EA is talking up its coming launch of The Sims 3 in 2009. The Sims is one of EA’s best selling franchises and the third edition promises a new engine and a seamless, open neighborhood you can explore. EA says the new engine for The Sims 3 has been in development for 3-years.

The initial features announced for the game includes a seamless, open neighborhood, Create A Sim, and realistic personalities along with unlimited customization. The new game will allow your sim to visit any friend or enemy in the entire neighborhood.

You can also explore the entire neighborhood and run into Sims you know as you are out on your explorations. The new game will allow you to focus on both short-term and long-term goals for your Sims. An exact release date hasn’t been announced yet.

Via EA.