The Sims may be a household franchise, but it’s not exactly known for its competitive multiplayer. EA has partnered with ELEAGUE and Buzzfeed Multiplayer to produce a new Esports series using The Sims 4, call The Sims Spark’d.
The Sims Spark’d will feature four episodes with 12 contestants and a panel of celebrity judges, including American Idol finalist Rayvon Owens, and Buzzfeed Multiplayer YouTuber and Sims player Kelsey Impicciche.
The contestants each specialize in different areas of Sims gameplay. Contestants will be revealed in the first episode (or watch the trailer above), which debuts on Friday, July 17 at 11pm Eastern and Pacific on TBS.
Episodes will continue to air weekly on Fridays, with encore repeats on Saturdays. Episodes can be streamed online the following Monday via Buzzfeed Multiplayer.
Contestants compete in skill and elimination challenges to earn $100,000 in prize money, as well as consideration for a future season of The Sims Spark’d.
“Since its inception, The Sims has been a groundbreaking experience, allowing players to create and virtually live out the stories they create in-game. That’s what makes it so special,” said Lyndsay Pearson, GM of The Sims franchise. “That’s also why this show is so exciting. We’re continuing that innovative spirit, bringing our community together to compete and showcase their in-game storytelling on a reality show in an entirely new way.”
The Sims Spark’d will begin airing July 17 on TBS.
