This is an expansion pack for The Sims, introducing the world of celebrity and fame. It allows players to guide their Sims into becoming Rock Stars, Movie Stars, or Supermodels within a new, customizable area called Studio Town. The core gameplay is expanded to incorporate the pursuit of fame as a primary objective, alongside existing life simulation elements.

A New World of Fame and Fortune

This expansion pack transports your Sims to Studio Town, a new neighborhood centered around the entertainment industry. Here, aspiring celebrities can seek out agents, attend auditions, and perform to gain recognition. A new fame score is introduced, which tracks a Sim's popularity and public image, complementing existing relationship and skill metrics. Success in Studio Town involves a combination of talent and networking within the industry.

Pursuing Stardom

Players can directly influence their Sims' journey to celebrity status. This includes managing their performance in various entertainment fields, such as recording music, acting on movie sets, or participating in fashion shows. The game allows for player input during these performances, enabling choices like selecting music genres or vocal styles, which can affect the outcome and the Sim's career progression. Achieving fame can lead to increased wealth, public adoration, and the unique experiences associated with celebrity life.

What New Gameplay Mechanics Are Introduced?

The primary new mechanic is the fame system, which quantishes a Sim's celebrity status. This system is influenced by performances, public appearances in Studio Town, and interactions with industry professionals. New career-specific goals and challenges are integrated for each of the three celebrity paths. A significant enhancement is the ability to follow Sims to their workplaces and directly control their actions during performances.

Studio Town: The Heart of the Industry

Studio Town serves as a dynamic environment featuring movie lots, recording studios, and fashion venues. This area is populated by Non-Player Character (NPC) agents and industry figures who play a role in a Sim's career development. Building relationships and networking within Studio Town is presented as an important aspect of career advancement.

Beyond the Spotlight: Celebrity Lifestyle Additions

For Sims who wish to experience aspects of a celebrity lifestyle without pursuing a demanding career, the expansion provides numerous new objects for home use. These include luxury items such as advanced satellite dishes for premium television channels, a skydiving simulator, and new opulent furniture and artwork. Additionally, new domestic staff members can be hired to manage household tasks, allowing affluent Sims more leisure time.

Does This Expansion Require the Base Game?

Yes, this is an expansion pack and necessitates the original The Sims game to be played. It integrates new career paths, locations, items, and gameplay mechanics into the existing simulation.

What is the Scope of This Expansion?

The Sims: Superstar offers a significant addition to the base game, introducing a new career track with distinct challenges and rewards. The inclusion of Studio Town as a detailed neighborhood, coupled with the comprehensive fame system and a wide array of new objects and interactions, provides a substantial and unique gameplay experience.

This expansion pack was released on May 12, 2003.