The Sims Social is one of the most widely played games on Facebook but also one of the buggiest, probably because its developers hadn't anticipated such an instantaneous rise in popularity. Here's how to report a problem when you run into one (and you will almost certainly run into one at some point):-

Step 1: As soon as the glitch appears, take a screenshot! This is one of the most helpful things you can include in a bug report, so do this before anything else.

• DO take a shot that shows the error clearly.
• DON'T include any personal information--neither yours nor your friends'. This includes names, display pictures, etc. The tech team will be able to pinpoint your account without any of that, so respect your and your friends' privacy. (Note the erased display picture.)
• All you need to take a screenshot is the 'Print Screen' (or ALT+Print Scrn) key* on your keyboard and any simple graphics software such as MS Paint.

Step 2: From the menu bar at the top of the game, click the 'Help' button. This will take you to the Main forum for TSS.



Step 3: If you wish, you can look around and see if anyone else already reported/solved the problem you're facing. (For that you'll need to log in to the forum--separate registration required.) To continue with sending the bug report, click 'Support' which will take you to the Support forum.

Step 4: Welcome to the support forum; has your question already been asked? You will see a list of issues the team is currently working on or has resolved. If you still have a problem, it's time to log in to the support forum.

Step 5: If you already have an account here or on EA.com, log in. If you don't have an account (I'm assuming you don't) click 'I need to create a new account'. Even if you hate registering, this is necessary before you can report a bug, and also useful if you intend to play TSS regularly.


Step 6: Choose the option that suits you most--Connect to Facebook, or PSN (PlayStation Network), or create an account from scratch. This account will also be valid for EA.com and Origin.

Step 7: Finally! Head back to the Support forum (http://help.social.ea.com/app/home/skin/playfish) and log in. Click 'Contact us' under 'Support Links'. This should open up the contact form.

• Your summary should be a short but comprehensive one-line description that immediately gives the reader an idea of the exact problem you're facing. (Eg:"Error 3000:Game keeps reloading")
• In describing your issue, think like a support person: When did the error occur? What actions 'triggered' or led up to it? Did the error repeat itself? Did any basic remedies (updating Flash, reloading the page, etc) work? If you have access to another account for eg, a sibling's, are they experiencing the same glitch? (If they are, it might be a game-wide glitch the team is already working on.)
• Additional information it's a good idea include: platform (where you play TSS); your browser and its version; Flash version; cookies enabled/disabled.
• Remember to keep your detailed description as brief and precise as possible. If additional information is needed, you will be asked for it later on. (You will NEVER be asked for your password or other such sensitive information, though, so be wary of any email asking for that.)
• You'll be taken to a confirmation page when you're report's successfully sent. (Keep this in mind in case you doubt your net connection, or click the button and nothing happens.)
• You will receive an acknowledgement receipt from EA as soon as your report reaches them. You'll also hear from their support team within 24 hours. If your problem still isn't solved by then, you'll have a limited time period (7 days) in which to respond to their email, so don't forget to check your inbox.

Fill it, send it, you're done!

Next time, all you have to do is log back into the forum and you'll be able to check up on questions you've asked, your notifications, and of course, contact the support team again if you need to.

Good luck, and happy simming! :)


*Keyboard commands are different for Mac users.