EA Ships The Sims 2 Pets to Store Shelves Today.

EA Answers Number One Fan Request by Adding Animal Companions to the World of The Sims 2

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. -- Today Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:ERTS) announced that the company has shipped The Sims[TM] 2 Pets for the PlayStation[R]2 computer entertainment system, the Nintendo GameCube[TM] and

as a PC expansion pack* for the best-selling PC game, The Sims[TM] 2, to retailers. (Mobile and handheld versions will follow.) The Sims 2 Pets builds on the celebrated The Sims 2 experience that allows players to create and control digital characters throughout their lives while determining the outcome of their relationships and choosing their destiny. Each version will feature custom content tailored to the platform.

The addition of animal friends is guaranteed to enrich the daily lives of your Sims! Not only will you have the opportunity to choose from a variety of existing breeds and hot designer mixes, but you'll also be able to use the Create-a-Pet feature to create unique pets by designing different body types, choosing unique markings, even defining personalities! From smart and silly to sweet and sloppy, players can create any pet they desire in The Sims 2 Pets.

Players will also be able to teach their pet new tricks, take them for a romp in the park, outfit them with new pet accessories and even give them a job! As in real life, your Sims' pet will require care and training. A neglected cat with an urge to scratch might claw up your new couch if you aren't careful, and leaving your dog unattended near a freshly planted flower bed probably isn't wise! When you add pets to the whimsical Simsical world of The Sims 2, there's no telling what might happen!

The Sims 2 Pets also offers a star-studded celebrity line-up! Check out the latest hits from the hottest musical acts including the Pussycat Dolls, Aly & AJ, The Flaming Lips and Hot Chip while interacting with international superstar Hilary Duff and her beloved Chihuahua Lola. The latter pair will appear in the Nintendo DS[TM], PlayStation 2 console and Nintendo GameCube versions of the game, and Hilary and Lola can only be downloaded into the PC version until December 31, 2006 from www.TheSims2.com

"The Sims games have sold more than 70 million copies around the world and we have a huge fan base. The number one request we hear from fans is that they'd like to finally interact with pets in the games." said Executive Producer Rod Humble. "I'm happy to say that EA has listened to our fans! With The Sims 2 Pets, we have brought to life the experience of pet ownership Co from the special moments such as being nuzzled by your cat, to moments of frustration, like discovering your dog has knocked over the trash Co within the world of The Sims 2."