DETROIT, MI January 9, 2004 -- Based on the most successful PC video game of all time, The Sims, The Sims Online (TSO) has become one of the most successful massively multiplayer online role playing games (MMORPG). From its thriving community comes the first massively player-organized convention, the International SimCon (ISC).

In The Sims Online, players create and control the actions of a character known as a Sim. Players enter the world with a small amount of money to spend as they wish. They can purchase their own piece of land to build a home or business, and even recruit roommates. The main object of the game is to socialize, while making money to do what you wish with your property, using tools and objects provided in the game.

The International SimCon (short for sim convention) will be the first of its kind since TSO's public release one year ago. It will be held in Dearborn, Michigan at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, over the weekend of February 20th to 22nd, 2004. Over 200 players are expected to attend, to meet the humans behind their sim-friends, and get to know each other “IRLâ€쳌, short for “In Real Life.â€쳌

Players attending the event should expect five-star service, while enjoying five-star meals. Each night will have a theme which is tied closely to the game.

“We want to bring the game experience to real life,â€쳌 said the event director, Troy Pruyt, known in game as Troy Kristoffer.

For instance, Friday evening will be luau themed, which is a common home decorating theme used in the game. Players will dress as their sims, to compete for prizes, while dancing to a live DJ, which is also common in the game.

Saturday evening will be a black-tie affair, including speakers from Maxis, including the infamous MaxisTigger, and an awards ceremony, as well as a five-course served dinner, followed by a live performance.

Each day, attendees will have the chance to sightsee and participate in more wild fun. One of the free side trips is to visit a casino, which is another tie-in with the game.

Registration online, by phone or mail begins on December 1st, 2003. Players are urged to visit the official website, www.internationalsimcon.com for more details. Discounted rates for accommodation, airlines and other services will be available to attendees.

“We want to be remembered as the first and largest real life TSO party,â€쳌 said the event co-director, Ray Yu, known in game as Issac Hinderson.