Like with the Sims 2, Maxis is now sending the community e-mails about the first expansion pack. Tim LeTourneau gives has sent out the first "Welcome to the Sims 2 University" e-mail. He tells a bit about the patch (more about that later today), and that we must be patient for it - after all the Sims 2 is released worldwide in 19 languages and the patch must work with every version of the game. About the new expansion itself, he tells it's stuffed with new objects, including band objects. Using those, you're able to make your own music videos which Tim is looking forward to. There isn't much else in this first newsletter, except five sketches of band objects. You can see them in their full size by clicking the thumbnails below. Read inside for the entire e-mail.

"Greetings, Sims 2 Fans,

"An apology of sorts is in order. I'm totally messing with our naming scheme for these weekly community missives - first you had the Luc Mail, then simply added the letter "y" when it became the Lucy Mail. Well, now all that's right out the window, because my name's Tim. Hi, and welcome to the first ever The Sims 2 Tim-mail (or T-mail, if you're into the whole brevity thing). I'm the Senior Producer for The Sims 2 franchise, and your new source for regular info on the game we all know and adore, The Sims 2.

"First, let me take a moment to thank my immediate predecessor, Lucy Bradshaw, for the absolutely phenomenal work she did getting The Sims 2 on PC screens around the globe, as well as keeping the community well informed and completely stoked to play the game - thanks, Lucy! You'll be a tough act to follow, for sure!

"Next, allow me to assure you that you, dear Sims fan, remain the heart and soul of our little game. It's always rewarding to rack up awards and millions in sales, but for me, the best part comes when I download new, fan-made custom skins, or read a really rockin' story on our Story Exchange. The scope and breadth of The Sims 2 Community remains the real measure of our success, and when we see people using the game to tell stories that we would have never thought of ourselves, and pushing the envelope in terms of fan-made content, that’s how we really know we've succeeded in creating the best dang game in the whole world!

"Now that I've buttered you up, we must ask for your patience and understanding while we put the finishing touches on the 1st downloadable patch for The Sims 2. As you know, The Sims 2 is a bona fide global phenomenon, which means that we have a mandate to make sure that players the world over get the same top-notch experience. The Sims 2 is available in 18 different languages besides English, and before we release anything to the public, we need to make sure that each of the 19 languages we support is tended to with the same care and consideration we give to all our products. Rest assured, though, the update will be available very shortly.

"Now, I hope you're yearning for some higher learning, because the word is out about the first expansion pack for The Sims 2 - The Sims 2 University, where you'll be guiding brand-new young adult Sims through the collegiate experience, and of course, much, much more along the way. This EP is chock-full of new objects and game-play for your Sims, so even if you don't think your Sims will be up for much fancy book-learnin', there'll still be plenty to do. There are band objects that Sims can use together - I can't wait to see the music videos that come from the community! And there are some surprising new ways for your Sims to earn a little extra cash, or should we say print it. As always, your options are nearly limitless. And as always, we can't wait to see the surprising directions you push your Sims in. If they don't get your mortar boards twirling in anticipation, then perhaps you're just too cool for school!

"Instead of screenshots, I thought it would be cool to give you guys some behind the scenes imagery. I think it's cool to see how the ideas form in the first place. Hope you like 'em.

"Secret Sims 2 Handshake!"
Tim LeTourneau
"The Sims 2 Senior Producer & Dean of The Sims 2 University"