the cutting room mirror

Bild Interactive Build

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This is a sub-page of Development:The Sims (Windows).

TS1_bildbuildversion.png This sub-page documents the resources pertaining to a build of the base The Sims specifically designed for the German locale.

What makes it special is that its files' date of being last modified is February 14th, 2000 (1 month and 11 days after the first US build's compilation), as well as the fact it is published under the Bild Interactive license, which is a division of Bild, an extravagant real-life German tabloid.

In functional terms, it stands out as a modified European localization, sporting the same repertoire of differences as the regular non-US version, plus a fair deal of remnant bits and pieces that no other tabloid has...

(Source: LUCPIX)

Early Builds Oddities#

Early Strings#

This build has a curious quirk: development-related subfolders have been inadvertently preserved within its "GameData" directory. Their "cst" files contain in-game text from slightly older builds, likely dating back to late 1999, possibly even September of that year. This speculation is based on the presence of early text strings that were prominently used in builds from that period, specifically one referencing CREATE A CHARACTER, the early name for the Sim creating mode. The content of these files ranges from internal developer jokes to unpolished early text strings, often mentioning game features that were ultimately absent from the final product.

Context: Splash Screen#

#151#NghbBtnTips.cst

UIText.iff (Final)

The Sims is (c) 1999 by Maxis/Electronic Arts.  All Rights Reserved.
©2000 Electronic Arts.  All Rights Reserved.

Context: Motives#

#130#Motives.cst

Live.iff (Final)

The refrigerator is the first stop for Sims who want a meal or snack; the kind of food they make depends on the kitchen appliances you give them. Alternatively, they can call for pizza, eat fruit from a tree, or eat a meal prepared by another character.
A refrigerator is the first stop for hungry Sims. The kitchen appliances you buy them affect the quality of the food they prepare. They can also call for pizza if they don't feel like cooking.

The earlier text signals a scrapped ability to pick up fruits from trees; the final game gives players no chances to interact with trees whatsoever. Animations.FAR still contains a few animations remnant of this concept, though.

#130#Motives.cst

Live.iff (Final)

A good night's sleep is the best cure for a sagging energy bar. For a short-term fix, try a nap or cup of coffee.
There is nothing like a good night's sleep to restore a sagging energy bar. For a short-term fix, try a nap on the couch or a hot cup of coffee.
Sims take comfort in sitting, sleeping, or lazing about in a bathtub or hot tub.
Sims need to be comfortable. If there isn't a comfy chair or couch to sit on or a nice hot bath to relax in this need can get mighty low.
Sims have different ideas about what's fun. Serious Sims may be more into watching the fish or reading a book, while playful Sims are more about dancing and playing pool.
Fun is different for everyone. Serious Sims may be more interested in reading a book, while playful Sims are more likely to enjoy some time at the pinball machine.
There are lots of ways to get clean. Neat-freak Sims will take baths and showers, change clothes regularly, and wash their hands often. Sloppy slims may cut a few corners.
A shower or bath is always good for a dirty Sim. Hand washing after messy activities also helps keep hygiene high.
Sims get social by interacting with family members, inviting friends over, or making phone calls.
Sims are social creatures, and they crave social interactions. They can fulfill their social need by interacting with family, friends, and neighbors. The phone is great for inviting people over.

The first text correspond to a development phase when Sims could use the phone to talk with their neighbors, as also observed in leftover strings on the base North American build. This idea was restored with excellence from the Hot Date expansion pack onward.

#130#Motives.cst

Live.iff (Final)

When a Sim's gotta go, there's really only one way to go. Get them to a toilet with all due speed.
When a Sim's gotta go, a Sim's gotta go. And there's really only one way to go--get them to a toilet with all due speed.
Sims like big rooms with lots of windows and pictures. Broken or dirty items bring them down.
Sims like big rooms with lots of light; windows help during the day and lamps are good at night. Decorations and landscaping bring this score up, but broken items, dirty dishes, or trash bring things down.

Context: Personality Traits#

#131#Personality.cst

Live.iff (Final)

Slob
Slob
Okay, so I occasionally leave a pizza box or two lying around. And why should I clean up when everyone else seems so eager to? That doesn't mean I'm a slob, does it??
So I occasionally leave a pizza box or two lying around, and I don't mind the flies buzzing all over. Why clean up when everyone else is willing to do it?
Occasional Cleaner
Occasional Cleaner
When it comes to cleaning up, I have a few basic rules. Flush when you're done, throw away your own junk, take out the trash now and then. Other than that, chill out.
When it comes to cleaning up, I have a few basic rules. I flush when I'm done, throw away my own junk, and take out the trash now and then.
Neat-freak
Neat-Freak
I've never been one of those Sims who can use a dish without washing it or see a mess without scrubbing it. The world would be a better place if there were more Sims like me around
I'm known to wash a dish as soon as I've finished eating. The trashcan's barely full before it's taken out. The paper is recycled as soon as I've finished reading. And the house is always spotless whenever I'm about.
Wallflower
Shy
Not hooked up in gameplay yet.
Being self-conscious and introspective, I don't have a great need to be social. It's hard for me to meet new people and make friends.
Member of the Crowd
Member of the Crowd
Not hooked up in gameplay yet.
I'm a little reserved, and it takes me a while to warm up to new people. You won't see me in the middle of huge crowds at parties, but I won't be sitting quietly in a corner either.
Life of the Party
People Person
Not hooked up in gameplay yet.
I am an extrovert. I love to talk to everyone. I crave social interactions. Basically I'm a social animal.
Couch Potato
Lazy
Tell me one thing that's worse than getting out of bed in the morning. I say you can keep your ambition. Give me a warm couch and a good TV show any day of the week.
Is there anything worse than getting out of bed in the morning? Who needs ambition--a warm couch and a good TV show is all anyone needs.
Easy Going
Laid Back
I don't claim to always be on the go. I've been known to linger a little too long in a nice cozy chair. But I'm not a total slouch either. When the time comes, I can get things done.
Though not always on the go, I am somewhat motivated. Though I tend to linger a little too long in a nice cozy chair, I won't be caught sitting there all day either.
Go Getter
Energetic
Some say I'm a live wire, some say I've got ants my pants... call it what you want. I'm the kind of Sim who gets things done.
Some say I'm a live wire. Some say I have ants in my pants. Either way, it just means that I'm always on the go and anxious to get there.
Bookworm
Serious
I was reading a fascinating book the other day which iterated 9,000 reasons why the common joke is not funny.
Sims who spend their time joking around just irritate me.  Don't they understand that their frivolous folly is meaningless?  So much more fun can be gained by reading a good book.
Amused
Amused
I laugh at good jokes, dance if there are other people on the floor, and play pool if it's not offensive to anybody.
I laugh at good jokes, dance if there are other people on the floor, and like to play games. Generally I like having fun, but I don't go overboard.
Goofball
Life of the Party
Looking for the life of the party? You're looking for me, baby. Sure, I'm a ham. Wait! Did I ever tell you the one about the pig that....
When I'm not telling jokes, I'm laughing at them.  I've never seen a game I didn't want to play. That's why everyone knows the party is always at my house.
Grump
Mean
Know what makes me mad? Sims that say I have a temper. If everything wasn't always broken, or Sims weren't always crossing me, I wouldn't have to blow my stack.
 Everything makes me mad, especially when someone says I have a temper. If everything wasn't always broken, or other Sims weren't always bothering me, I probably wouldn't have to blow my stack so often.
Mostly Laid Back
Easy Going
Some Sims can test my nerves a little, but overall, I'm pretty easy-going.
While some Sims can get on my nerves a little, overall I'm pretty good-natured.
Pollyanna
Compassionate
I like hugs, compliments, and sharing. If we all took the time to acknowledge each other more often, peace and love would thrive.
I like giving hugs and compliments. I love making friends with everyone. If everyone were more like me, the neighborhood would be a nicer place.

Context: Relationships#

#132#Relationships.cst

Live.iff (Final)

Bad Relationship
Enemy
Oh, no. This relationship is in need of some serious repair. Try getting a read on what the selected Sim wants. Jokes? If they don't have a sense of humor, that won't help much. Conversation? If they don't share interests, that won't get them far. Check back periodicaly to see how recent interactions have effected things between them.
The way things are now, I couldn't dislike this Sim much more if I tried. I suppose if I wanted to turn things around, I could try to get a read on what seems to generate a positive response when we interact.
Neutral Relationship
Acquaintance
This relationship isn't stellar. The question is, which way is it headed? Arrows indicate the effect of the most recent interaction between these Sims. Remember: you're only seeing how the selected Sim feels about the pictured Sim.
I don't really know this Sim very well. If I want to get to know them better their astrological sign might reveal some important clues about their personality. It would also help to figure out which conversation topics interest them.
Good Relationship
Warm
This relationship is doing well. A smiley face indicates friendly feelings; a heart indicates romantic feelings. You're only seeing how the selected Sim feels about the pictured Sim. The rest is a guessing game.
Seems like things are going pretty well. If things continue to improve, I should have a new friend.
Sort-of-bad Relationship
This relationship is somwhere between bad & neutral.
Sort-of-good Relationship
This relationship is somwhere between neutral & good.
Good Friend Relationship
This is a good relationship.  These idiots are friends.
Romance Relationship
Heart's Desire
Your Sim loves this person.  But your Sim should be careful.  Love is a sharp-toothed hell hound ready to rip your still-beating heart from your chest.
I adore this Sim. I hope they feel the same way. I'll have to pay attention to how they respond to my advances to determine their true feelings. Could this be true simulated love?

Context: Options#

"Bobo" actually is a lighthearted Maxoid-given nickname for Eric Bowman, The Sims' Graphics Engineer. His notable works in the game include the roof-fading effect in the Neighborhood Menu, when the mouse cursor hovers an occupied house.

#145#optionstrs.cst

UIText.iff (Final)

BoboVision
Interface Effects
About BoboVision
About Interface Effects
Lots of cool UI alpha blending tricks
This option activates many user interface special effects. Turn it off for faster performance.

Context: Create-A-Sim#

#130#DesignCharStrs.cst

UIText.iff (Final)

No Personality!
More Personality!
Are you sure you want to create %s with no personality?
You haven't used all the personality points. Are you really done?
CREATE A CHARACTER
CREATE A SIM
Enter Name:
Enter First Name:

Context: Astrological Signs#

#165#SignPopups.cst

UIText.iff (Final)

About Aries
About Aries
Aries people are a lot like Bobo.
Dynamic and confidant, most Aries never shy away from the opportunity to strike up a conversation with anyone. However, they can be somewhat impulsive and quick-tempered.
About Taurus
About Taurus
Taurus people are bull-headed.
The typical Taurus is strong-willed and determined. That can often mean determined to have a good time.
About Gemini
About Gemini
Gemini people are a lot like 60s rockets.
Youthful and lively, many think Gemini have enough energy for two. Also energized by conversation, it isn't surprising to find them bouncing from one topic to the next at parties.
About Cancer
About Cancer
Cancers are like a disease.
There is nothing extreme about Cancers--they are very balanced. They can also be very changeable which can be good or bad depending on the situation.
About Leo
About Leo
Leos will eat you when you aren't looking.
The ultimate "people" people, Leos are complete extroverts. Unfortunately, this makes them deficient in other areas.
About Virgo
About Virgo
Virgos do it...well, they don't do it at all.
Modest and shy, introverted Virgos take pride in their meticulous and practical approach to life. Unfortunately, these same traits can also result in a very fussy individual.
About Libra
About Libra
Libras a very balanced.
Romantic and charming and incredibly sociable, it's hard not to like a Libra. However, their social pursuits leave them little time for more practical endeavors.
About Scorpio
About Scorpio
Scorpios will sting you.
While somewhat withdrawn from social activities, Scorpios are forceful and determined in more practical pursuits.
About Sagitarius
About Sagitarius
What do I know about Sagitarii?  Not much.
Jovial and carefree Sagittarians are also blessed with boundless energy. Unfortunately, this combination can also make them restless and careless.
About Capricorn
About Capricorn
Very corni.
Armed with a dry wit, Capricorns can often be found telling a good joke. Also being very practical, they strive for order and discipline.
About Aquarius
About Aquarius
This is the age of aquarius.  What more can I say?
Friendly and amusing, Aquarians are excellent companions. Being well balanced in other areas helps to make them one of the most agreeable signs.
About Pisces
About Pisces
There is something fishy about Pisces.
Selfless and kind, Pisces are one of the nicest signs. They're active too. However, this combination can make them emotionally restless and indecisive.

Context: In-game Error#

#153#AppStrings.cst

UIText.iff (Final)

Missing Textures
Missing Textures
The following textures could not be loaded. People may not look right.
The following textures could not be loaded. Sims may not look correct.

Context: OS Error#

#157#ConfigStrings.cst

UIText.iff (Final)

Cannot start game because:

Game cannot be started because:

We can't find DirectX 5, or Service Pack 3 under NT4.

DirectX 7, or Service Pack 3 for NT4, is required. It could not be located.

Fatal Problem!

Fatal Error!

Not a Pentium processor (or eqivalent), or better.

Game requires a Pentium processor (or equivalent), or better. One was not found.

Bit depth isn't set to 16 bpp.

Color must be set to 16 bit (high color).

We don't recognized the OS as NT, Win95, or Win98.

Operating System not recognized. Must be run in Windows 95, 98, or NT.

The screen isn't set big enough (800x600, 1024x768, or bigger).

The screen resolution is too low. Set to 800x600, 1024x768, or higher.

Would you like to exit now before risking a crash?

Exit now.

Context: Build Mode#

Terrain Tool

#128#Terrain.cst

Build.iff (Final)

Raise Terrain
Raise Terrain
Landscape-happy? Click or click and drag to create sloped, terraced, or lumpy lots.
Want to put the hot tub on high ground? Unless there's some elevation to the lot, you'll need this tool to do the work.  And don't worry--the grass will grow back over time.
Lower Terrain
Lower Terrain
Create valleys, pools, moats...whatever strikes you. Click or click and drag to put a dent in the terrain around the cursor.
Create valleys or just remove a bothersome mound in the way of your construction.  The lower terrain tool does what the name implies. And don't worry--the grass will grow back over time.
Level Terrain
Level Terrain
Click and drag to level terrain. All terrain in the rectangular region will be brought to the level of the terrain at the first click. Most large objects need to be placed on level terrain.
This tool lets you flatten out the terrain. Most large objects need to be placed on level terrain. And don't worry--the grass will grow back over time.
Wall Tool

#129#Wall.cst

Build.iff (Final)

Wall Tool
Wall Tool
Click and drag to place walls. Shift-click to drag out a rectangle. Ctrl-click to delete.
This is where it all begins. Without this tool, you don't have a house, you have a bunch of furniture on the lawn.



Construction Tips: Click and drag to place walls. Shift-click and drag to create a rectangle. Ctrl-click and drag to delete. Once you've created a four-walled structure on the first story, you can switch to the second story and continue construction.
White Picket Fence
White Picket Fence
Sims don't care about fences any more than fences care about Sims. But you can use fences to herd Sims around like cattle, if you're so maniacally inclined.
Always dreamed of a house with a white picket fence? Now you can build it for your Sims.



Putting Up Fences: Click and drag to place fences. Shift-click and drag to create a rectangle. Ctrl-click and drag to delete.
Balustrade
Wrought Iron Balustrade
Balustrades: they're pretty, and they keep Sims from walking off the edges of balconies and stairs. (Really, Sims aren't that dumb, but balustrades are pretty all the same.)
Balustrades: They're pretty, and they keep Sims from walking off the edges of balconies and stairs. (Really, Sims aren't that dumb, but balustrades are pretty all the same.)



Building Balustrades: Click and drag to place balustrades. Shift-click and drag to create a rectangle. Ctrl-click and drag to delete.
Prison Fence
Privacy Fence
Prison Fences keep everybody in line.  Violators will be prosiletuted.
They're eight feet high and designed to keep your Sims' backyard activities away from the prying eyes of passers-by.





Putting Up Fences: Click and drag to place fences. Shift-click and drag to create a rectangle. Ctrl-click and drag to delete.
Floor Tool

#130#Floor.cst

Build.iff (Final)

Floors can be applied to flat terrain on the 1st floor and to supported tiles (those within one tile of a wall, room, or column) on the 2nd floor. Shift-click fills an entire room. Control-click erases flooring. Shift-Control-click erases an entire room's floor.
Decorating Tips: Click to place a single floor tile; click and drag to create a rectangle. Shift-click fills an entire room with the selected flooring type. Control-click erases flooring. Shift-Control-click erases an entire room's floor.
Hand Tool

#132#Hand.cst

Build.iff (Final)

Move tool
Hand Tool
Click and drag to apply wall covering. Shift-click covers the whole wall. Ctrl-click erases. Ctrl-Shift-click erases the whole wall.
Want to move things around a bit. Objects that can be selected with the Hand Tool will highlight when the hand is over them.



Remodeling: To move an object: Click and release; click again to place. To rotate an object: Click and drag; the object will rotate around the spot that was clicked. To delete an object: Move an object over the control panel and click.
Pool Tool

#133#Pool.cst

Build.iff (Final)

Pool tool
Pool Tool
Click and drag to place a pool.  Sims need a diving board to get in, and a ladder to get out.  Delete pool using the Ctrl key and the mouse.
No Sim can resist the refreshing fun of splashing in the pool. It's also great exercise. Comes equipped with an auto-cleaning filter, but you do need to add a diving board to get in, and a ladder to get out.



Excavating: Click and drag to place a pool. Ctrl-click to delete.

Directory Differences#

  • GameData subdirectories follow an early hierarchy à la SimShow (a skin-previewing utility publicly released many months prior to the actual game) that has but little similarity to that of normal The Sims versions:

Early/Bild

US Equivalent

Accessories1

style="background-color:#FFFFBF;color:#17191c;--link:#12467a;--newlink:#9c2b26;--dim:#4a4d52"; rowspan=11|Animation

Accessories2

cmx

cmx2

cmx3

cmx4

cmx5

cmx6

cmx7

cmx8

cmx9

Floors

Floors

Global

Global

Lights

Lights

Objects

style="background-color:#FFFFBF;color:#17191c;--link:#12467a;--newlink:#9c2b26;--dim:#4a4d52"; rowspan=3|Objects

People1

People2

Roofs

Roofs

Skins

Skins

Textures

Textures

Textures2

UserObjects

UserObjects

Walls

Walls

  • Resources are not compacted in .FAR folders. Furthermore, files are loosely disposed at Windows Explorer-friendly directories mentioned above. This has two main effects:
    • Some properties of files remain intact. This means players should now be able to know when the .xa (sound effect/vox), .bmp (image), .iff (behavior/object) and .cmx (animation) files were last modified.
    • It takes a considerably longer time to install the game.