"The recent decision by the game's owner, Electronic Arts, to terminate Mr. Ludlow's account--forever erasing his simulated Sims persona--has set off a debate over free expression and ethical behavior in online worlds that is reverberating in the real one." By Amy Harmon. [New York Times] [Registration required.]

Reviewed by Courtney Marchelletta. Score: 3.5 out of 5.

Full walkthrough for the game, including how to make money and how to meet sim needs.

Petition to make Maxis not charge a monthly fee for The Sims Online. Includes viewing feature for looking at the names/nicknames and comments of the people who have signed it.

Directory of sites where you can buy and sell simoleans.

Review by Tom Chick. Includes screenshots and user reviews. Score: [59/100]

Preview from Gamespot on game. Reveals more on gameplay and also comments on graphics and differences from The Sims.

4 screenshots and a short Electronic Arts factsheet on the game which includes game overview and features.

Report on The Sims Online including what can be done with it. Includes pictures - two showing speech bubbles and two that look at the interface.

The Sims Online radio station for Calvin's Creek.

Article that comments on the Wall Street Journal article, 'Will life on the Web spoil the sims?'.

Site that sells simoleans for various towns.

A community offering profiles from various localities.

Interview from E3 by Jason Bates. Includes information on the goals and objectives of The Sims Online as well as questions about The Sims 2.

A petition to sell 'The Sims Online' outside the US.

"Tossed onto his virtual bum by EA for exposing The Sims Online's seamier side, Peter Ludlow talks about real censorship and virtual vice." By Curt Feldman. [Gamespot]

"What happens when a virtual newspaper covering virtual events runs afoul of a real corporation?" By Farhad Manjoo. [Salon]

"The usual real-world justification for this kind of arbitrary action is the need for a strong central hand to protect public safety and common welfare. But since Maxis isn't all that good at those aspects, the Herald censorship smacks more of tyranny for its own sake." Article and reader comments. [LawMeme]

Preview from IGN. Contains a link to a message board, screenshots and fastfacts "Game Info" section with information like when the game will be out.

Files and news.

"How would people act if they were freed from real life laws and social constraints? A new, interactive computer game offers just such a scenario - with some disturbing results." [BBC News]

Maps and guides to different cities.

Official site. Includes news, game information and screen shots.

Features news and information.

"These are problems that crop up when people begin to behave in a world as if it were free; when it fact it is paid for and therefore owned by a corporation. It's simulated freedom." News and reader comments. [Game Girl Advance]

Includes screenshots and game information.

Article about the new game from the Wall Street Journal.