The other contest winners and I had the opportunity to present our ideas for an upcoming expansion pack. It was wonderful being able to participate in a trial process of creating a new game. Many things had to be taken into perspective like how many objects should be in a world, how many NPC's must be pre-programmed, etc.Since I'm more of a player than a builder, I learned a lot more than what I expected. All of this topped with great food and magnificent hospitality, I couldn't have asked for a better trip. The Sims 3 team, you did an awesome job!

For more from Tysha, visit her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/thehuynhstory.

Meet Tysha, one of the winners of The Sims 3 University Life’s Inspiring Creativity Contest. Tysha’s compelling story of how The Sims changed her life secured her spot for the Master Class Studio Visit to meet the development working behind-the-scenes on The Sims 3 games! Read below to find out how The Sims has changed Tysha’s life and about her experiences meeting the development at The Sims Studio in Salt Lake City, Utah.

A little about me…

I have been playing The Sims 3 since March 2012. I spend most of my time creating stories. My favorite stories to tell are ones with Sims who are hopeless romantics but also childish.  I knew I loved The Sims when Istarted have withdrawal problems.

Winning the Master Class and VIP Studio Visit with The Sims 3 contest was already a surprise, but what happened once I arrived in Salt Lake City, Utah was even better! I had great opportunity to meet and greet with the many different people who help make the Sims such a great game. I met very interesting and upbeat team members from animation, game design, engineering, and SimGurus Brittany and Lauren, just to name a few. Not only were the employees animated and friendly, the studio was filled with this playful atmosphere that you could expect from The Sims. To many of the employees, the studio was like a second home. Many of them enjoyed the game just as much as I did. Others showed passion in building, just like other members of the Simmer community. It was amazing to see how hard every individual works on these stuff packs, worlds, and expansion packs. I even had the chance to love the experience myself.

Check out what Designer Alan Copeland has to say about how (and why) he designed the all-new premium content set:  Country Livin’. Don’t forget to pick up the Country Livin’ Set from The Sims 3 Store on April 4, 2013. 

While I enjoy designing all of the different premium content for The Sims 3 Store, I have a special place in my heart for any object that we can add some of that classic Sims humor into. This is just one of the reasons I’m particularly excited about our latest set, Country Livin’, which includes the Fowl and Feathers Chicken Coop!  

Finally eggs don’t just grow on plants anymore.  Not only can you get basic eggs every morning, but you can also collect rare exotic eggs that give your Sim a boost to fun and the new Egg-static moodlet! Want more opportunities to collect eggs? Just remember to feed your chickens and you’ll also get an additional egg harvest in the evening.  

Something you might not know about Sims chickens is that they are great conversationalists. If it’s getting a little lonely down on the farm, go talk to your chicken about important things like why they cross the road. If you’re lucky, your Sim might get some Universal Enlightenment (new moodlet!).  

But if you’re not so lucky, you may run into Charles the Evil Chicken. Charles is kinda a jerk. He’ll sometimes come out to argue with your Sim or fling an insult or two about your Sim’s lineage. Keep arguing and your Sim might have to teach him a thing or two about who rules the roost in a chicken fight.  

If matching wits with the Evil Chicken scares your Sim away from collecting eggs for a couple of days, the eggs might just hatch into baby chicks! Your Sim can get plenty of fun and social from playing with these cute and cuddly little guys, not to mention the new Chick Magnet moodlet.  

However, there is so much more to this set than just the Fowl and Feathers Chicken Coop. There are some great new décor objects that can make any home have that extra touch of country.  

And let’s not forget about the new outfits! This set has some awesome new clothing for toddlers, children, young adults, adults and ELDERS! How charming are these folks?

Hope you like what you see in the new Country Livin’ Set. Make sure to pick up on The Sims 3 Store when it comes out on April 4, 2013.