Electronic Arts (EA) has announced that over 100 million copies of computer game The Sims have been sold worldwide.

Since the first version of the game was released in 2000, the franchise has expanded to be sold in 60 countries and in 22 languages.

Rod Humble, head of studio for The Sims label, announced: "We want to thank players of The Sims everywhere for making The Sims such a worldwide phenomenon."

The on-line Sims community generates 4.3 million unique visitors each month who have downloaded over 70 million user-generated creations, claim EA. Players worldwide have created characters, built homes and explored relationships in the game.

"From building houses and relationships, from the first kiss to a toddler’s first step, from kitchen fires and even visits from ghosts, players have told more than 100 million unique and fun stories", added Mr Humble.

The official website for the game recently reported Norwegian band Datarock had re-recorded a version of their song Fa-Fa-Fa into Simlish, the language which the characters created in The Sims speak in-game.