BeyondSims

The only good thing about St. Patricks Day is the fact that you can drink yourself silly and probably get away with it (although I don’t drink, so I have no clue what really goes on to be honest).  To get you in the spirit, The Sims Team has released a few signatures to use at the official Sims 3 forums.  I love the freezer bunny

Updated 3/15/2009

We all remember this post below on how EA used the artwork from a fan for their tenth anniversary newsletter and didn’t give the author (Alex from SimGoodies) any credit… Well after a month of waiting, EA finally responds to Alex and yes, they admit they used his artwork “accidentally” after assuming it was created by EA.  For this whole mess, EA (in this case, represented by Ulf Thor of EA Sweden) will be removing the graphic from the newsletter and sending him a free Sims 3 Fatboy, retailing at $229!  Congratulations Alex, I am glad I was able to help you

His email response is below:

Well, well, well…How should I begin this story.  After doing some research, I’ve came to conclusion that one (or possibly multiple) of the artists from The Sims Team is a thief and well, pretty much lazy.  I hate to call them out on this but all indications proved they have stolen the the artwork from Alex of SimGoodies to use in their January newsletter.

Lets start from the beginning.  On January 16th SimGoodies created a wallpaper using the renders that the Sims Team released – no harm in that, because thats why the renders are put out there – to use for fansites and graphics.  You can view his wallpaper below:

Now take a look at EA’s header for their January newsletter which was issued on February 4th:

*Update* – Cidade dos Sims directed me to his version of the newsletter that their local EA region sent out – this time with Marcela’s arm not lifted up – the exact same as Alex’s wallpaper.

The only difference you can spot is Marcela – the thief.  Her arm is raised in the air for the newsletter picture.  But wait, something isn’t right.  Here is her render.  Did they use a different one perhaps?  Copy the above newsletter image into your paint program and zoom in.  Look at her right arm and the area around her neck.  Does it look like an edit to you?  It sure does to me!  Her joint where her arm connects to her body looks off!

Not only that, but I had to ask Alex for proof.  I needed solid evidence to prove that he came up with the background.  Sure, the dates are valid…but I needed to see the actual PSD file with the layers in tact.  He gave me the PSD file and I had a look.  Here is the breakdown, first with my PaintShop Pro screen showing off the PSD file and then separate images showing their layers (I resized each layer so it can’t be used for other purposes and to protect his work):

Now after speaking with Alex I found out more information.  He used a template graphic for the confetti which can be viewed here.  The fireworks – just brushes in Photoshop.  So yeah, the ball is in Alex’s court.  Why did EA decide to use his artwork for their newsletter?  Isn’t that what they have graphics artists for?  Not only that but they didn’t even ask him or give him the honor of it being used.  Nope, it looks like they ripped it and added a few small changes.

But wait, there is more!  It appears the artist had a second lazy streak.  Instead of designing their own celebration background they used the following artprint!

Their background at the official Sims 3 site:

Was taken from this clipart:

Care to answer, EA?  This is just pitiful, extremely lazy and a horrible way to treat your fans.