Spore planted on September 7, coming to PS3/360?

PC, DS, and Mac editions evolution-civilization-space-exploration sim finally dated; EA Games prez says game in development for "next-generation consoles" including the Wii; new trailer inside.

After more than a year of delays and nearly three years in development, Spore finally has a release date. Will Wright's anticipated sim game will arrive on the DS, PC, and Macintosh during the weekend of September 7, according to publisher EA. The game has not yet been officially rated or priced, but online retailers are listing it for $49.99.

Spore in Sept.!

Check out the launch-date trailer for Will Wright's latest.

The Wii version of Spore, which was reconfirmed at an EA analysts' event today, has not yet been dated. However, it may not be the only version of the ambitious evolution-civilization-space-exploration sim to hit next-generation consoles. Speaking to analysts, EA Games president Frank Gibeau said that Spore is "already in development" for the newest generation of consoles, "Wii included." He did not specify further platforms, and an EA reps speaking to GameSpot would say the company is "considering all options in the console space."

Designed by Sims creator Will Wright, Spore is among the most ambitious simulation games ever planned. Beginning at the start of evolution, it follows life from single-celled organisms through the dawn of civilization. From there, it follows the player's fully customizable species as it climbs up the technological ladder all the way to space exploration, which allows it to colonize other planets.

In addition to dropping hints about new platforms, Gibeau also hinted that Spore might not be entirely free of charge. He told analysts that the online mode of the game could be an "opportunity" for an "expanded digital revenue stream." He did not elaborate if said stream entailed microtransactions, in-game advertising, subscription fees, or any combination of the three.

For more on Spore, check out GameSpot's extensive previous coverage.

272 Comments

  • Plasmapillar

    Posted Aug 16, 2008 5:32 pm PT

    This game looks sooo fun! I bought a brand new computer just to play Spore! I'll buy it for every system it comes out for!

  • marvingamebeast

    Posted Aug 15, 2008 11:48 am PT

    I have a 360,wii,and ds and I think this game would be best on ds but if a 360 version comes out and it has all of the cycles then it may be a different story.

  • Cereo1

    Posted Aug 11, 2008 11:20 am PT

    @ScotlandTom

    You'll "Seriously" consider not purchasing it? The game will ship as is. You will be able to have tons of fun. If later they release tons more customization packages and a multiplayer support, you can choose to keep playing as is or pay more money for few features. In the past the would just make 16 expansions that each cost $50, so I don't see what the big deal is. It doesn't remove the game from your system if you don't purchase additional content.

  • raeganomics

    Posted Aug 1, 2008 12:33 pm PT

    i doubt there will be subscription fees, because if there were EA would be milking us right now with the creature creator.

  • TrueIori

    Posted Jul 30, 2008 9:35 pm PT

    subscription fees? is that the case no way i am playing this game and they are stupid if they think people going to pay for xbox live and this game. I dont mind paying for MMO but not for RTS-typed games. Get the hell out of my face with that BS EA. What next charging for the Sim -_-

  • 6reatNate

    Posted Jul 1, 2008 4:40 pm PT

    This game better come out for 360 or somthing ,cuz otherwise i wont be able to play it.

  • Superdude475

    Posted Jun 21, 2008 8:03 pm PT

    I hope that it does come out for 360, I don't feel like upgrading my PC. Nor do I want to pay for the online, even if it means ads being shown it's fine unless there's like a coke billboard in the middle of a planet or something.

  • Etrall

    Posted Feb 29, 2008 10:50 pm PT

    I am more excited about this game than I have ever been about any other product.
    But if they ask for a subscription fee, I won't even consider touching it.
    WW previously said everything was free. Don't F` this up EA.

  • Alcotamaysees

    Posted Feb 18, 2008 1:34 pm PT

    I really hope there isn't a subscription fee for this game.

  • F-E-A-R13

    Posted Feb 17, 2008 7:19 am PT

    wont get it for PS3 maby PC.

  • airsoftmanic

    Posted Feb 17, 2008 5:44 am PT

    wow, if they make us pay for stuff its going to be great.
    £35 subscription to XBl
    £40 for the game
    £2 per download (guessing wildly here)
    wow its so worth it! seriously whats the point? it'll just put people off.

  • GeigerdolylWodd

    Posted Feb 15, 2008 4:04 am PT

    Wait "expanded digital revenue stream."? Do gamers get paid to make their own content? Or do gamers get to sale their own content and make additional ingame money?

  • syneris

    Posted Feb 15, 2008 3:04 am PT

    There is no online mode...

  • HardCor1981

    Posted Feb 14, 2008 4:56 pm PT

    I don't see why it would be necessary to charge for additional stuff because it sounds like it will be user generated content.

  • ScotlandTom

    Posted Feb 14, 2008 3:07 pm PT

    @theKSMM: The DS and mobile versions are far far different from the PC/Mac versions. Each deals with only one phase of the game and has gameplay aspects that lend themselves to the platforms for which they were developed.

    This "expanded digital revenue stream" has me worried. I've been following Spore for 3 years and I'll be extremely upset with EA if they start setting up payment for online use and microtransactions and the like. I'm a fan, but if EA implements this stuff on top of an already $50 USD game I'll seriously reconsider purchasing it.

  • stricklandj85

    Posted Feb 14, 2008 1:59 pm PT

    "expanded digital revenue stream." I hope this doesn't mean we have to pay for online stuff. If so this game may end up like the sims online and we all know how successful that was .

  • theKSMM

    Posted Feb 14, 2008 9:52 am PT

    PC, Mac, and DS. Is it just me or does one of those platforms not really seem to fit in that lineup?

    Sure, the Nintendo platforms are probably good breeding ground for this non-traditional type of gameplay, but how much will have to be stripped from the game to make it playable on the DS? Will it be the same game or just have the same branding?

    PS -- Isn't it about high time that we (e.g. GameSpot) stopped referring to them as "next-generation" consoles?

  • azizrulez

    Posted Feb 14, 2008 1:51 am PT

    at least we have a date now,which means the game is pretty much near completion and now the bug removal and testing phase is in process

  • azizrulez

    Posted Feb 14, 2008 1:46 am PT

    at least we have a date now,which means the game is pretty much near completion and now the bug removal and testing phase is in process

  • xcomfanatic

    Posted Feb 13, 2008 10:43 pm PT

    I lost the hype for this months ago... And their planned imposition of pricing for online usage would definitely sap whatever interest other people have for this would have left, I think.

  • sallybally

    Posted Feb 13, 2008 10:11 pm PT

    ¨entirely free of charge¨
    If it comes to the ps3 it will be free to play it on the ps3, right. I mean sony said that the online section on the ps3 would be free, or are you going to have a special ¨online verision¨ of the game to play it online on the consoles?

  • Numb-Stump

    Posted Feb 13, 2008 10:10 pm PT

    if i have to pay any more than its in store price im not getting it.

    However if its online mode IS Free, then i will buy it happily..... only if it comes out for the 360...

  • snowyjoe

    Posted Feb 13, 2008 9:28 pm PT

    online version????
    We vers each other by creating the best race or somthing?
    i thought the onle reason to go online was to share content.
    Probably will turn out like Hellgate london where you have a single player thing and a payable multiplyer thing
    Will Wrights! don't go into the evilness of online gaming!

  • lordloki

    Posted Feb 13, 2008 9:23 pm PT

    if you've played WOW or have xbox live then your one of types of people who will support crappy businesses like this. Just release the game without any more stupid fees EA. Just like WOW and xbox live i've never played and i won't play this if it follows that pay more money path after i've already paid over $50

  • dvdragon

    Posted Feb 13, 2008 7:48 pm PT

    Just be glad the damn thing's coming out, eh? If they are making this many versions I sure as hell don't want them to rush it.

  • irelevent

    Posted Feb 13, 2008 7:36 pm PT

    I was so exited about spore, i'm not going to get this game, because it looks to be a huge scam/spam/subscription piece of $@$%, this is why i hate EA.

  • Drendar

    Posted Feb 13, 2008 1:54 pm PT

    Thanks Mr. Gibeau, you've just ensured I won't waste money on your product. Further thanks for confirming what most people already think about EA as well.

  • togo2828

    Posted Feb 13, 2008 1:41 pm PT

    Sweet, But now which should i buy it for
    Meh Mac
    or ME DS
    or hell now MEH Wii....
    I's confoozed and stuff

  • y04rossj

    Posted Feb 13, 2008 1:37 pm PT

    Well i know what ill be doing if there are extra fees

    PIRATE COPY w000

  • mixmastaart

    Posted Feb 13, 2008 1:35 pm PT

    Just sell us a game, EA! Enough of this "Expanded Digital Revenue" crap. I swear to god if I find an alien civilization with AXE BODYSPRAY on the side of their buildings, I am going to bomb them into the ground.

  • Doom_HellKnight

    Posted Feb 13, 2008 1:33 pm PT

    I've been waiting for spore for a while now. Glad it's finally gotten a release date. I don't mind if it comes to the other platforms, as long as it doesn't hinder the PC version.

  • guille2015

    Posted Feb 13, 2008 1:30 pm PT

    Well, I guess we might be seeing the online Fee covered by the Xbox Live on the 360. And those micro transactions, do not worry me, it seems every game has them anyways.

  • Brizen__Beez

    Posted Feb 13, 2008 1:27 pm PT

    Well, that trailer was very entertaining.......not! Nice to know the whole point was to see the release date, but convince me EA that its worth the wait and all the delays. Show us why it's taking so long.

  • GSU28

    Posted Feb 13, 2008 1:11 pm PT

    Nope, I think Smoky has it right.

  • GariSnail

    Posted Feb 13, 2008 1:05 pm PT

    What happened to the console games where you bought the game and could play it online for free once you bought it? Take C&C for example: if you buy the game, you get online play for free. It's that simple. Why would they make us pay? They are going to loose a lot of customers, including me.

  • Sandro909

    Posted Feb 13, 2008 12:56 pm PT

    Smoky_Hill you've got those backwards.

  • Poshkidney

    Posted Feb 13, 2008 12:25 pm PT

    i like that streaming that gives us evewrone creations to play with and destroy by messing with the planets gases it looks like a good wait.

  • Smoky_Hill posted Feb 13, 2008 11:54 am PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    Smoky_Hill

    Posted Feb 13, 2008 11:54 am PT (hide)

    wii=fun
    360=fun
    PS3=Dull

  • themagicbum9720

    Posted Feb 13, 2008 11:47 am PT

    they never said there was an online fee yet. "He did not elaborate if said stream entailed microtransactions, in-game advertising, subscription fees, or any combination of the three." stop whining.

  • Lone_Wolff

    Posted Feb 13, 2008 11:17 am PT

    lol you have got to be kidding me. Are they really that greedy that they will put some sort of online fee with this game? I thought EA even had its limits, but apparently not. They might as well just break the game up into 10 expansion packs and sell it like that *looks at The Sims*. Seriously, this went from being highly anticipated (by me) to almost no care at all for it. Congrats EA, screwing it up yet again.

  • ParisSun

    Posted Feb 13, 2008 11:05 am PT

    Here's an idea game developers, try building better games without so many bugs rather than coming up with ideas to double and triple dip on titles.

  • Get_Shorty

    Posted Feb 13, 2008 10:31 am PT

    No thanks I don't want to have to make my own game to play, that's what game developers are for. Too much work and too time consuming... have better games to play. And they might be charging to play the game? Forget it. Leave those games on the PC.

  • jfrdricks63

    Posted Feb 13, 2008 10:30 am PT

    I'd imagine that the game wont be coming on the xbox 360 due to Will Wright's disdain for that system. Either way, I have a pretty good PC so I can buy it regardless.

  • Shmoe82

    Posted Feb 13, 2008 9:50 am PT

    Whats with all these games adding monthly charges to a game. I personally have problems repaying for a game I already bought. This also said nothing about the PS3 and or the 360. Why the hell was that in the title?

  • Donkie737

    Posted Feb 13, 2008 9:49 am PT

    If they make me pay a subscription fee, i'll scream!

  • alcari

    Posted Feb 13, 2008 9:24 am PT

    Hmm, spore release date? Where have I heared that before?

    Anyway, I don't mind about the "revenue stream" if it's along the lines of "pay 3$ and get this very creative race" but if they're going to charge to upload your species, the most anticipated game yet is going to be a massive failure.

  • membernametaken

    Posted Feb 13, 2008 9:10 am PT

    Wow... that trailer was totally uneventful.

  • Avenger1324

    Posted Feb 13, 2008 9:06 am PT

    Oooo a new feature called "expanded digital revenue stream" !!

    That's one of my favourites

    You gotta give it to him - he knows how to sell a game to his audience...

  • Sins-of-Mosin

    Posted Feb 13, 2008 8:34 am PT

    I was hoping for a release before summer but now I'll just forget about it until after summer. If they want you to pay so you can access other people's creations, I'll gladly pass on that.

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