Now on TheSims2.com you can check out an interview with The Sims 2 Producer, Darren Futa. Originally working on the SimCity 3000 website, Darren now helps out with a variety of The Sims 2 tasks.

Chris over at SimSational has given the site a new facelift, changing PHP-Nuke to PostNuke as well as new blue design. Have a look at the newly revised site at SimSational.co.uk.

The Sims team from Maxis has begun to settle into their new home at EA HQ, however a little paint work needs to be done. On TheSims.com a preview of what the Maxis will look like after the painters have their way with it is now up, and it looks very cool. Apparently part of the mural is already up, so hopefully they will post photos once it is complete.

SimCity.com announced the winner of the SimCity Castle contest, a lucky jbbry232 aptly titled Wright's Keep. You can have a look at the castle as well as download it here.

Description from Creator: A long time ago, in the land of Great Britain, lived the Great Lord Wright. He was praised for his graciousness and trustworthiness. This is his keep were he lived until his death.

Over at SimCity Central you can check out the new SimCity 4 Expansion pack "Wild World". You can have a look at the all details as well as screenshots on SimCity Central's forums.

Remember Simtropolis? Well, they are now a part of Electronic Arts and cover The Sims 2 news as well! Amazing! And there will only be a very minor subscription fee for the some 30,000 odd members-

Premium Access regular price is $49.99 / month, which includes access (including contribution rights) to the Simtropolis Exchange, Live Chat and Premium BBS.

Read all the details of the new EA Simtropolis here.

Make sure to plan your vacation this summer to SimCity, North Dakota or so says SimCity.com.

"Well, I ain't gonna pull no punches," said SimCity Mayor Abraham T. Crowe. "Our 'conomy was depressed something awful, and EA offered us boatloads of money to change the name. The Mayoral mansion is getting some indoor plumbing this year, I tell you what!"

On The Sims side of things, 3D has been dropped from The Sims 2 as noted in this press release.

"Have you ever tried to make a modern, 3D videogame?," asked Lucy Bradshaw, Sims 2 Executive Producer. "That stuff is, like, totally hard.

And in case you didn't notice, April Fools!