They're Re-Releasing Barnacle Bay??

[KrispyNickyB]

I know we aren't supposed to immediately bash EA but...have any of you seen the website? We've all been here loyal anxiously awaiting EP 4. Now I log on and on my Facebook is exclusive Barnacle Bay coming to stores near you...seriously? Did I slip and this is an April Fool's or what.

[Hosfac]

I kind of see what you're talking about:  the picture of what looks like a DVD case with Barnacle Bay on it.  But any time I click the "Buy Now" link, all it does is takes me to the Sims Store.  I see no pre-order form, nor do I see anything that says "coming to stores near you."  I have likewise been on their VIP mailing list since it came out, and when they have something that's soon to be released in the stores, I get an e-mail with a pre-order offer.  I haven't got one.  I think this is just EA advertising the world that has always been there.

I checked the Sims Store and Facebook and all I saw was the standard advertisement for the one in the Store.  I likewise the ESRB website and it wasn't listed.  And if they were releasing this in the stores, trust me:  it would be rated.

[KrispyNickyB]

Kudos to their marketers. It is worded very confusing. I am also on the VIP list, but it still frustrates me as a loyal customer ya know?

[Filly]

I kinda wish I downloaded the town back when it was 1600 or so points.  I don't understand why its 2000 now.  I'd rather spend that on other items in the store.

[Pam]

Kudos to their marketers. It is worded very confusing. I am also on the VIP list, but it still frustrates me as a loyal customer ya know?

I don't really understand what there is to be upset or frustrated about.  Whether EA is releasing Barnacle Bay in stores or are just launching a new marketing campaign for the download version.  It's got nothing to do with the upcoming 4th expansion pack.  So, why be mad at EA?

[KrispyNickyB]

I kinda wish I downloaded the town back when it was 1600 or so points.  I don't understand why its 2000 now.  I'd rather spend that on other items in the store.

Well from what I can see they've added two new staircases. Pam, it just frustrates me. I know there really is no rhyme or reason to it past pettiness. Bascially, it's that I don't know details on it. If it really is revamped that's not fair to everyone who already has it. If it isn't then why jack up the price and make a big deal out of it? I'm cynical sometimes...that and I think my Marketing class is getting to my head

[Hosfac]

Well from what I can see they've added two new staircases.

If it's an EA site, why not post a link to it?  Like I said:  I looked and didn't see anything new about it.

[Gheez]

This is the EA blurb about it 'going to retail as a Game Exclusive'.

http://www.ea.com/uk/news/sims-3-barnacle-bay-game-exclusive

If you don't want to click the link, then here is the info on the stairs:

"Two All-New Exclusive Staircases:
For context, currently there are only 2 staircases for sale in the Store (this pack provides two additional and exclusive item), perceived value is high!

Jacob's Staircase - This staircase made of rope can be used to disembark the ship to your next pillaging.
Barnacle Free Staircase - Let ye buckled boots and ye peg leg stomp upon these sturdy stone steps of olde."

Release Date    Mar 08, 2011

Couldn't spot it for sale in Amazon but a search on Google Shopping gave two sites, listing it for sale.  Price either £15.47 or £18.74.  There's even a shot of the box cover (but I didn't like to link that.)

[Alexandria_]

Sorry, but some of what I have read on this thread has confused me - Is this meant to be the next expansion pack, or is is it a completely different release?

[Gheez]

It's not the next expansion pack. It's just a release of something that was previously only available as a download from The Store.

I imagine that people who have slow internet connections or people who don't buy simpoints may be happy to buy it in cd/dvd format, so EA are likely to make more sales.

[Pam]

Sorry, but some of what I have read on this thread has confused me - Is this meant to be the next expansion pack, or is is it a completely different release?

No, it's not an expansion pack.  Barnacle Bay is just another town you can play.  It's been for sale on the Sims 3 site for months and now they are releasing it to retail stores.  They've added a couple of new things and increased the price.  It's really not a big deal.

Well from what I can see they've added two new staircases. Pam, it just frustrates me. I know there really is no rhyme or reason to it past pettiness. Bascially, it's that I don't know details on it. If it really is revamped that's not fair to everyone who already has it. If it isn't then why jack up the price and make a big deal out of it? I'm cynical sometimes...that and I think my Marketing class is getting to my head

You're this upset because of two staircases?  Your marketing class may actually be confusing you.  It's quite common for companies to tweak a product, increase the price, and then do a marketing campaign.  They didn't do much marketing for Barnacle Bay when it first came out.  Maybe they were waiting to see how popular it would be.  Maybe we got a bargain by buying it when it first came out.

[Alexandria_]

Right, I understand. Thanks. I thought it was just another town (as I've seen it on the Sim 3 website).
I just thought it may have been that they changed it around for an expansion because of this:

We've all been here loyal anxiously awaiting EP 4. Now I log on and on my Facebook is exclusive Barnacle Bay coming to stores near you...seriously?

[Hosfac]

OK, I never saw that particular page, so now I see what you're talking about.

I imagine that people who have slow internet connections or people who don't buy simpoints may be happy to buy it in cd/dvd format, so EA are likely to make more sales.

Which is a good thing for us.  If it makes EA more money via The Sims franchise, it gives the franchise more longevity.  And there are some people who have slow internet connections because the areas they live in don't have high speed internet yet or are still leery of using a credit card for online purchases (or don't even have one).  There's no reason they should be completely left out.

And two new staircases?  To be completely honest, unless they're spiral staircases I don't really care.  I've got plenty of staircases now, and when you factor in the recoloring option, the possibilities are already endless.  I'll just be happy that I got it at a discount.

[Pam]

Right, I understand. Thanks. I thought it was just another town (as I've seen it on the Sim 3 website).
I just thought it may have been that they changed it around for an expansion because of this:

No, that's just someone having a strong negative reaction to this release of Barnacle Bay.  I'm quite sure it's not going to interfere with the timing of the 4th expansion pack.

[samoht04]

I'm confused, Play.com says it is an Expanson Pack?