Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Virtual Real-ity Shopping

A new deal signed with Ikea and H&M sees a whole range of Sims2 products set for launch this summer. Through an online content package, The Sims 2 Ikea Home Stuff will be available in late June, and H&M, which signed on with the game last year to provide The Sims 2 H&M Fashion Stuff, will feature 'Sims 2'-themed products in stores, complete with themed hang tags and in-store signage.
"It really is the ultimate in brand engagement," said Steve Seabolt, VP-global brand development for "The Sims," an Electronic Arts label game. "It really is a way to bring a product or a service into your virtual life, become familiar with it, play with it and, hopefully, incorporate it into your real life."

The collection is the result of a contest held by "The Sims," in which players could create items and showcase them in online fashion shows. The winning piece will be featured in several hundred stores around the world.

Ikea aren't planning a competition to see "Sims" products in Ikea stores, however, the partnership does provide players with virtual versions of 60 of Ikea's well-known products.

Last year Ford also put in place a similar deal which saw Sims2 become the largest Ford dealer in the world, having sold 2.5 million vehicles.

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