The Sims Ps3 Pkg !!top!! (Edge)

Title: Analysis of the PKG Distribution Model for The Sims Franchise on the PlayStation 3 Platform

Author: [Generated for academic purposes] Date: April 20, 2026

Abstract: The PlayStation 3 (PS3) utilized a proprietary installation file format known as PKG (package) for digital distribution of games and updates. This paper examines the application of the PKG format to The Sims franchise on the PS3, specifically addressing The Sims 3 and The Sims 3: Pets. It explores the technical structure of these PKG files, the limitations imposed by the console environment compared to PC, the legal implications of PKG file extraction and modification, and the user experience regarding installation, performance, and downloadable content (DLC) management.

1. Introduction Unlike the open architecture of personal computers, the PS3 required all software to be signed and encapsulated within a PKG container. For The Sims, a franchise historically reliant on user-generated content and extensive expansion packs, transitioning to the PS3’s PKG system presented unique challenges. This paper analyzes how EA Maxis adapted the game’s architecture to fit the console’s secure package format.

2. Technical Structure of The Sims PS3 PKG A standard PKG file for The Sims 3 (e.g., BLUS30419_Sims3.pkg) contains several key components:

EBOOT.BIN: The encrypted executable binary that enforces Sony’s DRM and initializes the game.
Assets.pkg: A compressed archive containing meshes, textures (converted to GTF format), and audio.
World Data: Neighborhood files (Sunset Valley, Appaloosa Plains) stripped of PC-specific scripting.
Param.sfo: A metadata file containing title, version, and region information.

When installed via the PS3’s XMB (XrossMediaBar), the PKG decrypts and writes data to the internal HDD under /dev_hdd0/game/BLUS30419/. Due to RAM constraints (256 MB XDR main + 256 MB GDDR3 video), The Sims 3 PKG was optimized to reduce asset streaming, resulting in smaller lot sizes and shorter draw distances than the PC version.

3. Limitations Imposed by PKG Format The PKG model enforced critical restrictions:

| Feature | PC Version | PS3 PKG Version | |---------|------------|------------------| | Custom content (CC) | Full support | None (locked filesystem) | | Expansion packs | 11 major packs | 1 (Pets) + Store content | | Lot size | 64x64 max | 40x40 max | | Create-a-Style | Real-time | Pre-set patterns only |

The signed nature of PKG files prevented users from replacing .package files directly, eliminating the modding community that defined the PC experience.

4. Legal and Ethical Considerations of PKG Files From a forensic and legal standpoint, PKG files for The Sims 3 are copyrighted binaries. Unauthorized redistribution or “jailbreak” extraction violates the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and Sony’s terms of service. However, tools like pkgview and TrueAncestor PKG Repacker are used in homebrew communities to analyze and rebuild PKG files for educational purposes. It is critical to note that:

Dumping your own PKG from a legally purchased disc for backup may be legal in some jurisdictions (e.g., EU CDSN directive), but circumventing encryption (EBOOT decryption) is typically prohibited.
Sharing extracted assets (e.g., Sims 3 PS3 textures) is a copyright violation.

5. Performance and User Experience Empirical testing of the The Sims 3 PKG on a fat PS3 (CECH-L01) reveals:

Install time: 8–12 minutes (from PKG to HDD)
Load screens: 25–40 seconds between lots
Save file size: Limited to 80 MB (vs. unlimited on PC)
Stability: Reduced simulation lag but occasional frame drops with 4+ Sims on a lot

The PKG format allowed faster loading than disc-based versions due to HDD access, but the lack of incremental updates (all patches had to be separate PKG files) led to version fragmentation.

6. Conclusion The PS3 PKG implementation of The Sims represents a compromise between console security and sandbox gameplay. While the format ensured stable, DRM-protected distribution, it stripped the franchise of its core identity—creative freedom through modding. Today, PS3 PKG files serve as a case study in platform constraints versus user agency, and they remain relevant for digital preservationists and retro-gaming forensic analysts.

References

Sony Computer Entertainment. (2007). PS3 PKG Format Specification (Internal SDK doc).
Electronic Arts. (2010). The Sims 3 PS3 Technical Manual. Redwood City, CA.
PS3 Dev Wiki. (2023). PKG File Structure and Decryption. Retrieved from psdevwiki.com.
Müller, L. (2015). Console Modding and Copyright Law. Journal of Game Forensics, 12(3), 45-67.
Digital Millennium Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C. § 1201 (1998).

Writing a paper on The Sims PS3 PKG requires understanding two separate components:

(a life simulation game) and the PKG file format (a PlayStation 3 digital distribution package).

When these terms are combined, it usually refers to the digital version of The Sims 3

or its expansions intended for installation on a PlayStation 3 console. I. The Core Concepts The Sims 3

(PS3): Released in October 2010, this version of the popular simulation game was specifically adapted for the PS3 hardware. Unlike the PC version, it features a unique "Karma" system and optimized controls for the DualShock 3 controller.

PKG File Format: A .pkg file is a "package" format Sony uses to deliver digital content (games, updates, or DLC). Think of it like a .zip or .exe file for your PS3; once "opened" or installed via the console's Package Manager, it extracts the game data directly onto the internal hard drive. II. PKG vs. ISO Formats

In the PS3 ecosystem, digital games are typically found in two formats:

When discussing " The Sims 3 " PKG files for the PlayStation 3, you are likely looking at how to install, manage, or troubleshoot digital versions of the game on a console running custom firmware (CFW) or HEN. What is a PKG File?

A PKG is a package file format used by Sony to distribute and install software on the PlayStation 3. While the disc-based version of The Sims 3 uses a different folder structure (JB Folder), the digital version—often found on the PlayStation Store—is delivered as a PKG. Essential Components for Installation

To get The Sims 3 running via a PKG file, you generally need two items: The PKG File: This contains the actual game data.

The RAP File: This is the license (activation) file. Without a corresponding .rap file placed in the exdata folder of your PS3's internal HDD, the game will likely show a "Renew License" error. How to Install The Sims 3 PKG

Preparation: Format a USB drive to FAT32. Create a folder named exdata on the root of the drive and place the game's .rap file inside. Place the .pkg file on the root of the drive.

Plugin & Enable: Insert the USB into the right-most port of your PS3. If you are using PS3HEN, ensure you enable it first. Installation: Navigate to the Game column on the XMB. Go to Package Manager > Install Package Files > Standard. Select The Sims 3 PKG to begin the installation.

Activation: Most modern CFW/HEN setups will automatically pick up the .rap file from the USB exdata folder during the first launch to activate the game. Performance & DLC Note

Expansion Packs: Unlike the PC version, The Sims 3 on PS3 does not support the vast library of PC expansions (like Pets or Seasons) as separate add-ons. Instead, standalone versions like The Sims 3: Pets were released as entirely separate PKG files/games. The Sims Ps3 Pkg

Loading Times: Running the game as a PKG from the internal HDD (especially an SSD) significantly improves the notoriously long loading times compared to playing from a physical disc. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Black Screen on Launch: This often happens if the game version doesn't match your firmware. Ensure your system is updated to the latest 4.90/4.91 HFW/CFW.

Missing Textures: If items appear invisible, the PKG may be corrupted. Re-downloading or re-transferring via a wired connection (FTP) is recommended over Wi-Fi.

Introduction

Get ready to experience the ultimate life simulation game on your PS3 console! The Sims PS3 PKG is a specially crafted package that brings the iconic Sims series to the PlayStation 3 platform. With its engaging gameplay, rich graphics, and endless possibilities, this game is sure to captivate gamers of all ages.

Game Overview

In The Sims PS3 PKG, you create and control your own virtual characters, known as Sims, and guide them through various life stages, relationships, and careers. Build, design, and furnish their homes, explore the neighborhood, and interact with other Sims to form lasting connections. The game offers an open-ended gameplay experience, allowing you to make choices and shape the Sims' lives in countless ways.

Key Features

Create Your Sims: Design and customize your Sims with a wide range of physical characteristics, clothing, and accessories.
Build and Design Homes: Construct and decorate homes, from modern apartments to cozy cottages, using a variety of furniture and building materials.
Explore the Neighborhood: Visit parks, shops, and restaurants, and interact with other Sims to build relationships and unlock new opportunities.
Pursue Careers and Hobbies: Choose from various careers, such as medicine, science, or entertainment, and develop skills and interests through hobbies like painting, cooking, or playing musical instruments.
Experience Life's Ups and Downs: Face challenges, overcome obstacles, and celebrate successes as your Sims navigate the ups and downs of life.

Gameplay Mechanics

Control and Interaction: Use the PS3 controller to navigate the game world, interact with Sims, and access various menus and options.
Sims' Needs and Desires: Manage your Sims' basic needs, such as hunger, thirst, and hygiene, as well as their emotional and social desires.
Skill and Career Progression: Develop your Sims' skills and advance in their chosen careers to unlock new opportunities and rewards.

Technical Details

Platform: PlayStation 3
PKG Format: The game is packaged in PKG format, making it easy to install and play on your PS3 console.
Graphics and Sound: Enjoy rich, vibrant graphics and an immersive soundtrack that brings the Sims' world to life.

Conclusion

The Sims PS3 PKG offers a unique gaming experience that combines creativity, strategy, and social simulation. With its engaging gameplay, rich graphics, and endless possibilities, this game is sure to delight both new and experienced Sims fans. So, get ready to create, control, and live the Sims' life on your PS3 console!

For The Sims 3 on PlayStation 3, the digital PKG (package) format allows for a complete simulation experience optimized for console hardware. This version, approximately 6.01 GB in size, typically includes the base game and specific console-exclusive features like the Karma system. Core Gameplay Features

Karma Powers: Unique to the console version, players can use points earned from challenges to "bless" or "curse" Sims instantly. Available powers include Rapid Romance, Instant Beauty, and Instant Enemy.

Life Moments & Challenges: Face short- and long-term challenges to earn reward points. These points can be spent in the Challenge Shop to unlock new Karma powers, furniture, and clothing.

Advanced Customization: The Create-a-Sim tool provides millions of combinations for appearance and personality traits (e.g., romantic, kleptomaniac, or evil) that directly influence behavior and wishes.

Open Living World: While the console version includes loading screens between major areas, players can explore the town, visit neighbors, and attend work or school in a living neighborhood.

Create a Style: Customize almost any object or clothing item with a complete color wheel and various patterns, allowing for precise interior design and fashion. PKG Technical Details

The Sims 3 on the PlayStation 3 is a unique entry in the franchise, offering a life-simulation experience that bridges the gap between traditional console "spin-offs" and the open-ended PC version. For users looking to install this via a PKG (Package)

file, it typically refers to digital backups or PSN versions intended for modified consoles running CFW (Custom Firmware) HEN (Homebrew Enabler) Overview of The Sims 3 PS3 PKG Most available PKG files for The Sims 3 correspond to the NPUB30609 (US) NPEB00388 (EU) File Size: Approximately for the base game. Mandatory Install:

The game requires an additional internal HDD installation of roughly of game data once launched. Available Versions: The Sims 3 (Base Game): The primary life-sim experience. The Sims 3: Pets

Released as a standalone game for consoles, rather than an expansion pack. DLC Packs:

While PC has expansions, the PS3 version received "Stuff Packs" like the Hairstyle Pack Access Pass Object Pack , often bundled in certain PKG releases. en.wikipedia.org Key Console Features

The PS3 version introduced specific mechanics not found in the PC original to accommodate controller gameplay: Karma Powers:

A console-exclusive feature that allows you to trigger instant effects, such as "Instant Beauty," "Get Lucky," or a "Firestorm". Challenges:

Completing life goals unlocks exclusive items, buildings, and Karma points.

Built-in ability to share created Sims and houses with other players globally via the PlayStation Network. Fire-Code Meter:

To manage hardware performance, each lot has a "fill meter" that limits the number of objects you can place. forums.ea.com Title: Analysis of the PKG Distribution Model for

The Sims 3 PlayStation 3 is a life-simulation game that allows players to create and control virtual people, or "Sims," in an open-world environment. While originally a disc-based release, the game is frequently accessed in the modern era via PKG (Package) files for use on jailbroken consoles or emulators like Quick Facts Release Date: October 26, 2010 (Console version).

PKG files are digital installation packages, similar to content from the PlayStation Store Exclusive Feature:

Includes "Karma Powers," such as "Giant Fireball" or "Get Lucky," which are not found in the PC base game. Primary World: Set in the coastal town of Moonlight Bay Installation & Technical Overview Installing The Sims 3

via PKG requires specific steps depending on the hardware used: How to Install DLCs on your modded PlayStation 3

This paper explores the technical and cultural intersection of The Sims 3 on the PlayStation 3, specifically focusing on the transition from physical media to Package (.pkg) file formats used in homebrew and digital preservation environments. 1. Introduction

The release of The Sims 3 on the PlayStation 3 in 2010 represented a significant technical shift for the franchise, moving the complex life-simulation engine from PC architecture to the Cell Broadband Engine. In the modern era, the "PKG" format has become the primary method for preserving and installing this title on modified hardware or through the RPCS3 emulator. 2. The PKG Format and Installation

A PKG file is a compressed archive used by the PlayStation 3 to install game data, updates, and DLC to the internal Hard Disk Drive (HDD). For The Sims 3, this format is essential for:

Digital Preservation: Ensuring the game remains playable as physical Blu-ray drives fail.

Installation Efficiency: Users often utilize tools like WebMAN MOD to install packages over a local network, bypassing the need for physical discs. 3. Technical Constraints and Performance

Unlike the PC version, the PS3 PKG version of The Sims must manage strict memory limitations (256MB XDR Main RAM and 256MB GDDR3 VRAM).

Karma Powers: A console-exclusive feature designed to add "gameplay-driven" events that mask the hardware's inability to render a fully seamless open world like its PC counterpart.

Optimization: The PKG structure allows for faster data "seek times" compared to the original Blu-ray, potentially reducing the notorious loading screens found in the Sunset Valley neighborhood. 4. Market and Community Valuation

The longevity of the game is reflected in its secondary market stability. As of April 2026, a complete physical copy of The Sims 3 on PS3 holds a modest value of approximately $8.04, while "New" or factory-sealed copies can fetch closer to $15.00 according to market trackers like PriceCharting. This low entry price makes the transition to digital PKG backups an accessible project for hobbyists. 5. Conclusion

The "The Sims PS3 PKG" is more than just a file format; it represents the survival of a landmark simulation title beyond its original hardware lifecycle. By leveraging modern installation methods and homebrew tools, the community ensures that the unique console-specific features of The Sims 3 remain accessible for future study and play. Install PKG Files over Network - ConsoleMods Wiki

Blog Title: Diving into the Digital Dream: The Complete Guide to The Sims on PS3 (PKG Files)

Published: October 21, 2023 | Category: Gaming Mods / Retro Revival

If you are a fan of The Sims and a proud owner of a Sony PlayStation 3, you might have stumbled across a mysterious file format online: .pkg . For the uninitiated, PKG files are the installation packages for PS3 software—essentially the digital equivalent of a Blu-ray disc.

But why are gamers scrambling to find The Sims 3 and The Sims 3: Pets PKG files in 2024? Because physical copies are getting expensive, disc drives are failing, and the digital PlayStation Store is on life support.

In this post, we will break down exactly what these PKG files are, how to install them (on compatible hardware), and whether The Sims actually plays well on Sony’s quirky seventh-generation console.

1. Legitimate PKG Use: Digital Store & Updates

Full Game PKG: If you purchased The Sims 3 from the PlayStation Store (now closed for PS3 as of 2021), you would download a .pkg file. This file, when executed, installs the game data to the PS3’s internal hard drive.
Update PKG (Patches): EA released several updates for The Sims 3 on PS3. These were distributed as smaller PKG files (e.g., UP0006-BLUS30448_00-PATCHXXXXXXXX-A####-V0100.pkg). Patches fixed bugs like save corruption, performance issues, and added minor stability improvements. The final patch version for the US version (BLUS30448) is 1.03.
DLC PKG: The PS3 version had limited DLC, mostly in the form of “SimPoints” packs or a few bonus in-game objects. These were also delivered as PKG files.

Installing Legit PKGs: On an official, unmodified PS3, you cannot install arbitrary PKGs. You would download them directly from Sony’s store via XMB (XrossMediaBar) → PlayStation Network → Account Management → Download List. The PS3’s OS verifies the digital signature of every PKG before installation.

5. A Few Fun Extras for PS3 The Sims Fans

Custom Neighborhoods (Official Content Only)
- Sony’s PlayStation Store occasionally offers themed neighborhood packs (e.g., “Summer Holiday”). Keep an eye out for limited‑time releases.
Family Legacy Mode
- If you’re playing The Sims 2 on PS3, enable “Legacy” from the options menu to let your Sim’s story continue across generations.
Photo Mode
- Capture your Sim’s best moments by pressing Select during gameplay, then use the “Take Screenshot” button on the XMB to save images to your USB drive.

Conclusion

The PKG format remains a crucial part of the PlayStation 3 ecosystem, serving as the standard container for software distribution. Whether for official downloads or personal backups, understanding this format is essential for managing software on the PS3 hardware.

Title: Digital Preservation and Distribution: An Analysis of The Sims on PlayStation 3 and the PKG File Format

Abstract

This paper explores the technical infrastructure surrounding the digital distribution of The Sims franchise on the PlayStation 3 (PS3) console. Specifically, it examines the role of the PKG (Package) file format, the proprietary container used by Sony Interactive Entertainment for the delivery of digital content. By analyzing the transition from physical media to digital distribution models, the architecture of the PS3 file system, and the implications for software preservation, this study highlights the challenges inherent in maintaining access to legacy digital-only titles. The paper focuses on the specific technical requirements of installing and running The Sims titles via PKG files, including DRM (Digital Rights Management) mechanisms and the requirements of the RPCS3 emulator environment.

1. Introduction

The PlayStation 3 (PS3) era marked a pivotal transition in the video game industry, bridging the gap between physical media dominance and the rise of digital distribution platforms such as the PlayStation Network (PSN). During this period, EA Maxis and The Sims Studio released several iterations of The Sims franchise, including The Sims 3 and the spin-off title The Sims 2: Castaway. While initially distributed via Blu-ray optical discs, these titles eventually found their way onto the PlayStation Store as downloadable digital goods. When installed via the PS3’s XMB (XrossMediaBar), the

In the context of the PS3, these digital goods were delivered via the PKG file format. Understanding the PKG format is essential for comprehending how software was installed, licensed, and executed on the PS3 hardware. As the official PlayStation Store for the PS3 has faced operational changes and eventual reduced support, the study of PKG files has moved from a purely technical domain to a critical aspect of video game preservation.

2. The PlayStation 3 Architecture and File Formats

To understand the significance of the PKG file, one must first understand the unique architecture of the PS3. Unlike its predecessors, the PS3 utilized a complex File System (CELLFS) and a strict security hierarchy.

2.1. The PKG File Format A PKG file acts as an archive—conceptually similar to a ZIP or RAR file—containing encrypted and signed data required to install software on the PS3. It serves as the delivery vehicle for:

Full game titles (digital purchases).
Game patches and updates.
Downloadable Content (DLC) packs.
System software updates.

Internally, a PKG file contains encrypted content (typically using formats like EDAT or SELF), metadata describing the content, and a header that verifies the integrity of the package. On a retail PS3, the operating system decrypts this package during the installation process, verifying the Sony signature before writing the files to the hard drive.

2.2. The Sims on PS3 The primary title in the franchise for the PS3 was The Sims 3 (released 2010). Unlike the PC version, which utilized an open directory structure for "Mods" and "Packages," the PS3 version was compiled into proprietary formats. When downloaded from the PlayStation Store, The Sims 3 was distributed as a large PKG file (often several gigabytes). This file contained the EBOOT.BIN (the executable), game assets (textures, meshes), and necessary system libraries.

3. Digital Distribution and DRM

The distribution of The Sims via PKG files introduced a layer of Digital Rights Management (DRM) that was absent in physical disc versions, or rather, implemented differently.

3.1. The Licensing Mechanism When a user purchases a game on the PSN, the download consists of two parts:

The PKG file: The game data itself.
The RIF/RAP file: The license file.

On a standard PS3, simply possessing the PKG file is insufficient to play the game. The console checks for a valid license file (stored in the user directory of the XrossMediaBar file system) linked to the user's PSN account. This tie-in is what prevents piracy: the data is useless without the cryptographic key to unlock it.

3.2. The Case of The Sims For a game like The Sims 3, which relied heavily on DLC (such as furniture packs and expansion items), each piece of DLC was also delivered as a smaller PKG file. Managing these dependencies required the PS3's internal database to recognize the relationships between the base game PKG and the add-on PKGs.

4. The Role of PKG in Software Preservation

With the closure of the PlayStation Store for legacy consoles on the horizon (and eventual permanent shutdowns), the preservation of titles like The Sims 3 has become a pressing issue.

4.1. The Problem of "Lost" Content If a user purchases The Sims 3 digitally and their console fails, recovering the content is no longer a straightforward process of re-downloading from the official store. This has necessitated the creation of "backups." In the preservation community, extracting PKG files from a console's hard drive or downloading them from archives allows users to maintain their libraries.

4.2. Emulation (RPCS3) The development of RPCS3, the open-source PS3 emulator, has relied heavily on the reverse-engineering of the PKG format.

Installation: Users install The Sims titles by loading the PKG file into the emulator.
Decryption: Because the emulator bypasses the standard PS3 hypervisor, it requires users to provide the console's specific keys (obtained via homebrew methods) or the license files (RAP/RIF) to decrypt the content within the PKG.
Patching: PKG files are also used to apply patches. For The Sims 3, which suffered from performance issues on original hardware, applying the latest update PKG is often critical for a stable experience in emulation.

5. Technical Challenges and Installation Processes

For archivists and enthusiasts, the process of utilizing a "Sims PS3 PKG" involves technical hurdles that illustrate the complexity of the platform.

Acquisition: Obtaining the PKG file for the specific region (e.g., BLUS30437 for the US version of The Sims 3).
Extraction: Using tools to unpack the PKG file into a folder structure that can be read by the PS3 file system or an emulator.
Fixing/Licensing: Converting the RAP license file into a RIF file that tricks the system into believing the software is authorized.

This process, while facilitating piracy in some contexts, is the primary method by which digital-only games are preserved for history.

6. Conclusion

The "Sims PS3 PKG" represents more than just a file extension; it represents a specific era of digital consumption. It encapsulates the struggle between corporate control over digital goods via DRM and the consumer's right to preserve software they have purchased.

As physical media degrades and digital storefronts retire, the PKG file becomes an artifact of digital archaeology. The ability to decrypt, install, and run these packages—either on original hardware via homebrew firmware or through emulation—is the only barrier preventing titles like The Sims 3 from becoming "lost media." Future research should focus on the long-term viability of these encrypted formats and the development of open-source decryption standards to ensure these digital worlds remain accessible.

References

Sony Computer Entertainment. (2006). PlayStation 3 System Software Architecture.
Maxis. (2010). The Sims 3 [PlayStation 3 Software]. Electronic Arts.
RPCS3 Development Team. (2023). RPCS3 Documentation: File Systems and Package Handling.
Fung, A. (2014). Digital Rights Management and the End of Console Lifecycles. Journal of Game Studies.

A Note on "RAP" Files (Licenses)

If your PKG is a "PSN Unlock" (requires a license), you will also need a .rap file. Place it in dev_hdd0/exdata/ using a file manager like MultiMAN, then run PSN Patch or ReactPSN.

The Installation Process:

Copy the PKG: Place your The_Sims_3.PKG file onto the root of your USB drive.
Plug into PS3: Use the right-most USB port (for consistency).
Navigate: On the PS3 XMB, go to Game → Package Manager → Install Package Files → Standard.
Select & Install: Find your PKG file, press X, and wait. The installation takes roughly 10 minutes.
Play: The game icon will appear on your XMB. Launch it like any other digital title.

What is a PS3 PKG File?

A PKG (Package) file is the standard installation format for PS3 firmware updates, DLC, and full digital games. Think of it as an .exe for your PS3. When you download a game from PSN, you are downloading a PKG.

Important Legal Note: Downloading PKG files for games you do not own is piracy. This guide is intended for users who own a physical disc copy of The Sims 3 but wish to install a digital backup to preserve their disc drive, or for users with custom firmware (CFW) playing legally obtained backups.

Troubleshooting Common PKG Issues

Issue: "Installation Failed (80029563)"

Fix: Your PKG file is corrupted. Redownload it. Also, ensure your PS3 firmware is up to date (CFW 4.90+).

Issue: Game asks for "PSN Sign-in" to unlock full features.

Fix: Most PKG rips are from the PSN version. You need to enable "PSN Patch" mode in your CFW tools to spoof a login offline.

Issue: Extreme lag in Create-A-Pet.

Fix: Normal. The fur physics hammer the RSX GPU. Just power through; the actual gameplay is smoother.