After weeks of hints, Nokia and Electronic Arts have officially announced that there will be a version of the ever popular "Sims" game on the N-Gage. The Sims allow you to take control and manage a character in an imaginary world. No mention of whether the N-Gage Arena will be supported, but it does seem an obvious thing to include. Release is penciled in for mid 2004.

Press Release

January 12, 2004 - Nokia, together with Electronic Arts (EA), today announced that The SimsTM Bustin' Out is in development for the N-Gage game deck. The Sims fans will be able to create their own characters and take them anywhere, while on the move and interacting with the mobile community. The Sims Bustin' Out on the N-Gage platform will have exclusive objects, as well as unique "mini games" where players can earn extra Simoleons.

"The Sims is particularly well suited to mobile connected gaming on the N-Gage game deck," said Pasi Pölönen, Director of Game
Publishing, Games Business Unit, Nokia. "It is a great example of how the N-Gage platform and its mobile connectivity features can be used to create innovative and inspiring game play, as well as create a completely new mobile community of The Sims fans."

"We are excited that the award-winning The Sims franchise will be available for a new generation of mobile gamers," said EA's Executive Vice President of North American Publishing, Nancy Smith. "N-Gage players will enjoy the irreverent humor of The Sims and the ability to play this unpredictable game anywhere."

The Sims Bustin' Out brings a new genre of gaming to the mobile space and will have gameplay features that take advantage of the N-Gage platform. The Sims Bustin' Out is planned to be available on the N-Gage game deck in the first half of 2004.

About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is
the world's leading interactive entertainment software company.
Founded in 1982, Electronic Arts posted revenues of $2.5 billion for fiscal 2003. The company develops, publishes and distributes
interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal
computers and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products
under three brand names: EA SPORTS(TM), EA GAMES(TM), and EA SPORTS BIG(TM). EA's homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at www.info.ea.com.

About N-Gage
The N-Gage game deck is an innovative mobile device that is creating an entirely new market for the games industry. Built for active and hardcore gamers, the N-Gage platform is the first mobile and connected game deck to feature online high-quality 3D multiplayer gameplay over Bluetooth wireless technology and GPRS. The N-Gage device also offers unique online games services as well as a comprehensive and growing games catalogue from the leading game publishers. Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Nokia and N-Gage are trademarks or registered trademarks of Nokia Corporation.