Electronic Arts received some heavy criticism for using digital rights management software for Spore. The SecuROM software made it so that the game could only be authenticated up to a total of three times, which was later raised to five.

In response to all of the negative feedback, EA has decided to stick to the old fashioned key code authentication system for the Sims 3.

“To play the game there will not be any online authentication needed,” said executive producer Rod Humble. “We feel like this is a good, time-proven solution that makes it easy for you to play the game without DRM methods that feel overly invasive or leave you concerned about authorisation server access in the distant future.”

The Sims 3 will be out June 2, 2009 in North America, and June 5, 2009 in Europe and Australia. It will be available for the PC, Mac OS X, iPhone, and other mobile devices.

Read (Eurogamer)

It looks as if Apple is serious about breaking into the portable gaming market as EA has recently announced that, along with the yet to be released portable Spore, the iPhone and iPod Touch will be getting versions of The Sims 3 and SimCity.

What does this mean for Sony and Nintendo? Probably nothing yet.

But, with other titles from EA such as Yahtzee Adventures, EA Mini Golf, Mahjong, Monopoly: Here & Now The World Edition, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09, Need for Speed Undercover and, Lemonade Tycoon also coming to Apple’s handhelds, there may be reason for the companies to worry in the near future.