Sims 3 expands mid-November

Despite introducing an online store full of extra clothes, decorations, and themed room sets for The Sims 3, Electronic Arts isn't straying too far from the retail expansion packs model that made the first two games in the PC life sim series so successful. Today, the publisher announced that the first such expansion--The Sims 3 World Adventures--will arrive in stores worldwide the week of November 16.

As the name suggests, World Adventures will take the Sims out of suburbia and on a globetrotting tour, letting them explore fictitious Sim cities in France, Egypt, and China. While visiting the far-off locales, the Sims will be able to visit landmarks, partake of the local culture, and learn new skills. Players will also be able to recount their Sims' travels though in-game photos, movies, and stories.

As with the original Sims 3, EA will use the expansion pack to drive players to the Sims 3 online store. Customers who purchase World Adventures will be given 1,000 SimPoints ($10) to spend in the store, and some items will only be available to those who purchased the expansion.

The Sims 3 World Adventures won't be confined to the PC. EA Mobile is also working on versions for mobiles phones, the iPhone, and iPod Touch with an expected launch early next year.