(RUMOR) EA's The Island is a massively open world encompassing 600 square miles of fictional island landscape all connected by several EA Franchises. (RUMOR)

I would like to warn you before reading this that EA has not owned up to anything at the moment and our source has removed the press release. Besides this news possibly being fake it does sound like a great idea, a really great idea by EA standards. Well on to the press release.

Press Release-
REDWOOD CITY, Calif. � September 18, 2006 � To commemorate the launch of the next generation of console and PC hardware, Electronic Arts (Nasdaq: ERTS) is pleased to announce the launch of a new lineup of interactive titles for all next generation gaming platforms.

The Island is a massively open world encompassing 600 square miles of fictional island landscape. The island has different regions with various topologies and weather conditions, ranging from sunny beaches to snowy mountain passes. Published under the EA GAMES brand, The Island is a lineup of games that can be played in conjunction with each other, fully contained within this single massively open world. EA will be launching three of these games on November 14, 2006 with future titles to be announced in 2007.

In Need for Speed: The Island you will take to the streets of The Island in a variety of licensed vehicles from classic muscle cars to futuristic concept cars. In addition to racing against the clock, 15 computer-controlled opponents, or up to seven human opponents in network play, you can also free roam on over 1000 miles of open road, complete with AI traffic and human traffic in online mode.

In The Sims: The Island you can choose to raise your family of Sims in the majestic mountains, on the casual coast, or in a bustling city on The Island. The Sims will feature an offline story mode, offline free play mode, and online free play mode. In addition, The Sims story mode can be played co-operatively in split screen or online.

In Theme Park: The Island you get to create and operate your very own theme park on The Island. Design and build rides and attractions, hire employees and concession vendors, set prices and plan special events. In offline mode you can hire your own Sims and they can visit your theme park. In online mode you can allow your friends to do the same.

Need for Speed: The Island and The Sims: The Island will be available on the XBox 360, Playstation 3, Nintendo Wii, and PC platforms, and Theme Park: The Island will be available on the PC this November.