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

By Tor Thorsen, GameSpotPosted Feb 12, 2008 10:54 am PT

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.

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