REDWOOD CITY, CA - October 23, 2008 - Electronic Arts Inc. today announced that award-winning composer Steve Jablonsky will score the theme music for the highly anticipated next-generation flagship PC game from The Sims Label, The SimsTM 3. Recently honored with a BMI Film Music Award for his work on The Transformers soundtrack, Jablonsky has been repeatedly recognized for his contributions to film, TV and videogames. Now, his talents will be used to infuse a rich, orchestral sound into The Sims 3 to reflect the game's new seamless open neighborhood.
"We are very excited about the new direction of the music in The Sims 3. We really wanted to convey the significance of the seamless open neighborhood with each aspect of this game because it is a key innovation from the previous game and Steve has done that beautifully with the sound," said Ben Bell, Executive Producer of The Sims 3.
In addition to the theme music, Jablonsky's score is featured throughout key areas of the game. For instance, in Create A Sim, the music will reflect the creative nature of choosing from a selection of facial features, hairstyles and outfits. There will also be a unique sound to distinguish build and buy modes in which you can create your dream home and design the neighborhood. In The Sims 3, you are able to visit many areas of the town for the first time such as the beach, gym, bistro or even a friend's home. The music will also follow suit. For instance, when you are walking by the beach, the sound will coordinate. You might hear seagulls, waves crashing and the music will reflect the breezy feeling of being near the ocean. The gym will also feature appropriate music suited for that specific environment such as fast paced disco tech.
The Sims 3 offers you unparalleled opportunities for customization with each aspect of the game including music. You have the freedom to choose the ambient sounds of your game. The stereo feature offers you a wide range of genres to choose from or you can load your own music! In addition, now you have the freedom to completely customize the sound of your Sims voice. You can choose from a wide variety of voices and then alter the pitch to create unique sounding Sims.
"It is extremely exciting to be involved in a blockbuster project like The Sims 3, where the music sets the tone for the entire user experience," said Jablonsky. "Working on one of the most anticipated games in the world, not to mention the best selling PC franchise of all time, is quite an honor and I've had a blast getting to know The Sims 3 team of talented individuals."
Jablonsky was first introduced to music at the age of twelve, when his grandfather bought him a clarinet as a birthday gift. He quickly developed a passion for music, performing in several orchestras during his teenage years and graduating from the University of California, Berkeley, with a degree in Music Study. His interest in film music started at an early age, influenced in particular by film composers Ennio Morricone and Hans Zimmer. He went on to score, compose or direct the music for such films, TV shows and videogames as Transformers (2007), The Island (2005), Desperate Housewives (2004-2007) and Command and ConquerTM 3: Kane's Wrath (2008).
"We are very excited about the innovations of The Sims 3, and even more thrilled to have a composer of Steve's caliber crafting the sound of what is clearly the most globally anticipated game of the year," said Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive of Music and Audio at EA. "We hold our games' original music to the same creative standards as major movie studios, and Steve Jablonsky has both a remarkable talent for scoring blockbuster entertainment as well as an innate understanding of the interactive opportunities of the videogame medium. We are thrilled that he has now brought his unique expertise to the dramatic, energetic and playful world of The Sims."