The Tool Desk
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What was The Sims Spark’d?
EA developed the series with Turner Sports’ gaming brand ELEAGUE and BuzzFeed Multiplayer. It gave The Sims’ creative play a competition-show format: contestants made original work in The Sims 4, then faced challenges designed to test their skills and storytelling. EA general manager of The Sims franchise Lyndsay Pearson described the appeal as players being able to “create and virtually live out the stories they create in-game.” (EA announcement, July 8, 2020; EA’s official Spark’d page)
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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The Sims 4 - PlayStation 4 | $29.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Goliath The Sims Board Game | Family Strategy Game | Craft Your Story, Collect Matching SIMbols |... | $18.54 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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The Sims 4 Plus Island Living Bundle - Xbox One | $9.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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The Sims 4 - PC/Mac | $47.46 | Buy on Amazon |
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What did contestants do?
The contestants used The Sims 4 to build distinctive characters and worlds and tell stories. EA said the show included timed skills challenges and elimination challenges, so participants had to create under constraints as well as present their ideas. The announcement establishes that format, but does not provide a full episode-by-episode challenge list.
Who competed, hosted, and judged?
EA announced twelve contestants drawn from The Sims community, with their identities to be revealed in the first episode. Former American Idol finalist Rayvon Owen was named host. The judges were:
#1 Best Overall
- Create a variety of unique sims with distinct appearances, big personalities, and all new emotions
- Construct the home of your dreams by designing its layout, choosing its furnishings, and altering the landscape
- Explore vibrant worlds: Travel between worlds, explore unique neighborhoods, and discover interesting venues
- Play with life control the rich and entertaining moments of your Sims' lives from their relationships to their career
- Kelsey Impicciche, a BuzzFeed Multiplayer creator
- Tayla Parx, a singer-songwriter
- Dave Miotke, a Maxis developer known in the community as SimGuruNinja
What was the prize?
EA announced $100,000 as the prize at stake in the competition. The announcement does not specify further details about how the prize would be awarded.
Was the Spark’d Challenge Program the same as the TV show?
No. The Spark’d Challenge Program was a separate community initiative in which players submitted creations and took part in challenges. EA’s official rules and FAQ said selected Top Spark’d Creators could be included in a pool to interview for a future season. That was a possibility, not confirmation that another season was produced. (EA Spark’d Challenge Program rules and FAQ)
Rank #2
- PLAY WITH LIFE, IN REAL LIFE: Dive into the neighborhood, meet iconic Sims, and fulfill your life’s aspirations like never before!
- A NEW WAY TO PLAY SIMS: Gather up to 5 players as you each craft your own story while collecting matching SIMbols along the way in this family strategy game
- EVERY GAME, A NEW STORY: Embark on an entirely new journey each time you play while encountering unexpected surprises at every turn — what will your life look like?
- ICONIC DETAILS FOR FANS: Ideal for play and display, featuring iconic artwork, nostalgic touches, plumbob movers, interaction dice, and a needs tracker familiar to fans
- MAIN CHARACTERS WANTED: Recommended for 2-5 players, ages 12 and up
Where can you watch The Sims Spark’d now?
EA’s July 2020 announcement scheduled the first episode for TBS on July 17, 2020, with each episode scheduled to stream on BuzzFeed Multiplayer the following Monday. Those were the original broadcast plans, not a statement of current availability. EA’s show page remains an official reference, but the cited official sources do not establish where the episodes can be watched today.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Create unique sims: A variety of sims are yours to personalize, each with distinct appearances, dynamic personalities, and inspiring aspirations
- Build the perfect home: Construct the home of your, and their dreams by planning its layout, choosing furnishings, and altering the landscape and terrain
- Explore vibrant worlds: Travel between locations, discover amazing and distinctive neighborhoods, and encounter captivating venues
- Play with life: Control the rich and entertaining moments of your Sims’ lives from their relationships to their careers
Rank #3
- The Sims 4 Base Game + Island Living Expansion Pack Bundle
- Create unique Sims and build them a perfect home.
- Explore a breezy world drenched in sun, sand, and endless fun.
- Play with Life!
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
