot of store products in my purchase history.

So yes, we may get Simport, but not active...but the chat features and Wall probably will be if they're going to be updated to his website.]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7149120.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7149120.page GMT
We have no pictures nor evidence of how the interface will change at all. Wait until more information or screenshots are made before you make assumptions, much like your assumptions of being spammed with facebook constantly and I guess EA's play to shove facebook down our throats [/quote]
If they did the same thing with Origins,it should required you to call the social function out...(example :Shift +`)

If Sims 3 do not suppoort MAC,It is a big chance that they will based on Origin to do the social function.[/quote]

Since Origin does not support MAC and EA caters to both windows and Mac players, most likely they won't use origin to based their social features for it unless Origin finds a way to be supported by MAC.[/quote]
So I am thinking if they based on the interface/ideas of Origin to do that ...

Another clue of this:
http://www.thesims3.com/gettingstarted/aboutorigin
Origin in Sims 3 page "Getting Started"
]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7149135.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7149135.page GMT
EA gave us options to turn on and off social interactions.

The Chat and messaging system is not required to earn extra rewards or anything. Only SimPort is. We have no evidence nor proof that these will be in the patch or not, so why speculate and assume EA is going to shove it in our update if we know nothing yet.

You as a player don't like the idea of using social interactions to get extra content to increase your career. Why not instead just pay money to get that extra content instead, I'm sure that's not disadvantaged whatsoever as you have the option to pay for extra content rather than dealing with the social features or having to be forced to use SimPort.

I'm not naive, I'm giving a simple solution and idea that could be a way to solve any player's issues of using social systems or not. ]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7149158.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7149158.page GMT http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7149169.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7149169.page GMT I choose option 7:

I will be unplugging my internet cable from my computer during gameplay.



]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7149206.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7149206.page GMT
I'm sorry how does that relate to the main issue of social interaction? I see no one complaining about horses in the Pets EP on announcement. If anything, all I see is rage and being "forced" to communicate and connect with other simmers to get rewards.

Where does it state you are forced to create horses or use them to go far in your career. I'm playing Pets right now and I see no requirements to create horses and make them.

Based on player opinions and ideas that they don't like the social features, give them a separate pack that doesn't include requirements of social features so they can play "alone" like they should be. It's an extra feature that is not required that players can choose to advance in their career "by themselves" or "through other simmers." Nothing related to horses.

Having a horse or a dog/cat is not a requirement to communicate with anyone nor something that a player has the option to turn off and on and get requirements if they are already in the game and we can already decide if we want a horse or not. It's like saying you have the option to choose your profession or your husband/wife, etc. ]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7149208.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7149208.page GMT I choose option 7:

I will be unplugging my internet cable from my computer during gameplay.



[/quote]

Brilliant response hun, idea that I wish some simmers could take and use *applauds* (honestly though, I'm glad you see the picture).]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7149214.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7149214.page GMT
Yes, there's an opt out, but in reality there isn't. You don't get half the EP if you opt out. There's nothing to stop EA making TS3 more like a facebook game, meaning you HAVE to go online to get the full benefit for your money.

Everyone has a right to voice an opinion. You shouldn't be making little of those opinions when the concerns are genuine. Leave the spinning to the ppl who are paid for it, let ppl have their say, and stop belittling them.

They're not going to not put the social features in. Some suit or another decided it was a great idea, end of dicussion. To keep ppl going there's the achievement system too. The suits could just well have killed their own game. How cool is that?

And of course they're going to put it in a patch.]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7149612.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7149612.page GMT
The word is "achievment system" in the patch. Meaning as far as we know the only achievment rewards explained are that of the sticky and of the career ones for Showtime, that's it. We know nothing more about that.

What about the props, costumes, etc. that people are implying to be forced to use social features? If players don't want to use social features, they can just get them automatically when it first comes out and any more stage props, costumes, etc. can be bought in the future. Meaning, they won't be forced or given the option to "ONLY" do social interaction to get these rewards.]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7149637.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7149637.page GMT
It's a solution that isn't going to be taken. Besides you're trying to sell us less for more money. It's not that ppl don't want simport or extra rewards, but that they don't to feel obliged to use it, which they are going to be.

That's why ppl are still creating, whilst there's some who have brought into the 'It'll all be fine' thread stickied up top, those of us who haven't have realised it'll get worse before it gets better.]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7149682.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7149682.page GMT
If anything, this helps out simmers who don't like social features.

We have the Sims 3 Store and trust me sometimes it makes their money because players can choose to buy it or not and doesn't give them a disadvantage from the EP's they get themselves. If anything, I could buy all the EP'S/SP's and not buy any store content and be contempt with what I have.

It's an example of how EA can make their money, after all they do what they can to make the most out of our money, why not this?
]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7149689.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7149689.page GMT
Let me have my stuff, keep my game single-player, and instead of ruining what once was a great game, come up with a new social interactive sims game and out of my sims 3, and let that one bomb. (Or well, cater to another crowd)

But hey, those new careers do look fun huh?


]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7149754.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7149754.page GMT
Let me have my stuff, keep my game single-player, and instead of ruining what once was a great game, come up with a new social interactive sims game and out of my sims 3, and let that one bomb. (Or well, cater to another crowd)

But hey, those new careers do look fun huh?


[/quote]

I am actually kind of still on the "ehh" side on the new careers as they seem interesting. But if anything, this would somewhat solve the issues for those who want to play their careers and earn the rewards through SimPort that don't want to use it.

I don't want to use the Sims Social as an example, but one can play the sims social without being social. However to get through quests and get rewards you'd have the option to use SimCash, which you can earn by paying for it or through surveys.

]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7149764.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7149764.page GMT
Let me have my stuff, keep my game single-player, and instead of ruining what once was a great game, come up with a new social interactive sims game and out of my sims 3, and let that one bomb. (Or well, cater to another crowd)

But hey, those new careers do look fun huh?


[/quote]

I am actually kind of still on the "ehh" side on the new careers as they seem interesting. But if anything, this would somewhat solve the issues for those who want to play their careers and earn the rewards through SimPort that don't want to use it.

I don't want to use the Sims Social as an example, but one can play the sims social without being social. However to get through quests and get rewards you'd have the option to use SimCash, which you can earn by paying for it or through surveys.

[/quote]
This is true what you're saying about Sim Social. I haven't played in a while but I don't like the fact that there are task I can't complete (sometimes due to bugs or I don't have enough friends to complete it) and I have to use my SimCash. There are times when you are forced to use your SimCash which is real money I have loaded on my account. Since playing sim social I've probably spent just under a grand of real money.

And just as an fyi I did a bit of analysis on Sim Social. That web app put more stress on my rig then all of the EPs/SPs combined. I had lag because it used a lot of my CPU (the only web app to do that), it set off warnings in my anti-virus, I had freezing in the browsers, issues with loading the app, etc... I most definitely don't want the actual game to turn into anything like that. ]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7149867.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7149867.page GMT
I have noticed that too which is odd. Maybe it requires a really strong internet connection rather than how much ram, etc. you have in your game.

Hopefully, they don't apply that when we get online chat, etc. x.x (which shouldn't take much use of graphics I hope).]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7149884.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7149884.page GMT
I have noticed that too which is odd. Maybe it requires a really strong internet connection rather than how much ram, etc. you have in your game.

Hopefully, they don't apply that when we get online chat, etc. x.x (which shouldn't take much use of graphics I hope).[/quote]
Thing is I have great internet connection. My whole house is networked and wireless with encryption. It's the only app that runs like that. There are other online gaming apps I play and none of them run like Sim Social. And there are plenty of issues they still haven't addressed on the Play.com site regarding the app itself. It's been at least 6 months.
]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7149952.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7149952.page GMT
I just went and checked. He already has his own EA account for all his Football and Tiger woods golf, so it might work.]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7149967.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7149967.page GMT
I just went and checked. He already has his own EA account for all his Football and Tiger woods golf, so it might work.[/quote]

It might be possible but unless you buy two showtime EP's probably x.x as they both have to be registered to use the online feature for showtime.]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7150050.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7150050.page GMT I just looked at the price you are paying.
The limited edition can be bought from Play.com in the UK for £24.99 I do not know if you double that to get your dollars, I forgot what you had to do. We normally pay around the same price as you, But this time we are not.

Im one of the 'Simmers who just buy the EP regardless but not use online interaction at all' But i may considering using it at least once. I can't say I don't like it until i have tried it.]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7150725.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7150725.page GMT
The only problem i forsee is if EA doesn't learn to lower it's pricing for that store online, because it's clear for sims 4 where they will be taking sims. They can consider themselves digging a grave for the game. FPS games that charge high cash shop pricing only last on the market for short term. Do like the chinese hun and learn charging things under 1.00 to 25 cents will earn your company in the millions. Don't believe me look at the 35mil PWI made every month in sales. Which this game like sims also has a very high female playerbase.

I am saying this now the market for games being sold in this manner is huge. Get ready because pretty soon you're going to find majority of your games being marketed or presented to you in this fashion. It seems to me the industry wants to move it along faster than what the customers want to.]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7150787.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7150787.page GMT Option 2: Single EP
Release Showtime for $39.99 containing:
- SimPort Feature that can be turned off and on and not required for career advancement
- Options to turn off or on social interaction to play your game
- Given Content in EP
- Given the option to obtain Future content for free using SimPort or "pay" for these extra content in the form of $4.99 (conversions apply).[/quote]

I've been asking this same question in other thread but I wanted to ask up front where does anyone get the idea that SimPort and it's features can be turned off/on?

SimGuruSnelson did not say Simport comes with an on/off switch. She clearly stated you can opt in or out.

"We are also introducing new social tools and a new achievement system, which you are free to opt in or out of at any time."

I don't know about the rest of you but I don't feel those words mean on/off switch. I feel it means you can either use SimPort or not. But you will still be getting the 101 opportunities and wishes that come with having the Showtime EP installed, including ones that pertain to using SimPort. Your sim will still wish to go on tour at your friend's stage, etc... You will still find opportunities popping up that ask you to take your sim on a Simport spin.

If Simport, and any opportunity tied to it, had an on/off switch then the wording would have said so. Just like it was clearly spelled out for the chat/messaging features....

"One of the new features we’re excited about in The Sims 3 Showtime is the capability of in-game messaging, so that you can communicate with your Simmer friends while you’re playing. If you prefer not to have this connected experience, then it’s easy enough to [u]turn off[/u] this messaging."

My point? Don't go assuming you can have Showtime installed and not have to "deal" with Simport because you are assuming it comes with an on/off button. They included "rewards" to entice you to use it so heck yes there will be opportunities popping up left and right that ask you to use it too.

But hey, that's my two-cents on that on/off switch assumption so many people seem to feel is being included.]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7151591.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7151591.page GMT
In another words, I think people maybe expecting too much from this feature. I just think it's being introduced now, in a basic way, to see how we all handle it because I think more 'you need a buddy' concepts are on the board for this game.]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7151707.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7151707.page GMT
Since no one is really answering the original question though, I'd totally go for and buy the cheaper version of the full EP minus simport and the rest of the social features. Sorry, I don't remember what option number you had that as, but that's my vote.]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7151987.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7151987.page GMT
[quote] One of the new features we’re excited about in The Sims 3 Showtime is the capability of in-game messaging, so that you can communicate with your Simmer friends while you’re playing. If you prefer not to have this connected experience, then it’s easy enough to turn off this messaging. [/quote]

As far as we know EA has informed us that we are not required to have online interaction nor do we need to. If anything if we have no online interactin required = we aren't required to use SimPort.

They gave us options, we have a choice whether to use it or not.

Also:

[quote]They included "rewards" to entice you to use it so heck yes there will be opportunities popping up left and right that ask you to use it too.

But hey, that's my two-cents on that on/off switch assumption so many people seem to feel is being included.[/quote]

They gave us the options to suppress opportunities from a different EP (can't remember if it's Late Night or Ambitions) so if it's like opportunities, then we can have the option to suppress it also.]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7152851.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7152851.page GMT I just looked at the price you are paying.
The limited edition can be bought from Play.com in the UK for £24.99 I do not know if you double that to get your dollars, I forgot what you had to do. We normally pay around the same price as you, But this time we are not.

Im one of the 'Simmers who just buy the EP regardless but not use online interaction at all' But i may considering using it at least once. I can't say I don't like it until i have tried it.[/quote]

It's probably because of the Pets scenario so they are making it cheaper for UK people.]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7152870.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7152870.page GMT I choose option 7:

I will be unplugging my internet cable from my computer during gameplay.



[/quote]

Brilliant response hun, idea that I wish some simmers could take and use *applauds* (honestly though, I'm glad you see the picture).[/quote]

Why should anybody have to unplug their internet connection to play a game they bought for 40 dollars? I don't recommend taking out your internet cable. If you turned off the feature, yet something still happens, that would be EA you would have to go to.

These ideas I doubt will be implemented anyway. This would just cause EA to spend more money on making now 4 editions of the EP (limited, regular, and your 2 ideas). ]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7152985.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7152985.page GMT I choose option 7:

I will be unplugging my internet cable from my computer during gameplay.



[/quote]

Brilliant response hun, idea that I wish some simmers could take and use *applauds* (honestly though, I'm glad you see the picture).[/quote]

Why should anybody have to unplug their internet connection to play a game they bought for 40 dollars? I don't recommend taking out your internet cable. If you turned off the feature, yet something still happens, that would be EA you would have to go to.

These ideas I doubt will be implemented anyway. This would just cause EA to spend more money on making now 4 editions of the EP (limited, regular, and your 2 ideas). [/quote]

First off, she isn't literally going to pull out her internet cable, it's simply a metaphor of pretty much "I just won't use internet connection"

Technically, it would only make two, both of which will be replaced:
- Limited + Lack of Social Features
- Limited + Normal as showcased
- Regular game
- Regular game + Lack of social features

It's like how they made with Pets:
- Limited
- Plus Pets
- Regular

1 more game is not going to make a difference and pretty much at the end it'll go down to just "two" games. ^_^]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7153047.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7153047.page GMT http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7153069.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7153069.page GMT I choose option 7:

I will be unplugging my internet cable from my computer during gameplay.



[/quote]

Brilliant response hun, idea that I wish some simmers could take and use *applauds* (honestly though, I'm glad you see the picture).[/quote]

Why should anybody have to unplug their internet connection to play a game they bought for 40 dollars? I don't recommend taking out your internet cable. If you turned off the feature, yet something still happens, that would be EA you would have to go to.

These ideas I doubt will be implemented anyway. This would just cause EA to spend more money on making now 4 editions of the EP (limited, regular, and your 2 ideas). [/quote]

First off, she isn't literally going to pull out her internet cable, it's simply a metaphor of pretty much "I just won't use internet connection"

Technically, it would only make two, both of which will be replaced:
- Limited + Lack of Social Features
- Limited + Normal as showcased
- Regular game
- Regular game + Lack of social features

It's like how they made with Pets:
- Limited
- Plus Pets
- Regular

1 more game is not going to make a difference and pretty much at the end it'll go down to just "two" games. ^_^[/quote]

Either way, disabling your internet to play a game you paid for, is NOT worth paying for in the first place.

I just don't believe EA will bother to make an edition of the EP with the social features and then without it. They might as well include it as an extra download from the site. That would solve everyone's problems, if that's even possible for them to do. I don't see why though they would choose to include it in an EP anyway. ]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7153110.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7153110.page GMT
I just went and checked. He already has his own EA account for all his Football and Tiger woods golf, so it might work.[/quote]

It might be possible but unless you buy two showtime EP's probably x.x as they both have to be registered to use the online feature for showtime.[/quote]

Great idea Writig_Reg. Hubby's got his own TS3 game and EA account and if we were going to get this EP it would work but we both don't like this EP so we're not going to get it.

AznSensei - we both have our own copies of The Sims 3 and it's expansions. He's got up to Pets and I have up to Generations. We also have EA accounts for other games like SimCity, Madden NFL, Mass Effect 2, The Sims 2 series, The Sims 3 series, Dark Age of Camelot and for the upcoming Star Wars The Old Republic.]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7153346.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7153346.page GMT
Oh my, I would never buy something twice but I guess it's to prevent piracy x.x]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7153365.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7153365.page GMT ]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7153522.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7153522.page GMT [/quote]

I'm "guessing" that the achievement system will be multiple things, like "create this many stories", expansion of uploading more memories, Have this many friends added, etc. (which I hope that the friend thing will be insane and pointless). It is a guess though and I can be wrong about that.]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7153545.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7153545.page GMT
EA has no interest in having people stop using Simport. Simport is designed to use the same system as many of the Facebook games. In order to accomplish quests in Facebook games, you have to have more than one neighbor. People may expect to be able to play with the same person over and over again to gain the rewards. But, Facebook games often require the player to depend on more than one neighbor to complete their quests, so I would not be at all surprised if the touring opportunity didn't come with a requirement to tour more than one venue, *after* you have completed the first tour. This means you'd have to go to more than one player's computer; and it probably would be done in a "one-at-a-time" fashion, since I'm sure you can only send out one Sim at a time.

So, if you get the opportunity that says "Perform at two venues", you won't be able to use the same person to do it with; that wouldn't make sense, given the fact EA really wants to encourage players to use this feature, and the more the merrier. I'm convinced that's the way this will be played out.

And, AznSensei, despite your brilliant ideas and your attempts to try to convince players that they are overreacting, EA will not be making another version of this expansion pack for those who don't want the social networking. I'll be interested to see if we can still bypass the launcher altogether by going through the .exe file itself, or if EA will no longer give us that option, but require us to use the Launcher to upload our game. If it does fix it so that we can only play using the Launcher, then that kills any idea of disconnecting your computer, since the Launcher is run by Origin.

Keep trying to soothe the masses, but, as in SimGuru Snelson's threads, it's not going to work. Some of us are neither stupid or naive.]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7153861.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7153861.page GMT
It's not truly optional, yes you can choose not to use it, but if you do you'll miss out on the EPs content.]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7153873.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7153873.page GMT
EA has no interest in having people stop using Simport. Simport is designed to use the same system as many of the Facebook games. In order to accomplish quests in Facebook games, you have to have more than one neighbor. People may expect to be able to play with the same person over and over again to gain the rewards. But, Facebook games often require the player to depend on more than one neighbor to complete their quests, so I would not be at all surprised if the touring opportunity didn't come with a requirement to tour more than one venue, *after* you have completed the first tour. This means you'd have to go to more than one player's computer; and it probably would be done in a "one-at-a-time" fashion, since I'm sure you can only send out one Sim at a time.

So, if you get the opportunity that says "Perform at two venues", you won't be able to use the same person to do it with; that wouldn't make sense, given the fact EA really wants to encourage players to use this feature, and the more the merrier. I'm convinced that's the way this will be played out.

And, AznSensei, despite your brilliant ideas and your attempts to try to convince players that they are overreacting, EA will not be making another version of this expansion pack for those who don't want the social networking. I'll be interested to see if we can still bypass the launcher altogether by going through the .exe file itself, or if EA will no longer give us that option, but require us to use the Launcher to upload our game. If it does fix it so that we can only play using the Launcher, then that kills any idea of disconnecting your computer, since the Launcher is run by Origin.

Keep trying to soothe the masses, but, as in SimGuru Snelson's threads, it's not going to work. Some of us are neither stupid or naive.[/quote]

No to me the real question would be how many ep's after this will utilize simport. THis surely won't be the only one, with just this one feature. This is a huge shift in the game, and changes sims in a huge way. Though Azn wants to convince people to like the feature, he really can't because he needs to understand some people just don't want to socialize with their sims. There must be a reason that they're pushing the game into this besides wanting players to socialize. In sims social if you can't advance and get the rewards than you can buy the rewards, or buy sims points to help you out. I feel that is the true nature of the ep to push the game into costing more money.

You aren't going to get those rewards unless you spend the time interacting or paying more. Especially when people beging to see what those rewards are. Then you'll see lots of threads popping up saying make the rewards optional in the store. It's almost like EA is playing us into what they want. Why do you think the online store is so heavily marketed in game. They're making it easier and easier to shop from within the game. Do I think this is right no, this could spell some serious trouble for sims. One thing we know about EA they haven't learned yet to charge reasonable pricing. If your customers feel like cash cows and you incringe on the gaming freedoms your sales are going to keep dropping. ]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7154441.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7154441.page GMT
Pick the choices you like the best and poll results posted at end of post.

Option 1: Split EP
Release Showtime for $29.99 containing:
- No SimPort Feature
- No requirement of social interaction to play your game or career advancement (obviously with the patch update, some online features will be there but shouldn't be required for you to earn or obtain extra rewards).
- Given all content released including achievements at that time unlocked using SimPort but only that.
- Extra rewards released for social simmers can be bought for $4.99 (conversions apply) each time they are released for those of us who wish to not use social features.

Release Showtime for $39.99 containing:
- SimPort Feature
- Options to turn off or on social interaction to play your game
- Given only content in the EP
- Future content or extra rewards released can be earned via SimPort feature only

Option 2: Single EP
Release Showtime for $39.99 containing:
- SimPort Feature that can be turned off and on and not required for career advancement
- Options to turn off or on social interaction to play your game
- Given Content in EP
- Given the option to obtain Future content for free using SimPort or "pay" for these extra content in the form of $4.99 (conversions apply).

See what I did there, pretty much for those who don't want to deal with the hassle of wanting to get those content through social features can just pay the $29.99 to get their "money's" worth and pay extra for rewards, not being forced to do social interactions to earn them. Other players who don't care or mind the social interactions can pay the higher price, but can just get the content for free if they get involved in social interactions.

Ya I don't see anything wrong with anyone being disadvantaged or required to do social interactions, do you? Regardless, EA gets moneys from both parties, angry or not and for those of us who hate Social Features can just pay the lower price and deal with playing by ourselves, while those who don't mind the social features and are clearly just buying the EP for the heck can have the option to choose the higher price and deal with it along with options to get the free incentives.

Simmers who want option 1:

Simmers who want option 2:

Simmers who just buy the EP regardless but not use online interaction at all: 1[/quote]

I kinda like Option 1. It allows them to make even more money on this EP, and it caters to the complaints of the fans who don't want the social networking.]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7154899.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7154899.page GMT
No to me the real question would be how many ep's after this will utilize simport. THis surely won't be the only one, with just this one feature. This is a huge shift in the game, and changes sims in a huge way. Though Azn wants to convince people to like the feature, he really can't because he needs to understand some people just don't want to socialize with their sims. There must be a reason that they're pushing the game into this besides wanting players to socialize. In sims social if you can't advance and get the rewards than you can buy the rewards, or buy sims points to help you out. I feel that is the true nature of the ep to push the game into costing more money.

You aren't going to get those rewards unless you spend the time interacting or paying more. Especially when people beging to see what those rewards are. Then you'll see lots of threads popping up saying make the rewards optional in the store. It's almost like EA is playing us into what they want. Why do you think the online store is so heavily marketed in game. They're making it easier and easier to shop from within the game. Do I think this is right no, this could spell some serious trouble for sims. One thing we know about EA they haven't learned yet to charge reasonable pricing. If your customers feel like cash cows and you incringe on the gaming freedoms your sales are going to keep dropping. [/quote]

You are probably right. And EA may just do that, purely on the chance that *some* people will prefer to spend real cash, rather than depend on others to help them get those rewards.

So, either way, it's win/win for EA, and lose/lose for those of us veteran Sims players who have been used to playing our games independently without any help from other players to meet our goals. Yet another way we anti-social networking players get penalized...Simport or Store, Simport or Store...I see nothing positive about this choice. Nothing at all.]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7154959.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7154959.page GMT Actually, I built and use 2 computers solely for playing S3.

That is the only tasks they have.

The first is connected to the internet. The second is not, and is always offline.

I use the first to download patches, etc, to test and filter anything coming in from the internet.

I use the second for my actual gameplay, and creating.

I started doing this when EA introduced the online / ingame Store. My resolve was fortified when they introduced memories that could be shared.

My offline computer does play the game much better than my online computer does.

My online computer gets corrupted all of the time, and has to be wiped / re-installed. It's not a disaster, because all of my important work is safe inside of the offline computer.

All I want from EA is new interactions for my Sims, objects, clothing, and hair. I am quite happy to take it from there.

I will always find workarounds for all of the cheap gimmicks they keep coming up with.

Showtime should have been just an Expansion Pack. Simport & the Social System should have been a completely seperated Standalone.

We would then have a fair choice. That is the root of most of our displeasure with the way EA is producing the Sims. It is the lack of fair choices they are giving us.

It is a struggle between them trying to force us to accept linear gameplay, and us wanting what made the Sims so popular in the first place, open ended gameplay.

]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7156749.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7156749.page GMT
Excuse me? Where does it say I'm convincing people to like the feature? If anything, the only thing I'm saying is that it's optional and you aren't forced to nor did I say you should enjoy it and be rage-happy about it.

Please don't push intentions I never made at all -.-

Next time read my intention this:

"Wait until you learn about the game before you assume social networking will take over the game, it's been only a few days and everyone thinks social feature is all this EP is."

If anything, the only thing I'm trying to convince people is that it is not required or enforced whatsoever.

Next time, don't assume such things hun as I obviously don't like being social in some of my games PERIOD, nor am I going to bash or whine about it.

Edit:

Find evidence that i was trying to convince or inform people to like social features. If you can't find it, then don't make stupid judgment calls on me if you have no idea who I am or even if I like this EP or not. Never said I liked the EP and its social features, and never said I hate them. If anything, I'm holding off my judgment calls until more information comes out. Someone needs to learn about the person before you make a bashing or creating some wild speculation on someone -.-. Honestly.]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7158468.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7158468.page GMT
Every since people started complaining about the social networking aspects of this game, you've been the first one to point out that they were being hysterical about it and that they need to calm down. You made such a big deal out of it, that I called you a fanboy.

If you honestly don't like the social networking aspects of this game, well then you could have fooled me.

At any rate, I don't see why I should be forced to tolerate something I don't want in my game in the first place. Far easier for me to just walk away from it all. Apparently, I'm not alone in this. Yes, I've been speculating on the ramifications of Simport and what it could do to my type of gameplay *and I am not alone*. And my speculation has been based on the fact that they type of gameplay that EA is going to introduce via Simport is the type of gameplay I can already get by playing Zynga games; that is, the interdependence of players with one another.

You say I don't know what I'm talking about; I say I do. And though we won't know until March, I'm confident my version is closer to being right than yours. And you *have* been advocating to people that they should stop complaining and give this EP a chance. So don't blame anyone but yourself for the misunderstanding.]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7159130.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7159130.page GMT
Every since people started complaining about the social networking aspects of this game, you've been the first one to point out that they were being hysterical about it and that they need to calm down. You made such a big deal out of it, that I called you a fanboy.

If you honestly don't like the social networking aspects of this game, well then you could have fooled me.

At any rate, I don't see why I should be forced to tolerate something I don't want in my game in the first place. Far easier for me to just walk away from it all. Apparently, I'm not alone in this. Yes, I've been speculating on the ramifications of Simport and what it could do to my type of gameplay *and I am not alone*. And my speculation has been based on the fact that they type of gameplay that EA is going to introduce via Simport is the type of gameplay I can already get by playing Zynga games; that is, the interdependence of players with one another.

You say I don't know what I'm talking about; I say I do. And though we won't know until March, I'm confident my version is closer to being right than yours. And you *have* been advocating to people that they should stop complaining and give this EP a chance. So don't blame anyone but yourself for the misunderstanding.[/quote]

My tone? honestly I'm not the only one with a tone before you give me a lecture about tone yourself miss "I think you need to watch your tone" when you are the first one jumping off the bats and complaining.

If anything, I told you guys to calm down and wait for more information, how is that the same as saying "I like the EP you should learn to love." I find that concept a bunch of baloney and stupid. I made a deal because all I see was constant whining and honestly someone had to say something to shut some of you up, which honestly I only see three people arguing back towards me while everyone else chose to wait for more information. OH look, simgurus gave more information and they calmed down. See what I mean? honestly being calm and wait for more information was the best thing to do.

It is easy to walk away for it, EA is not forcing you to chat with friends, nor are they forcing you to do online connection, hence the phrase "you can turn these features off." If anything, I can play my darn game with online features off and be fine with it.

Give me posts that I said give this EP a chance and you'll like it, then we can talk about shoving that information in my mouth. All I said is wait for more information before you jump to conclusions thinking you are forced to do things you aren't required to do. All I said is everything is an option and you have a choice whether or not to use them, nowhere did I say you should learn to enjoy the EP or change your opinion on it, rather calm the heck down and stop acting like spoiled brats thinking EA is doing things and you dislike them and rant about the EP over these stupid social features.

You want to be anti-social with your gaming, there turn off your online features and you can stay anti-social and not deal with it. Go far beyond bysaying you're forced to do things to get achievements? Well that's what happens when you choose not to do content.

Edit: And if you want to dang proofread my sentences and point out flaws, there is no perfect sentences in a human being nor is this a freaking newspaper or amazing article that people should be criticized over small sentences and mistakes and be taken into consideration of judging someone.

You are given the option, life or EA shouldn't hand you everything you want from the EP whether you like it or not.

See where am I going? All of this arguing I've been doing with you guys have been constantly "calm down and wait for more information before jumping to conclusions and distaste over something we know nothing about." Nothing at all PERIOD of saying "You should give this EP a chance and like it."
]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7159235.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7159235.page GMT
"We are also introducing new social tools and a new achievement system, which you are free to [u]opt in or out of[/u] at any time."

On/off button quote:

"One of the new features we’re excited about in The Sims 3 Showtime is the capability of [u]in-game messaging[/u], so that you can communicate with your Simmer friends while you’re playing. If you prefer not to have this connected experience, then it’s easy enough [u]to turn off[/u][b] this messaging."

I personally feel that any person who installs Showtime will find that they receive all the pop-up messages for opportunities and wishes related to it. If you turned off the feature related to opportunities (that we already have in-game) then you lose out on all opportunities and wishes for every EP you have installed, yes? Who will do that? Come on!

While I'm not really aiming my post at you I am highlighting your assumption that Simport has an on/off button. I think everyone who thinks that needs to go back and re-read that post my SimGuruSnelson again. No where does it say on/off button for Simport.

[quote=AznSensei]Coffee Chick, with online features, EA says you can turn off and on, same would apply to SimPort as it is an ONLINE feature, but to the Showtime EP.

[quote] One of the new features we’re excited about in The Sims 3 Showtime is the capability of in-game messaging, so that you can communicate with your Simmer friends while you’re playing. If you prefer not to have this connected experience, then it’s easy enough to turn off this messaging. [/quote]

As far as we know EA has informed us that we are not required to have online interaction nor do we need to. If anything if we have no online interactin required = we aren't required to use SimPort.

They gave us options, we have a choice whether to use it or not.

Also:

[quote]They included "rewards" to entice you to use it so heck yes there will be opportunities popping up left and right that ask you to use it too.

But hey, that's my two-cents on that on/off switch assumption so many people seem to feel is being included.[/quote]

They gave us the options to suppress opportunities from a different EP (can't remember if it's Late Night or Ambitions) so if it's like opportunities, then we can have the option to suppress it also.[/quote]]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7160082.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7160082.page GMT http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7160176.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7160176.page GMT
Excuse me? Where does it say I'm convincing people to like the feature? If anything, the only thing I'm saying is that it's optional and you aren't forced to nor did I say you should enjoy it and be rage-happy about it.

Please don't push intentions I never made at all -.-

Next time read my intention this:

"Wait until you learn about the game before you assume social networking will take over the game, it's been only a few days and everyone thinks social feature is all this EP is."

If anything, the only thing I'm trying to convince people is that it is not required or enforced whatsoever.

Next time, don't assume such things hun as I obviously don't like being social in some of my games PERIOD, nor am I going to bash or whine about it.

Edit:

Find evidence that i was trying to convince or inform people to like social features. If you can't find it, then don't make stupid judgment calls on me if you have no idea who I am or even if I like this EP or not. Never said I liked the EP and its social features, and never said I hate them. If anything, I'm holding off my judgment calls until more information comes out. Someone needs to learn about the person before you make a bashing or creating some wild speculation on someone -.-. Honestly.[/quote]

Then what is it you exactly trying to convince people to do? It wasn't to inform the of the facts at the beginning at all because most of your basis has been on speculation. You certainly haven't convinced many this feature is as optional as they say. People still can't get the rewards if they don't go social. Why exactly is it your mission to do so in the first place? You were very insulting and belittling of people who had honest concerns and fears of this ep and still have honest concerns about the ep. What you think because EA releases a statement it's going to be exactly what they say. Pfft, this is pr they're trained to calm the fan base down, doesn't mean they will.

You are insulting right now. You act as if im accusing you of something. My statement is neither bad nor good. No one is bashing you at all and i have no idea why in the world you thought saying such a thing was a bad idea. It appeared to me from the arguements and stances you have taken that you were trying to convince people the feature is not all that bad. Which is why i said you still need to have an understanding that people are still not going to like the ep regardless based on the social feature. Frankily this ep is about the social feature, show me where the Dev's says you can get the free content without having to socialize?

Frankily i don't know what stance you want to take because you've been at peoples throats over every little thing they say just because they disagree with you. Calm down yeesh. People who disliked the feature and anyone that said they didn't like the feature you went off on some long tangent. You clearly gave mixed messages including towards me. Especially when i said i do not like the feature and am weary of it because i do not want to catch a virus through it and i don't like the intrusive nature of the ep into my sims game.

What i strongly mean by you being insulting is just because people dislke the ep, or are voicing that discontent doesn't make this bad. If sales were to plummit from this ep and not one person voiced out why they are not buying this ep, how would EA know what the problem was? You you have yet to show any respect towards people who speak out. You feel they are whining, i certainly don't. I find that insulting that you do. This is where you have been very misleading. These are customers that pay for their games and are voicing out at the sudden change of style to the sims. This does alter the game into a new category and changes sims all together. Which has many people upset, and speaking up about it so the dev's can hear loud and clear. Especially about them not buying it, especially about the concerns they have. Who are you to insult that.

What i do think Asn if you want to get your point across to anyone on this forum, the first thing you need to learn is how to show respect, especially to those who have difference of opinion with you. Second thing you need to do is make it clear what it is you are trying to say, and do. Because as of yet finding out you don't like the social feature is a complete shocker to me. Especially since you said in many other threads that you just use the social feature till you get what you want and then don't use it again. That right there lead me to believe that you did not dislike the feature. It certainly did not show me you disliked it so much you would not use it. What i seriously find ridiculous is because people do not react the way you do that you feel you must either 1. be insulting towards them, or 2. feel the need to educate them over something you barely even know about yourself. It's one thing to have a discussion with someone it's another to be belittled by a person who is trying to force his/her way of thinking on to others. Because people are speaking out what does this really have to do with you? Not a darn thing participate in the dicussion or don't but keep your insults ot yourself. ]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7160358.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7160358.page GMT
Every since people started complaining about the social networking aspects of this game, you've been the first one to point out that they were being hysterical about it and that they need to calm down. You made such a big deal out of it, that I called you a fanboy.

If you honestly don't like the social networking aspects of this game, well then you could have fooled me.

At any rate, I don't see why I should be forced to tolerate something I don't want in my game in the first place. Far easier for me to just walk away from it all. Apparently, I'm not alone in this. Yes, I've been speculating on the ramifications of Simport and what it could do to my type of gameplay *and I am not alone*. And my speculation has been based on the fact that they type of gameplay that EA is going to introduce via Simport is the type of gameplay I can already get by playing Zynga games; that is, the interdependence of players with one another.

You say I don't know what I'm talking about; I say I do. And though we won't know until March, I'm confident my version is closer to being right than yours. And you *have* been advocating to people that they should stop complaining and give this EP a chance. So don't blame anyone but yourself for the misunderstanding.[/quote]

My tone? honestly I'm not the only one with a tone before you give me a lecture about tone yourself miss "I think you need to watch your tone" when you are the first one jumping off the bats and complaining.

If anything, I told you guys to calm down and wait for more information, how is that the same as saying "I like the EP you should learn to love." I find that concept a bunch of baloney and stupid. I made a deal because all I see was constant whining and honestly someone had to say something to shut some of you up, which honestly I only see three people arguing back towards me while everyone else chose to wait for more information. OH look, simgurus gave more information and they calmed down. See what I mean? honestly being calm and wait for more information was the best thing to do.

It is easy to walk away for it, EA is not forcing you to chat with friends, nor are they forcing you to do online connection, hence the phrase "you can turn these features off." If anything, I can play my darn game with online features off and be fine with it.

Give me posts that I said give this EP a chance and you'll like it, then we can talk about shoving that information in my mouth. All I said is wait for more information before you jump to conclusions thinking you are forced to do things you aren't required to do. All I said is everything is an option and you have a choice whether or not to use them, nowhere did I say you should learn to enjoy the EP or change your opinion on it, rather calm the heck down and stop acting like spoiled brats thinking EA is doing things and you dislike them and rant about the EP over these stupid social features.

You want to be anti-social with your gaming, there turn off your online features and you can stay anti-social and not deal with it. Go far beyond bysaying you're forced to do things to get achievements? Well that's what happens when you choose not to do content.

Edit: And if you want to dang proofread my sentences and point out flaws, there is no perfect sentences in a human being nor is this a freaking newspaper or amazing article that people should be criticized over small sentences and mistakes and be taken into consideration of judging someone.

You are given the option, life or EA shouldn't hand you everything you want from the EP whether you like it or not.

See where am I going? All of this arguing I've been doing with you guys have been constantly "calm down and wait for more information before jumping to conclusions and distaste over something we know nothing about." Nothing at all PERIOD of saying "You should give this EP a chance and like it."
[/quote]

Arguments like this is what is misleading. She said advocating there's a difference in direclty saying and advocating. You just advocated for the ep right now with you're reply. You said all you have to do is turn off the feature which it can't be turned off you can just opt out of it by not doing it. It's still going to be implemented into the game unless you don't patch it in. However if she chooses to buy the ep for the careers her sims are still going to want to tour. In other words it's not something that can be totally removed from play. This is why you aren't convincing people it's a feature that you don't have to deal with because many are saying it is.

Second, you've been jumping to conclusions yourself and you aren't even calm at all. You have been very misleading, because of that it's very easy to misunderstand what you are saying or doing. Honestly if you find that the discontent is getting on your nerves why visit this section of the forums? What right do you have to shut people up and why do you care if they speak out in the first place. Again very misleading, most people who dislike a feature aren't going to come on here and want everyone to be 'shut up' again very disrespectful. No they agree with others over the same thing. I haven't seen you agree with anyone but the people who like the ep so far. The only thing we can agree on is i don't believe your speculations i will wait till the ep comes out and make my judgement.

What about the people happy with the ep and speculating over this and that, you haven't been insulting towards them at all. Why is one voice more important than another. Instead of getting upset and annoyed by the posts why not take a break from the forums until things quiet down. There must have been a real reason as to why you felt the need to be so rude.]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7160418.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7160418.page GMT
I know you mean well but if i shut off my router for more than 10 minutes it spells trouble for me. Simple fact this may disable the simsport function, it still will not disable the careers designed to use that simport function. Nor will it remove the fact that people will miss out on content and future content because of this.

Honestly with the given track record of glitches and bugs/ i am not convinced yet this ep is going to be safe to use. Despite what she says about the removal of cc, the exchange is designed to do this, than how is people still get corrupted cc, viruses, and etc that causes problem with their games from the exchange. I have yet to see if their is a parental feature for children under the age of 18, and any other protection from predators, i don't care about face book and their features at all. If EA is opening their own social network than i want to know what's in place to protect these things. Especially in game chat, which was not elaborated on yet. ]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7160440.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7160440.page GMT
I mean, he acts like it's no big deal; just give EA their money, buy their game, and quit whining about the features you don't want; you can just ignore them...EA said it wouldn't affect their gameplay. Well, EA lies, but that's beside the point. Don't want it, don't need it...ain't buying it. Or anything else that follows Showtime, because why should I spend money buying a game where I have to ignore or opt out of gameplay because I'm a private player?

Why is that so hard for you to accept? Don't tell me that you're one of thoe people who just likes to argue until he gets his "opponent" to capitulate and change their mind. Is that it? Are you honestly waiting for me to say, Oh you're right and I'm wrong?

Because that'll never happen. EA's lost me as a customer. Deal with it.]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7160485.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7160485.page GMT Actually, I built and use 2 computers solely for playing S3.

That is the only tasks they have.

The first is connected to the internet. The second is not, and is always offline.

I use the first to download patches, etc, to test and filter anything coming in from the internet.

I use the second for my actual gameplay, and creating.

I started doing this when EA introduced the online / ingame Store. My resolve was fortified when they introduced memories that could be shared.

My offline computer does play the game much better than my online computer does.

My online computer gets corrupted all of the time, and has to be wiped / re-installed. It's not a disaster, because all of my important work is safe inside of the offline computer.

All I want from EA is new interactions for my Sims, objects, clothing, and hair. I am quite happy to take it from there.

I will always find workarounds for all of the cheap gimmicks they keep coming up with.

Showtime should have been just an Expansion Pack. Simport & the Social System should have been a completely seperated Standalone.

We would then have a fair choice. That is the root of most of our displeasure with the way EA is producing the Sims. It is the lack of fair choices they are giving us.

It is a struggle between them trying to force us to accept linear gameplay, and us wanting what made the Sims so popular in the first place, open ended gameplay.

[/quote]

How do you transfer the patches and such to the offline computer? I want to be able to do this because my desktop got borked and I need to wipe it and reinstall everything. I'm on Hughesnet with the HN7000s modem which means I'm totally frelled in terms of downloading things. Some of the patches are larger than my daily bandwidth allowance. I'm in the process of switching to another ISP but I've hit a few bumps in the road since it requires wireless signal from towers over 30 miles away.

Even if I wanted the online options in my game it would not be feasible due to my horrible connection. I couldn't even get Sims Social to load.

I have to say, of all the expansions to date, this is the one I'm the least enthused about. The only reason I would get it would be for hairstyles/clothes but I've found expansion content to be rather lacking so I don't think it would be worth close to $40.

I guess I would vote for option 1 to have the cheaper version in offline mode. I wouldn't want to pay to get additional content though, but then I doubt I would care enough about the content since I am not interested in the whole celebrity thing. I wish that previous expansions had come with the ability to turn the celebrity stuff off.

Jarsie9, you must concede that I am right and you are wrong. I don't know about what, but I just wanted to say that.

I admit I am concerned that the game will start having things where you need to have more "friends" and you will have to ask them for things like on Facebook games. Ugh.]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7160497.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7160497.page GMT
It doesn't matter if you buy this waste of an ep, the simport is going to be included in a patch. I've only had the base game and late night for some time and my game radically changes every time a new ep comes out, no money paid. I just don't get the careers and items.]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7160517.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7160517.page GMT
It doesn't matter if you buy this waste of an ep, the simport is going to be included in a patch. I've only had the base game and late night for some time and my game radically changes every time a new ep comes out, no money paid. I just don't get the careers and items.[/quote]

Yeah, I saw that. And I bet it is going to kill my bandwidth downloading the patch just so I can be able to download from the exchange without issues and then I'll just have to turn off the social features. I disable my wifi when I play Sims bc I don't want to be connecting to the internet. The reason I liked Sims in the first place was bc I could play it when my internet was out-- which happens all too frequently with Hughesnet.]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7160527.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7160527.page GMT
It doesn't matter if you buy this waste of an ep, the simport is going to be included in a patch. I've only had the base game and late night for some time and my game radically changes every time a new ep comes out, no money paid. I just don't get the careers and items.[/quote]

It has been. And nearly every time, a certain person comes along with his condescending self and tells everyone that they are wrong, they should calm down, stop complaining and whining...oh well, what can you do? I'm already bummed because I'll probably have to have the update so that my Launcher will work...I have a lot of store content installed in my game. So that means I'll get the chat features anyway...bleh...I may end up having to uninstall the whole shebang....Bummer.]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7160541.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7160541.page GMT http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7160608.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7160608.page GMT
I mean, he acts like it's no big deal; just give EA their money, buy their game, and quit whining about the features you don't want; you can just ignore them...EA said it wouldn't affect their gameplay. Well, EA lies, but that's beside the point. Don't want it, don't need it...ain't buying it. Or anything else that follows Showtime, because why should I spend money buying a game where I have to ignore or opt out of gameplay because I'm a private player?

Why is that so hard for you to accept? Don't tell me that you're one of thoe people who just likes to argue until he gets his "opponent" to capitulate and change their mind. Is that it? Are you honestly waiting for me to say, Oh you're right and I'm wrong?

Because that'll never happen. EA's lost me as a customer. Deal with it.[/quote]

No this was the same impression that i got from him too. That every time a person says they're not buying it he strongly advocates for the ep. I find it hard to believe that he doesn't like the ep. Especially when he accuse people of whining and what not that to me is very misleading. Especially when he will come bashing people in a negative thread but won't do the same in a positive one. However this attitude is not something i haven't gone through. I've felt this way about generations and it's gameplay. I disliked it a lot because of the lack of content and many of the other ep's. I feel the game is changing and i don't like the shape it's taking. I don't like we are paying more for less. I am just not liking the direction it's taking all together.

I do want sims to advance however not advance to an online game. I want it to advance in graphics and gameplay. I just don't see social network being good for sims sales. >.< Its odd that back to back these kinds of things are being implemented into the game. Normally if sales are dropping you go back to what works and start over and try to advanced forward. This series has been charging foward into a mind field and not looking even a glance back. I don't get it at all. Wouldn't you in the very least if you were developing a game say this isn't working sales aren't increasing we're losing fans. We need to go back to the drawing board.]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7160616.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7160616.page GMT Anavastia wrote:

"Normally if sales are dropping you go back to what works and start over and try to advanced forward."

*

I agree with this!

EA has made a mess of this series, and instead of trying to clean up the mess; they just keep adding more messes!

]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7160713.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7160713.page GMT [/quote]

Hardly an assumption, the interface will have to change to accomodate the new "social functions" ]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7160779.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7160779.page GMT
I mean, he acts like it's no big deal; just give EA their money, buy their game, and quit whining about the features you don't want; you can just ignore them...EA said it wouldn't affect their gameplay. Well, EA lies, but that's beside the point. Don't want it, don't need it...ain't buying it. Or anything else that follows Showtime, because why should I spend money buying a game where I have to ignore or opt out of gameplay because I'm a private player?

Why is that so hard for you to accept? Don't tell me that you're one of thoe people who just likes to argue until he gets his "opponent" to capitulate and change their mind. Is that it? Are you honestly waiting for me to say, Oh you're right and I'm wrong?

Because that'll never happen. EA's lost me as a customer. Deal with it.[/quote]

I was waiting for somebody else to notice and did try and take him to task about it. However, my temper got in the way of trying to post logically and I couldn't be bothered with carrying on to try and get my point across.

Perhaps he's afraid that if not enough ppl fall for the whole "It'll all be ok" sticky that EA will ditch the series.]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7160867.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7160867.page GMT
I'm not going to lie, I don't know whether to "enjoy" or "dislike" these rebuttals and arguments, but I cannot honestly comprehend why I even post these things and spend my time posting rather than playing the game. But whatever works. I'm not going to ask for a truce, nor am I going to ask for forgiveness or apologies. If anything I want to point stuff out before this argument gets into stupid matters and we fight over the smallest and idiotic parts of this EP.

Taking note, this is all happening in a matter of "FOUR" that's right "four" days.

First thread I created that started this whole argument.

http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/list/473320.page

The freaking out of simport feature. Ya I sounded immature, but honestly the whole point of that thread to begin with was to point this out: Do we know more about this feature? Why rant if we know nothing about it and choose to rant, if anything wait until more information is released.

Anavastia's first post: This first comment was about viruses, hacking, and bugged custom content. Pointed out "What's funny is you think most of the items will be replaced." And argued about that.

My counter argument in a "polite" matter which I hope she reads, but alas not everything I posted was not polite:

Taking care of your game, taking care of your computer prevents many things. Pointed out the exchange "replaces" some content not all, but pointed a speculation that EA "may" expand on custom content and replace them. Alas, the exchange is not perfect one bit.

Moving on, we talked more about trust issues, etc. I enjoyed the conversation and I learned a few things and gave a few information (got off-topic honestly which I noticed). Almost all the time I made points saying EA hasn't given us information and I may be off, but waiting for more before I use more in my arguments.

Pointed out the following:
- SimPort stated to be limited to performances only
- Pointed out that I will vent and put my frustrations "AFTER" I know a lot more information (before EA created the sticky).

Jarsie comes in first post towards me:
I bet you 1st simmer will be AznSensei from the rants. Respectful much? I think you should look into that matter as you approach me in a disrespectful manner to begin with.

Adding on, more immature comment from Avanastia:

[quote]Jarsie9 wrote:
I'll bet 100 simoleans that the first rant post on here after Showtime releases will be either AznSensei or Pegasus after they've tried the new online features, and it's backfired on them spectacularly, or causes their game to crash.

Any takers?


I'm betting they'll be the loudes shouters thats for sure. EA fix your crap!!!! I can't believe you released this like this!!!! You owe me blah blah blah!!!! [/quote]

Speculation on security:

[quote]As i said huge speculations on your part, what if's don't promote security. You still haven't proven nor conviced me this feature in anyway designed by ea will be safe. Why you haven't presented anything that is factual yet.[/quote]

I pointed out that you said sims social not the game which caused my argument, and you messed up your words accidently which is fine. We stopped that part. I pointed out that you have speculated also and did not give me evidence about security (which in the end EA cleared that up).

Name calling from Jarsie9, 2nd post:

"FANBOY"





]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7163426.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7163426.page GMT
Yes I spent my time and being serious about this as honestly this is growing childish and getting old. You both claim I've been disrespectful from the beginning, you both came off disrespectful yourselves, at least admit to that. I don't want to act or try to control the forums, if anything at least put a perspective in people's eyes to wait for information and to not go off tangents and go from talking about social features in the EP into something as a whole, which is entirely different.

If anything, I'm not going to call you out calling you bullies or anything. You are entitled to your opinion as am I, but there would be no discussion if you post an opinion and no one else agrees/disagrees. If anything. There is way too many topics that we disagree and we create arguments over "new topics" because we disagreed in the previous.

I swear I am typing too much and my proficiency (if that's the word). in creating sentences can be lacking, but I'm just posting that much so far. I lack vocabulary, if anything and I hope you don't judge me on that.

I don't know you, you guys don't know me. If anything I would prefer we settle this in a respectable matter as adults, but who am I kidding I'm just a college kid with a feeble brain in your eyes. I don't know the meaning of respect from mature adults and mothers like both of you.

If anything we have been arguing pretty much from the following stances:

Anavastia- Concern of your children playing the game and social networking is a know. Understandable as a parent wants to keep their children safe.

Jarsie9- Distaste towards social features in general and prefers to play without the use of them, even if they show up in the game as a patch you don't want that and not like the idea.

My stance- Ea giving us options, made speculations and points that certain features will be optional like any other game. Online features, stated they were optional and you can most likely turn them off. Pointed out, that ranting over something we know about does in fact seem meaningless and I pointed out that I myself wanted to post to assure that you both should know that there are things you can complain and not complain about, and making "conclusions" after the 1st day was indeed out of whack.

If anything, all I ever wanted to say throughout the entire time is to not make judgment calls into more information is given. I never once made judgment to "like" social features, nor did I show distaste towards them. If anything, I'm doing my best to be neutral until more information is given and honestly I'm going towards the side against you both because of how things are. If anything, things got confusing and I apologize for straying off my stance.

Both of you were offended most likely, as I was at the time when you both talked back and posted in a disrespectful manner, but honestly it's human nature and we will have disagreements.

If anything, there is too many topics we are discussing and obviously we all can't figure out who is taking whose stance and what our beliefs on this EP are. If anything, too many threads are being tracked and I can't keep up with this thread, and neither do both of you. We argue in different threads over concerns and if anything, all I ever wanted to post was just to wait and argue back saying "wait for information, do you have evidence they ARE implementing this and that, and see for yourself that it can be an option."

If anything, I came off rude and posted in a rude manner, but honestly I can't keep myself from posting and replying in a polite manner. Is it something that should affect me? Not really, as I question myself why I post. Is it my business? Not so much. Is it something I should try to convince to change your minds? Not really. If anything, all I ever wanted to post was to just say "Wait for more information, stop jumping to conclusions."

Ya it can come off rude with an attitude, but what better methods is there?

Sorry if I'm rambling on and if you guys ignore half of this stuff, I spent too much time making these posts rather than eating lunch, but that's just an excuse and personal stuff that I should/shouldn't have shared.

I do want to point out I enjoy arguing with you both, whether in a positive or negative like. Will it stop? Probably not, but honestly I am going to come off and say that this is derailing too much regardless and I hope you come to the conclusion that your posts yourselves can come across rude.

I wouldn't be surprised if you both say that because of how I posted was the main argument of how we argue now, but honestly all parties are at fault and I admit to that, I hope you do also.

Again, I'm rambling on and half of the stuff I may or may not be right off the bat on. Take that into consideration and hopefully you get the idea where I'm going at.
]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7163460.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7163460.page GMT
Second, I think i've shown you quite a lot of respect given the fact how you have talked to me. Your tone of language does not suggest to me at all that you dislike this game. I feel strongly the misunderstanding is due to your part. Like I said you aren't the first person to come on this forum and bash people because you don't like what it is the say and you make a strong advocation for EA. Jarsie herself has been labeled a fangirl. I have never talked to her in that manner nor you. I tried very hard to be respectful to someone that choses to belittle me and insult me before even trying to understand what i say.

As far as my opinions of you being a college student with a feeble mind i think i will turn your logic back at you. Where in these past few days have I ever said anything like that to you. I didn't think so. What i am finding that no matter what i say you are taking it into a negative tone, even though it's my own opinions and views. What you find to be dumb to people, is what govern your attitude coming into this. Because you do not show respect in your thought process showed in how you speak to people. Yet at the same time you want to be treated with respect and you want to the complain threads to stop. That sounds like control to me.

If people do not like a feature in the game they have every right to voice that out before they give it a chance. Especially if that feature is going to cause them to not buy the game. For this feature there is no way around it it's incoporated into the game play. It's coming through a patch which means majority of simmers aren't escaping it. The only alternative they're going to have is to opt out and just not do the wants of their sims or uninstall Sims 3 all together. If that happens just how much money will this industry lose. Sims 3 could seriously be shut down if people think this a trend that will happen in all their ep's. People even think this will happen in sims 4 so there goes sales for that.

What you fail to understand is this, outrage is not a bad thing at all with a company. You may not like it but if it doesn't happen what do you think will occur? Say these people go to themselves im not buying that i don't want a social feature. The forums stay positive all over about it, what do they assume sales for this ep will be good. They go ahead and push it out, and what do they find sales were horrible. What happened, they saw no complaints. You know what that tells marketing people left the game and didn't care to even post anymore. However if we complain what does tht tell marketing. Money is still there, they care enough to say we don't like this change it or we aren't buying it. Now they have a choice to keep doing it and take the loss in sales. Or pull the project and take the feature out, reconsider their multiplayer feature. Frankily multiplayer games are fun regardless and sims doesn't have to offer a reward system as insentive for players to use it. No all they have to do is make a good game with good concepts and gameplay. People will utilize their sim port feature that want too. However barring content from the player for the soul purpose of creating incentive to use the feature is wrong. Is not the right thing to do, it's costing them.

I don't think this arguement is stupid at all. People have a fairly strong knowledge of what is going on. They do not like the change that sims 3 is making and it will either make or break this game. If you can't respect that then why make topics or post a reply. You honestly are not going to silence people and get them to think the same way you do, especially when there are many that don't agree with you. You aren't going to get them to understand what you are saying if you can't even approach them respectfully. Honestly it starts with you.]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7165776.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7165776.page GMT (By the way I am replying to your post earlier to me, not your present discussion. hehehe I figured I should add that in case it doesn't make sense.)

From Origin:

Q: Is Origin required to play my game, even if I didn’t buy it on Origin?

A: Beginning in September of 2011, most new PC games from EA will benefit from the enhanced features provided by Origin integrated into the games. PC players will be required to log-in to Origin to play new EA games so you are getting the best possible experience with the full set of online features to connect and play with friends, get help when you need it and keep the game updated with the latest content. Whether you purchase the game on Origin.com, from another site for digital downloads, or at retail for physical discs, new games will require you to have the Origin to play. If you didn’t buy your game on Origin, Origin will be included in the installer for the game.


---------------------

As you see this is even already in affect in some of EA's games that have came out since September 11 of this year.

Has anyone even bothered to tell us of this little change - that Origin says the game will have to be connected because the minute you turn on Origin, it goes online. If you are not connected Origin tells you so.

No EA didn't tell us, and I had to search the Origins Q&A to even see this info. Wasn't exactly posted on the first page. Did any of you see the past months of Origin building the chat? Did we get informed from EA or their Origin people? No, they just did it.

It's like buying a car and someone from the company coming and switching your engine from using gas to using electricity - without telling you. Technically that would never happen, but you get my drift.]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7165958.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7165958.page GMT
Yet marketing isn't budging a bit, no they're trying these horrible gimmics and what not. Hard economic times isn't the time to swallow your pride, your game is in huge competition with others. You should be selling on it's uniqueness not trying to converge it to what is popular. It's stupid to do this anyway because the money is out ther for the traditional sims. It's only been when they started drifting from that tradition that sims sales have been dropping. Any business savvy person is going to say okay my fanbase isn't just ready for this kind of stuff yet. Honestly if i wanted to play a game like facebook i would have made an account and play the many free games on their. Why pay 40 dollars when i can play free. Same with changing the pc game to having less content to accomodate casual players. Why should i pay 40 dollars for a few hours of gameplay when i can pay 6 dollars for the same thing.

Another thought why should i pay 20 dollars for a set in the store, when i can divide that up and buy 2 new games that provide gameplay instead of dress up. Like i said people are waking up to this and they're tired of it. They've given EA lots of chances to get it together and they just aren't understanding or changing it around. I said throwing a starving dog a bone isn't going to curve his appetite. Pretty soon he's going to and find a new master. You think sims won't fall might i remind everyone they did this same bull crap with Sims Societies. Everyone of us simmers when we see these numerous threads have that one dread in us if people don't like it sims will fail. We know exactly why too.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SimCity_Societies

The same reviewers that ea will pay to keep giving praises of their games. However majority of the honest reviewers have remained true about sims 3 it's lackluster spinoff of the sims series and needs dramatic improvements. Any time they try to dumb down the game they have always lost sales. It's a bad business move. You want to simplify something make your tutorials better, make your ai better, make your ui better. You don't remove gameplay to simplify the game that's bad, you adjust the gameplay so that it's smoother that's good. You don't charge more money for you game during harsh economic times, that's bad. Theres a freaking recession out there tottering into a depression. You think people are more likely to pay more. No they are not, they are going to expect what quality, with quantity. It's just been one bad business move after the next with this series. ]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7166002.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7166002.page GMT

From Origin:

Q: Is Origin required to play my game, even if I didn’t buy it on Origin?

A: Beginning in September of 2011, most new PC games from EA will benefit from the enhanced features provided by Origin integrated into the games. PC players will be required to log-in to Origin to play new EA games so you are getting the best possible experience with the full set of online features to connect and play with friends, get help when you need it and keep the game updated with the latest content. Whether you purchase the game on Origin.com, from another site for digital downloads, or at retail for physical discs, new games will require you to have the Origin to play. If you didn’t buy your game on Origin, Origin will be included in the installer for the game.


---------------------

As you see this is even already in affect in some of EA's games that have came out since September 11 of this year.

Has anyone even bothered to tell us of this little change - that Origin says the game will have to be connected because the minute you turn on Origin, it goes online. If you are not connected Origin tells you so.

No EA didn't tell us, and I had to search the Origins Q&A to even see this info. Wasn't exactly posted on the first page. Did any of you see the past months of Origin building the chat? Did we get informed from EA or their Origin people? No, they just did it.

It's like buying a car and someone from the company coming and switching your engine from using gas to using electricity - without telling you. Technically that would never happen, but you get my drift.[/quote]

More like buying a car, and finding someone has installed a hidden camera. Do some research on origin. Find out why EA wanted people to opt out their right to a class action lawsuit. The program incringes on more than just your EA games. It incorporates itself into your other chat outlets too like skype, msn, etc. I believe it's purpose is to monitor and gather data about players and send it back to EA. I certainly do not like it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Origin_(digital_distribution_platform)

http://www.tomshardware.com/news/Origin-EULA-PC-Gaming-Glorified-Spyware-DRM,13285.html

My opinion they want to find if anyone is commint piracy. However the simple fact that most users will be signing onto this through origins account means they'll be monitering more than just if you game is legal. I'm betting they're going to be looking for your spending habbits.]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7166110.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7166110.page GMT http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7166127.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7166127.page GMT
I guess if they can't tell you not to run snoopers to snoop on their snooper, they just jack your game so it won't start. Seems to me that should not be legal, but if it's indeed in the Eula, we actually agree to that so we can play the game. Sneaky way to play by their rules if you ask me, and tell me what I can or cannot have on MY computer when I play MY game. They should have no say once I plop down my forty bucks.


ETA - OMG! While I was posting the above my antivirus just popped up of an intruder. Origin was still on from me copying and pasting that info. It's started already. I just had to run my antivirus to clean it. I am going to go see what it came up with. Thanks EA. Thanks Origin. Only place I have been online at.


Well this is from Origin and Microsoft removes it.




Exploit:Java/CVE-2010-0840.LY
(?)

Encyclopedia entry
Published: Oct 04, 2011

Aliases
Not available

Alert Level(?)
Severe

Antimalware protection details
Microsoft recommends that you download the latest definitions to get protected.



Detection initially created:
Definition: 1.113.874.0
Released: Oct 04, 2011






--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Summary

This threat is detected by the Microsoft antivirus engine. Technical details are not currently available for this threat. ]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7166349.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7166349.page GMT
Probably by the time i estimated, when sims 4 or 5 comes around the corner Sims will be fully digital, you're going to find even the store will offer more content than the eps. In fact everything i said in that ideas and feedback letter started happening. Content that has gameplay value starts making it's way into the store. Your going to see simslish songs, and other gameplay make it's way there too. Eventually if the options of downloading combo packs of ep's or buying the features seperately will appear. I'm pretty sure what we'll start to see is we will purchase the base game. All the additional features we will see in the shop.

Like i said in my letter it's not that bad, if you could afford only 10 dollars as appose to 40 you are more liketly to buy something you really want from the ep if it's divided up. This boosts sales for sims regardless as it offers more options for people who do not have much money. However it will exclude those that lack the internet. This is more a businees stradegy, they did this with my local newspaper actually. What they did was pull the papers from the the outer counties focused the delivery routes in the innercity and pushed hard for the paper in the inner city. They made a fortune doing it. This is a very agressive marketing stradegy and i am sure it will work for sims as long as they understand the rules of give and take.

As long as 2 factors appear. 1. the game has to be worth while, the sudden lack of gameplay will hurt them with doing this agressive tatic. So increase gameplay or this shift in sims is worthless. 2. Pricing, you are not getting ready to cut off a huge number of sims users in the future, don't think by increasing sales you can make up for the differences. No you won't higher pricing will drive more simmers away. What needs to happen is a reduction and pricing and an increase in quantity of items. What i mean as in increase imean for their store online. Put more things in there at reduced pricing and you will make up for the loss of those with no net. However i feel strongly EA coporate greed is very strong, and you will see them hit hard by it. If they can get it under control the move may not be bad for sims at all. Infact people will be able to customize their game play to the level they want. It's much easier to get content out faster using this method, and the content is much easier to test how it functions as the game is designed to be flexiable.

Here is where console shift that copy comes in at. For those who do not have net where do you think EA will market your attention to. The console games of sims. We may very well see coby's desired shift there and beging to see ep's being produced for console. Especially now that consoles can hold more information. Since consoles do not have a net requirement you are going to see sales travel from there.

]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7166391.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7166391.page GMT (By the way I am replying to your post earlier to me, not your present discussion. hehehe I figured I should add that in case it doesn't make sense.)

From Origin:

Q: Is Origin required to play my game, even if I didn’t buy it on Origin?

A: Beginning in September of 2011, most new PC games from EA will benefit from the enhanced features provided by Origin integrated into the games. PC players will be required to log-in to Origin to play new EA games so you are getting the best possible experience with the full set of online features to connect and play with friends, get help when you need it and keep the game updated with the latest content. Whether you purchase the game on Origin.com, from another site for digital downloads, or at retail for physical discs, new games will require you to have the Origin to play. If you didn’t buy your game on Origin, Origin will be included in the installer for the game.


---------------------

As you see this is even already in affect in some of EA's games that have came out since September 11 of this year.

Has anyone even bothered to tell us of this little change - that Origin says the game will have to be connected because the minute you turn on Origin, it goes online. If you are not connected Origin tells you so.

No EA didn't tell us, and I had to search the Origins Q&A to even see this info. Wasn't exactly posted on the first page. Did any of you see the past months of Origin building the chat? Did we get informed from EA or their Origin people? No, they just did it.

It's like buying a car and someone from the company coming and switching your engine from using gas to using electricity - without telling you. Technically that would never happen, but you get my drift.[/quote]

I pointed out to somebody, can't remember who being hopeless with names, a day or two after the announcement of Showtime that EA spy on you. They really didn't believe me, and I wasn't going to go trawling round and about for proof.]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7166449.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7166449.page GMT Actually, I'll just do what I did with Generations- I don't upload anything on here when it comes to memories or whatever so I don't have any reward items (I had no idea that happened anyway), still seems kind of unfair but meh I'll live.]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7166459.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7166459.page GMT http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7166740.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7166740.page GMT
They are optional, but some people don't like the idea of the SimPort feature, which we have no evidence of whether you are forced to use it or not. That is the part that is in the gray area. ]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7166918.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7166918.page GMT
Pick the choices you like the best and poll results posted at end of post.

Option 1: Split EP
Release Showtime for $29.99 containing:
- No SimPort Feature
- No requirement of social interaction to play your game or career advancement (obviously with the patch update, some online features will be there but shouldn't be required for you to earn or obtain extra rewards).
- Given all content released including achievements at that time unlocked using SimPort but only that.
- Extra rewards released for social simmers can be bought for $4.99 (conversions apply) each time they are released for those of us who wish to not use social features.

Release Showtime for $39.99 containing:
- SimPort Feature
- Options to turn off or on social interaction to play your game
- Given only content in the EP
- Future content or extra rewards released can be earned via SimPort feature only

Option 2: Single EP
Release Showtime for $39.99 containing:
- SimPort Feature that can be turned off and on and not required for career advancement
- Options to turn off or on social interaction to play your game
- Given Content in EP
- Given the option to obtain Future content for free using SimPort or "pay" for these extra content in the form of $4.99 (conversions apply).

See what I did there, pretty much for those who don't want to deal with the hassle of wanting to get those content through social features can just pay the $29.99 to get their "money's" worth and pay extra for rewards, not being forced to do social interactions to earn them. Other players who don't care or mind the social interactions can pay the higher price, but can just get the content for free if they get involved in social interactions.

Ya I don't see anything wrong with anyone being disadvantaged or required to do social interactions, do you? Regardless, EA gets moneys from both parties, angry or not and for those of us who hate Social Features can just pay the lower price and deal with playing by ourselves, while those who don't mind the social features and are clearly just buying the EP for the heck can have the option to choose the higher price and deal with it along with options to get the free incentives.

Simmers who want option 1:

Simmers who want option 2:

Simmers who just buy the EP regardless but not use online interaction at all: 1[/quote]


only problem is that you dont work for EA so this means nothing EA isnt going to change what they have decided
but i would choose option 1]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7166956.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7166956.page GMT
EA "can" be open to ideas, or even complaints so why not this? ]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7167076.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7167076.page GMT
EA "can" be open to ideas, or even complaints so why not this? [/quote]

b.c they have already posted the description and how it is gonna be they arent gonna go back just b.c one person came up with an idea


if EA listened to everyones ideas we would have paralyzed disabled dying from cancer suffering from stds pregnant teen children kissing zombie eating sims ]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7167498.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7167498.page GMT
how so ?

its one thing to want the horse when i get all the other pets i wanted and objects and interactions

its another when i'm pretty much paying for a social feature and a sims port and remake of sims online and late night combined that i dont and paying 40 bucks for a dj booth, pool table, and mic that i do want

there is a BIG difference darling ]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7167531.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7167531.page GMT
How on earth is this relevant to anything? Now you're just spouting unnecessary comments and random stuff. "ANY" game has threads for ideas, some get denied some get chosen, some left for discussion for weeks or months. Simple as that, I can keep this thread here and EA may or may not do a thing, regardless it's still there.

You aren't the one to decide whether or not this idea will be implemented, EA is. Do "YOU" work for EA? If not, don't say nonsense about "EA won't classify or accept this idea.
]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7167547.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7167547.page GMT
EA "can" be open to ideas, or even complaints so why not this? [/quote]

b.c they have already posted the description and how it is gonna be they arent gonna go back just b.c one person came up with an idea


if EA listened to everyones ideas we would have paralyzed disabled dying from cancer suffering from stds pregnant teen children kissing zombie eating sims [/quote]

Well, look on the bright side. We also wouldn't have social features, because in the poll that EA released they came dead last... By a HUGE margin.

But it's equally clear that EA don't listed at all to those polls they do either... Kinda makes me wonder what's the point really?]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7167573.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7167573.page GMT
EA "can" be open to ideas, or even complaints so why not this? [/quote]

b.c they have already posted the description and how it is gonna be they arent gonna go back just b.c one person came up with an idea


if EA listened to everyones ideas we would have paralyzed disabled dying from cancer suffering from stds pregnant teen children kissing zombie eating sims [/quote]

Well, look on the bright side. We also wouldn't have social features, because in the poll that EA released they came dead last... By a HUGE margin.

But it's equally clear that EA don't listed at all to those polls they do either... Kinda makes me wonder what's the point really?[/quote]

yepp i remember the poll as well i rember that casinos won and social features had the least amount of votes ]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7167599.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7167599.page GMT
How on earth is this relevant to anything? Now you're just spouting unnecessary comments and random stuff. "ANY" game has threads for ideas, some get denied some get chosen, some left for discussion for weeks or months. Simple as that, I can keep this thread here and EA may or may not do a thing, regardless it's still there.

You aren't the one to decide whether or not this idea will be implemented, EA is. Do "YOU" work for EA? If not, don't say nonsense about "EA won't classify or accept this idea.
[/quote]

and just for the record i dont work for EA but i have common sense and know how a business works
if one person told told mcdonalds to stop serving fries ONE! person
do you think they would ? no b.c theres many others who like their fries and would still buy them.

and you dont for work EA either so why should they listen to your one idea when and change their whole pricing concept that they have have had for years just for you when they already made up their minds and posted it through simgurunelson ?

you asked why EA wouldnt be open to your idea and i said its b.c your one person and they already posted the description of the ep and they wont change b.c of one persons idea.

if EA listened to everyone that is exactly what you would get.
you should take a look in the ideas and feedback section b.c the kinds of ridiculous things that i mentioned are requested daily so i'm saying if EA obeyed yours and everyone elses request the game would be in complete chaos ]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7167617.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/474567/7167617.page GMT