Electronic Arts' massively multiplayer online role-playing game The Sims Online is off to a slower-than-expected start according to the SoundView Technology Group. The title sold about 12,000 units in its first two days; 40,000 beta testers had, however, still free access to the game until Friday. The success of the The Sims Online will be EA's key to bringing its loss-making online division, EA.com, to profitability.
EA dismisses the outcome of the SoundView research, proclaiming The Sims Online is selling within its forecast. The company supports its claim with an explanation put forth by analysts of Jefferies & Co., namely a slower roll-out at retail outlets due to inadequate distribution. Checks at retailers pointed out that the game had indeed not reached full distribution in the week of December 23.
News source: GameSpyDaily
