EA Sees a Blockbuster in Spore

Video-games publisher Electronic Arts (ERTS Quote) has lofty expectations for Spore when the long-awaited game is released on Sept. 7.

The Redwood City, Calif. company hopes Spore will become the next Sims, the franchise that has sold more than 98 million copies worldwide since its launch in 2000 and has become so successful that it's one of the company's four business units.

Designed by Sims creator Will Wright, Spore has been in the works for nearly three years. Last May, EA decided to delay its release during the holiday season last year by nearly 12 months to allow more time for development. ...