The Sims to launch its own reality TV show

The first of four episodes of The Sims Spark’d will debut next week

A new reality series based on the hit game franchise The Sims is set to premiere next week.

Announced with a new trailer, The Sims Spark’d will see 12 contestants compete for $100,000 (£79,000) in money and prizes, along with the title of the “world’s most creative storyteller”.

Players will have to take on challenges to build characters, stories and worlds within The Sims 4. The competition will be judged by Maxis game developer Dave Miotke, BuzzFeed multiplayer YouTube star Kelsey Impicciche and singer-songwriter Tayla Parx.

YouTubers like Doctor Ashley and Xmiramira are among those competing throughout the series’ four-episode run.

The Sims Spark’d will be hosted by former American Idol contestant Rayvon Owen, and will premiere in the US on 17 July on TBS. It is not yet known where, or if, the series will be broadcast in the UK.

Since its first entry was released over 20 years ago, The Sims has become one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time. Part of the “life simulator” genre, the games allow players to design cartoon people (or “sims”) and play god with their day-to-day lives.

“Since its inception, The Sims has been a groundbreaking experience, allowing players to create and virtually live out the stories they create in-game,” said Lyndsay Pearson, The Sims’ general manager.

“That’s also why this show is so exciting. We’re continuing that innovative spirit, bringing our community together to compete and showcase their in-game storytelling on a reality show in an entirely new way.”