EA preparing Simpsons Facebook game

MCV has learnt that EA will release a Facebook game based on The Simpsons franchise this September.

The publisher has a proven track record with the brand, having previously released the likes of The Simpsons Road Rage (2001) and the colourful games parody that was The Simpsons Game (2007).

In addition, EA is also preparing a Facebook version of SimCity which could well rival Zynga’s established Facebook titles such CityVille and Farmville.

It is presumed that both games will be developed by EA-owned studio Playfish.

The move is yet another example of publishers leveraging the strength of their existing IP in the growing social games market. It is also illustrative of the trend to take established IP being "dumbed down" for the casual audience.