Analyst: Sims 3 Could Sell 4 Million In '09

Electronic Arts' upcoming Sims 3 could sell over 4 million units in 2009, says Janco Partners analyst Mike Hickey -- although he expects that a demographic transition toward newer entertainment forms like Nintendo's Wii and DS might weigh on the title.

Sims 2 sold an estimated 3.5 units in calendar 2004, so the analyst expects the anticipated sequel to outdo its predecessor. EA also detailed today the game's digital distribution-heavy, points-based model for further monetization, although Hickey doesn't project how much Sims 3 can expect to earn incrementally from DLC and expansions.