Notes From The July 30 Live Broadcast

The Sims 3 July 30 Live Broadcast featured solely on the next and final expansion pack for The Sims 3. This is of course The Sims 3 Into the Future. The broadcast was kicked off with the announce trailer for this expansion pack, which if you haven't seen, you can catch up here.

The demo of Into the Future (ITF) started off with a tour of the new future world. We were then taken through the mall of the future, also known as the import shop. Here your sims can by stuff that can be taken back to the home world and used in the future world, for example, a hover board. Using these objects will build up the new skill - the Advanced Technology Skill. This skill is learnt faster when in the future world.

There is also a gallery for purchasing future clothing to help your sims blend in. There's the option to buy an outfit directly off the mannikin or to customise an outfit, which will open CAS. Throughout the world there are also lots of varieties of hover cars.

The new creatures in ITF are Plumbots. At the Nuts and Bolts Bot Emporium your sims can make their own Plumbot through the bot workshop and buy stuff for them. The new skill - Bot Building Skill, is increased through using the bot workshop. The 'Create a Bot' mode is opened, allowing you to customise and name the Plumbots.

The personality of a Plumbot is shaped by the use of trait chips that your sims are able to designate to their Plumbot. Unlike regular Sims, Plumbots only have two needs - Maintenance and Battery Power.

As usual, there was a Q&A session to end the broadcast. Here are the questions that were asked and the answers that were provided:

1. How do you get into the future?
The journey into the future starts in any of the home worlds. The time traveller places his portal on your home lot, and as your sims get to know and help him, they will be granted use of the portal.

2. Do Plumbots live forever?
They don't age, however, if they aren't looked after, they can have accidents which can result in death.

3. Do Plumbots need sleep or to eat?
They don't need to 'sleep' but they need to charge. This can be done through the charging station or through appliances within your sims' home. Plumbots can become more efficient or even solar powered through the use of two of the trait chips available. They also don't need to eat, nor do they want to eat.

4. Is there such a thing as bot babies?
No. There is robo nanny chip however which enables them to look after sim babies for your sims.

5. Can you leave your sims in the future?
Your sims can stay in the future for as long as you like. There are new jobs available in the future world , and your sims can purchase a home for their stay or continue to stay with the Time Traveller at his house. However, there's new options available once your sims have travelled back to the home world that staying in the future will mean your sims miss out on.

6. Can a Plumbot be changed after purchase or creation?
The bot workshop can be used to customise a Plumbot. They can also be sold back to the emporium to make money for your sims, especially if they have made upgrades to them. Your sims can also become a self-employed Bot Dealer.

7. Can Plumbots be taken back to the home worlds?
Yes. They also have interactions to make your sims' lives easier, and they are able to get jobs.

8. How do other EPs such as seasons impact ITF?
Weather will exist in the future world.

9. What about Pets?
There's more news on digital pets coming soon.

If you missed the live broadcast, you can watch it below:

Video Link (YouTube)

If you missed the broadcast the week before (July 23), you can watch it below:

Video Link (YouTube)

Feature Friday: MajikSim

Hey Simmers! Welcome to the fourth Feature Friday, where each week I showcase one of my favourite YouTubers.

This week's featured YouTuber is MajikSim. Through his channel, Majik creates LPs, Current Household videos, Store Reviews, CAS, Mod Reviews, Live Broadcast Recaps and more. I started supporting Majik because I really enjoy his videos and he is really committed to producing the best videos he can for his subscribers. He is genuinely thankful for each person who subscribes to him and I know he has worked hard to get his channel to where it is today.

Majik is also launching a new project called TS3 Cribs, which is a series for showing off amazing houses, apartments, dorms and houseboats. It will be premiering on August 9th at 12:00PM (EST). I'm really looking forward to this!

Here are Majik's responses to the weekly Feature Friday questions:

YouTube Questions 

1. How long have you had your channel?  

Technically, I've had it since Feb 25. BUT I didn't start uploading videos until May 8, 2013. 

2. Out of all your videos, which is your favourite? 

Oh my. My favourite video of MY OWN? I have two, my Fifth Avenue Review & my Dragon Valley Live Broadcast Recap. Those were the two videos I got so many views on. It was exciting. I felt like I was getting my name out there.

3. What (or who) inspired you to a start your channel?  

Who: Quxxn, PiinkSim, & Lifesimmer. They're amazing & although quite popular, they're still very humble. What: I saw these people having so much fun playing a game I loved so much. I knew I could do what they do, I just didn't know if my personality was right, because I'm shy, socially awkward, & can be very quiet. As I learned though, I can just be myself in my videos, if people don't like my videos, it's upsetting, but there are more people who will like me & my videos. I took what I learned from other simmers & started uploading! Also, I wanted to be more in the simming community & this was just the thing I needed to get me out there. Might I add, I'm having a blast! 

The Sims Questions 

1. What's your favourite EP?  

I have four from The Sims 3! Pets, Seasons, University Life, & Island Paradise. I don't know if I can narrow it down. I love them so much. They opened up the game & put it at a whole different level for me. If it wasn't for these four games, I probably wouldn't be playing The Sims anymore. I'd be waiting for something amazing to release. Don't get me wrong, I love The Sims 3. It was just getting BLAH to me.

The Sims 2: Pets, University, & Open For Business. Just like with The Sims 3, these games changed TS2 around & it became very fun for me again. 

The Sims 1: All of them, because that's where the obsession began! :D 

Disclaimer: I have always been a sims fan. I just get bored with things easily. I'll be obsessed with console gameplay for 6 months, then the sims, then console, etc, haha. Just had to add that. I don't stop being a sims fan, then start again.

2. What's your favourite SP?  

Diesel, by far! It's perfect to me. I love the male CAS items.

3. What's your favourite world? 

From EP's: I'd have to say Sunset Valley, Bridgeport, Appaloosa Plains, Isla Paradiso & although it isn't a world you can live in forever, the University Life world is amazing also. 

The Sims 3 Store Worlds: Sunlit Tides, Aurora Skies, & Dragon Valley. 

Sorry, I can't just pick ONE. It's too difficult. Each world adds something amazing & different to The Sims. The store world adds something the worlds from EP's just weren't giving me. But they're all amazing & very beautiful.

4. Are you thinking about buying the Sims 4? 

I am very conflicted :/ I love The Sims franchise & I want to support EA & Maxis, but I just don't think they're going to WOW us like they did with The Sims 3. I know I'll buy it, well most likely, but still thinking about it.

5. How long have you played The Sims? 

I have been simming since 2000, I was 8 years old. My sisters introduced The Sims to me when I went to my dads for a summer. Ever since then, I've been deeply obsessed & in love with The Sims.

Additionally to the interview, Majik wanted to add some closing words for his supporters:

I just want to thank everyone who has subscribed to me or that may subscribe to me overtime. I am very grateful & appreciative for the support. No one has no idea how much it means to me that people actually enjoy my videos. I started this for something to do while I'm off from college, but it easily turned into something I'm very serious about & that is very important to me. At the end of the day, I'm just a person who loves simming & entertaining. Being in the sim community has changed my life, it's made me less socially awkward & more interactive with people. I try to be friendly & informational for any newer Let's Player, viewer, & subscriber. No matter what, I will always stay humble. & a bit of advice, don't let anyone knock you down. We all get better with time, nothing happens overnight. I believe all simmers should support each other. I support every single person who supports me. I hope everyone who watches my videos, enjoy them. My subscribers & new friends mean a lot to me. So once again, I thank you all. Stay Golden!

You can support Majik and TS3 Cribs through the following links:

Subscribe to MajikSim here.

Follow MajikSim on Twitter.

Follow TS3 Cribs on Twitter.

Don't forget to check out the premiere of TS3 Cribs on August 9th at 12:00PM (EST)!

Thank you for reading this week's Feature Friday!

Feature Friday: XSimmerLoveX

Hey Simmers! Welcome to the third Feature Friday, where each week I showcase one of my favourite YouTubers.

This week I want to introduce you to XSimmerLoveX. Not only is she an incredible supporter of Simming Away, she is also a selfless supporter of so many other simmers. So I thought it was time she got some recognition in return.

On her channel you will find LPs. On her Twitter and through her YouTube channel you will also find an incredibly kind person, who will be there to encourage you. I enjoy her videos, I love discussing the game, YouTube and this site with her, and overall I really appreciate her contributions to the community. I cannot wait to see more videos from her.

Here's how the Feature Friday interview went this week!

YouTube Questions 

1. How long have you had your channel?  

I've had my YouTube channel since March of 2013. I also had another account that I had for years but that's just more of a personal YouTube.

2. Out of all your videos, which is your favourite? 

Hmm, my favourite would be... My ambitions part 1 video. :) I mean I had two beautiful Sims made by two gorgeous people.

3. What (or who) inspired you to a start your channel?  

Who inspired me to start my channel would be Quxxn! She is just absolutely amazing and hilarious! I would seriously watch her videos everyday (Unless she didn't post that day ;)), morning, noon and night. Also, what made me want to start is the support that some individuals give to the YouTubers. Also wanted to inspire others one day to go out and do what they love, and to be able to brighten people's days. :D

The Sims Questions 

1. What's your favourite EP?  

My favourite expansion pack would have to be University, the whole plant sim thing was amazing!

2. What's your favourite SP?  

Hmm, I would say my favourite stuff pack would be Master Suite Stuff. I love the cute sleeping outfits and just pretty much the majority of items that came with that pack.

3. What's your favourite world? 

Hmm. my favourite world would have to be Monte Vista. I don't know I just really loved that whole Italian theme vibe and the buildings. Can I say AMAZING.

4. Are you thinking about buying the Sims 4? 

Oh yeah, most definitely! I'm excited to see how the characters and pretty much everything evolved.

5. How long have you played The Sims? 

I have been a simmer for 10 years :)

Make sure you go and support this lovely simmer! Say hi to her on Twitter and check out her videos on YouTube!

Subscribe to XSimmerLoveX here.

Follow XSimmerLoveX here. 

Thank you for reading this week's Feature Friday!

RSOSS: Episode 1 - 'Welcome to Starlight Shores'

The highly anticipated first episode of The Real Simwives of Starlight Shores has now premiered on YouTube.

Image created for Simming Away

If you missed Episode 1, you can catch up here.

When I watched Episode 1, I was so impressed and knew other people would feel the same. The twitter reaction seems to reflect that too. What a moment for the wonderful producer Kevin!

There was a focus on introducing the Simwives - this led to lots of discussions over who is the viewer's favourite so far. I weighed in on the discussion too. So far my favourite is Jennifer, followed by Britney, Maria, Eva & Kyra. What are you thoughts? Who is your favourite so far? I'm sure my favourites will change after more episodes though. The discussions reflect that the introductions were a great inclusion in the episode, as it has already started to form a connection with the viewers.

In addition to introducing the Simwives, the episode had drama. This of course has left me, and I'm sure I'm not alone here, wondering how it will play out throughout the remainder of the season. The episode ends with some crucial questions between the characters that I cannot wait to find out the answers too!

Episode 2 will be available on July 31st (ET). Kevin has kept extra time between the first 2 episodes because he cares about the viewers and is really interested in your feedback, so he can make the show the best it can be. Any feedback left on this post will be passed along to him too :)

So what did you think of Episode 1? 

Don't forget you can tweet about the show using the hashtag #RSOSS

Follow @RealSimWives on Twitter for all the updates.
Subscribe to RealSimWivesHD on YouTube to never miss an episode.

Giveaway Winners Announced!

Thank you to the 31 people who entered my first ever giveaway! The winners were drawn using the following process:

I entered everyone's names into excel:

 I then copied and pasted them all into random.org:

And then I hit randomise and got the following result!

Congratulations Emma Squibb (Emmz1997) and Shannonf010 (Shannon1w1)!! 

You will both receive an email from me - you have until 12:00PM on Friday, July 19 2013 (AEST) to respond, otherwise I will draw new winners.

I do hope to hold more giveaways in the near future, so don't worry if you didn't win this time :)

The Premiere of The Real Simwives of Starlight Shores

Launching this week on YouTube, on Wednesday July 17th at 12PM ET, is the very first episode of The Real Simwives of Starlight Shores. Earlier this month I was lucky enough to be provided with early access to this episode and I was highly impressed with what I saw. The quality of this episode was actually so impressive that it led to the development of the official partnership between RSOSS and Simming Away.

Image Created Specifically for Simming Away

There has been an extensive lead up to the premiere of this series, leaving viewers highly anticipating the first episode. Before watching the episode, I'll be honest, I didn't know what to expect. However, any of the uncertainties I had have been well and truly resolved, as I was blown away by the extensive planning and detail that has gone into the series.

One of the greatest attributes for this series is the planning of the characters, each provided with an in-depth and individual backstory. The introduction of the characters has been prioritised, which I believe will lead to providing viewers with both a greater understanding and a greater connection.

So many aspects of The Sims 3, such as the world, career options, venues and general interactions are intelligently and quirkily integrated into this series. Whilst it is totally different to the regular gameplay that most simmers would normally experience, it still remains connected to the traditional game that so many of us love. It's the incorporation of these features that also make it more appealing to simmers. Simmers, this show is made for you.

I do not want to give away spoilers for the episode, as I really think that you should tune in and see what it is all about. I will honestly be surprised if it doesn't leave you eagerly awaiting episode 2, just like I am.

From the quick overview of the series you get at the beginning of episode 1, this series is set to bring drama and humour to your screens, that will bring you pure entertainment. I really do think this will be a big hit and that viewers will love it.

I would highly recommend checking out this series when it is released, and I extend a big congratulations to the amazing producer Kevin for his incredible work.

I cannot wait for this series to launch!

The Episode Schedule:

7/17 - Episode 1 - "Welcome to Starlight Shores"

7/31 - Episode 2 - "Uncharitable Attitudes"

8/7 - Episode 3 - "Time for a Getaway"

8/14 - Episode 4 - "Ultimatums & Sun-rays"

8/21 - Episode 5 - "Communication & Frustration"

8/28 - Episode 6 - "The Final Straw"

9/4 - Episode 7 (The Season Finale) - "I Do... Want Another Glass"

9/11 - Episode 8 - The Reunion

9/18 - Episode 9 - The Lost Footage Episode

The Real Simwives of Starlight Shores on YouTube

The Real Simwives of Starlight Shores on Twitter

Feature Friday: RealSimWivesHD

Hey Simmers! Welcome to the second Feature Friday, where each week I showcase one of my favourite YouTubers.

Yesterday marked a month since I launched this blog. Right from the very beginning, TheSimsBoi followed me on Twitter and has since become a loyal supporter. He is also the genius producer behind the new YouTube sensation about to hit your screens next week, The Real Simwives of Starlight Shores (RealSimWivesHD on YouTube). The RSOSS videos are of an outstanding quality, and this is what made me really pay attention to this channel. I have also been lucky enough to have already seen Episode 1 (more about that at the end of the post), and it is truly impressive. I subscribed to this channel because I loved the concept of the show, and I have continued to actively support this channel because of the video quality.

TheSimsBoi participated in the weekly Feature Friday interview, and here's how it went:

YouTube Questions 

1. How long have you had your channel?  

I have had my YouTube channel since August 2012. 

2. Out of all your videos, which is your favourite? 

 I would have to say that my favourite video is yet to be released... Episode 1 of The Real Simwives of Starlight Shores. 

3. What (or who) inspired you to a start your channel?  

I have always wanted to make a series, and never thought I could. Last year I just started writing my show, and the next thing I knew I was researching how to make movies! I was intrigued and wanted to do more.

The Sims Questions 

1. What's your favourite EP?  

My favourite EP of all time would have to be "The Sims Superstar" The Sims in the recording studio was just too funny.

2. What's your favourite SP?  

My favourite SP would have to be "The Sims H&M Stuff"from the Sims 2.

3. What's your favourite world? 

My favourite world... ehh, I am stuck on this one. I would have to say it's a tie between Lucky Palms & Sunlit Tides. They are both HUGE, and include lots of earth tones. I love blues, browns and greens!

4. Are you thinking about buying the Sims 4? 

I have my eye on the Sims 4, but right now I am sticking to Sims 3.

5. How long have you played The Sims? 

I have been a Simmer since the very beginning. I was in the 5th grade when I was introduced to "The Sims." A friend of mine was talking about it, and I saved my pennies up to buy it. Once I started I was hooked... and here I am 13 years later.

You can connect with TheSimsBoi and The Real Simwives of Starlight Shores through the following links:

Subscribe to RealSimWivesHD here.

Follow TheSimsBoi on Twitter here.

Follow RealSimWives on Twitter here.

But wait, there's more! I have two big announcements relating to the RSOSS!

1. On Sunday (AEST), I will be posting a launch article based on Episode 1, before the episode has even been released to the public (I will not post any spoilers!), so stay tuned for that.

And the big announcement I've been promoting on Twitter...

2. RealSimWivesHD and Simming Away have entered a partnership! Each week after the public release of every episode, I will be bringing you RSOSS recaps and more! I am super excited about this opportunity because I promise you that this show is very impressive.

Thank you for reading this week's Feature Friday!

Episode 1 of The Real Simwives of Starlight Shores will be hitting your screens on Wednesday July 17th, at 12PM ET. 

The First Simming Away Giveaway!! (CLOSED)

Hey Simmers! 

As you may or may not know, on July 11th (AEST), this site will have been active for a month. It has been great and I have received more support than I could have ever of imagined. To thank you all, I will be doing a small giveaway (because the site is still so new) for readers of this site. 

So, here are the details:

Prizes 

The winners will receive one (1) of two (2) male or female (winner's choice) CAS packages from The Sims 3 Store. Each package will include:

1 x hairstyle

1 x outfit

1 x shoes

UPDATE: Instead of sending a list of options to choose from, I will instead send the winners an email with the limits for each type of item and allow them to pick what they like under that limit. Note: must be a hairstyle, outfit & pair of shoes. What they pick will then be gifted to them through The Sims 3 store.

How to Enter

Comment on this post with your Sims 3 username and tell me:

If you were a Sim, which Sims 3* world would you want to live in?

*It must be a world from the Sims 3 base game, EPs or Store. No user-created worlds.

Entry Conditions

1. Entries to this giveaway will close on Tuesday, July 16 2013 at 11:30PM (AEST). If you live in a different time zone, you can calculate the time difference here: http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html
2. A valid email address must be entered when commenting.
3. Only one (1) entry per person.
4. The winners will be chosen by entering all valid entries into random.org. The winners will be announced on this site and contacted via email by 12:00PM on Wednesday, July 17 2013 (AEST). If the winners have not responded by 12:00PM on Friday, July 19 2013 (AEST), new winners will be chosen.

Good luck!!

The Sims 3 Island Paradise Review

Earlier this week I posted a review of The Sims 3 Island Paradise on YouTube. I decided to wait a week after purchasing the game to give me a chance to explore all of the features, rather than just skimming the surface.

You can watch the review below:

Hope you all enjoy it!

Feature Friday: Weealbet

Hey Simmers! Welcome to the first Feature Friday, where each week I showcase one of my favourite YouTubers.

This week’s featured YouTuber is Weealbet. I first learnt about his channel through Twitter and I subscribed because of the thorough reviews he conducts.  Along with reviews, he provides Lets Plays (LPs) and tutorials. Notably, just in the past few days he has posted a tutorial on how to get dive lots into different worlds, which is something Producers told us was not possible. He was able to work it out and was kind enough to share it with everyone. The quality of each and every video he posts is what keeps me watching.

Each week as a part of Feature Friday, the featured YouTuber answers a standard set of questions. Here’s how the interview went with Weealbet:

YouTube Questions 

1. How long have you had your channel?  

I haven't had my channel for long. I celebrated my first month as a 'YouTuber' on July 1^st. 

2. Out of all your videos, which is your favourite? 

 Oooh, now there's a question! I think I would have to say my Aurora Skies Overview video. It is a world, which held no interest to me in the slightest until I saw other Simmers images and thought it suited my play style of the game. It is also (unfortunately) a world which has a lot of negativity associated with it, so I was eager to put the world in a positive light, while still discussing some of it's flaws. 

3. What (or who) inspired you to a start your channel?  

I help on another fansite (http://www.thesimstopicteam.com) where I write reviews of Store Content along with other reviewers. I am quite a chatty person in my reviews and I felt that words and pictures were not enough for me to show off the content. The only real solution that I could think of was to start doing video reviews/overviews.

The main driving force behind me starting a video series is of a more personal nature. Outside of The Sims I have public speaking and telephone speaking anxiety. As I am currently about to start my third year in an Honours Degree at university, I needed a way to try and help with my anxiety. The Sims has always been a way to help me with my anxiety so I naturally thought of doing commentated video's of the game itself. In only a month I have had a lot of progress of the personal kind from doing these videos. 

The Sims Questions 

1. What's your favourite EP?  

My favourite expansion pack for The Sims 3 has to be Seasons! While it seemed light on content initially, it came at a time when my interest in the game was wavering. The beauty of the changing weather and seasons in the game is something that still takes my breath away, even today. It also works behind the scenes of the game, without me having to do anything outside of my normal play style to experience the expansion packs features. It feels as if it has always been in the game, which I personally think is what makes an expansion pack. 

2. What's your favourite SP?  

Hmmmm. Tough question. I would have to say Outdoor Living is my favorite. I like having patio areas in my Sims homes, but the choices in the game were a bit same-y. Outdoor Living added variety to my Sims' gardens and the items were very well made! I couldn't imagine NOT having it now! 

3. What's your favourite world? 

Another tough one! If I were to pick from the base game or expansion packs, I would have to say Twinbrook. I loved the atmosphere in that world and the lake in the middle is stunning. It has a nice mixture of low income houses, mid-income houses and high wealth houses. And the town area is just adorable!

From the Store Worlds my favorite World, without a doubt, would have to be Aurora Skies! From it's announcement to two weeks after it's launch I wasn't that interested in it. However, after seeing other player’s images of it over on The Sims 3 Forums, I could see myself playing it. I had ideas of what I wanted to add, remove and change in the World. So I purchased it. Since then it has been the only World I have played in, with the exception of Isla Paradiso from Island Paradise. But the main reason I'm using that World at the moment is mostly due to my Let's Play series, and I want to see the features of this Expansion Pack fully before I incorporate them into Aurora Skies. 

4. Are you thinking about buying the Sims 4? 

I know that I will eventually, but I am waiting for more news to be released on it first before I decide if I want to pre-order it or not. 

5. How long have you played The Sims? 

I have played the series since it first launched in 2000 when I was 11 years old. I've practically grown up with the series!

Thank you for reading the very first Feature Friday! Make sure you go and check out Weealbet’s channel. You can also find him on Twitter.

Subscribe to Weealbet here.

Follow Weealbet on Twitter here.

Next week I will be featuring another YouTuber, so stay tuned! Each week they are picked based on my viewing of their videos. If I’m not subscribed to you, it means I probably don’t know about your channel, so feel free to tweet, email or comment with the link!

Trial: Feature Friday

Hey Simmers!

A new month is upon us and I want to take this as an opportunity to trial something new on the blog. The new feature will be called 'Feature Friday', which will happen every Friday in July. On each of these Fridays I will be dedicating a post to different a YouTuber. I'll be choosing who it will be each week based on my viewing of their videos, however I will make sure that I ask them first before I post about them. I want to do this to  recommend some great channel's that I've been enjoying watching and tell you why I keep watching/what made me subscribe to their channel.

If you run a YouTube channel and you are chosen, I will DM you on Twitter to tell you that you've been chosen. This will be a chance for more people to find out about your great channel :)

If this is a successful trial, then I will be using it further than just July.