The Sims is a 2000 strategic life-simulation video game developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts. It is a simulation of the daily activities of one or more virtual people ("Sims") in a suburban household near a fictional city. The game's development was led by game designer Will Wright who is also known for developing the SimCity series. The Sims original series had a total of seven expansion packs produced, with expansions adding new items, characters, skins, and features. The game has had several subsequent sequels; The Sims 2, The Sims 3 and The Sims 4.