So, on the theory that it’s good to get opinions in print from a source other than Ziff Davis, and I enjoy that other Future magazine, I’ve been cultivating a PC Gamer subscription. I haven’t been overly impressed, and December’s issue really doesn’t help.

You know it’s going to be a great issue when one of the cover blurbs is “Hilary Duff Goes Wild (For Sims 2 Pets)”. Amid their coverage of the newest EA ‘IT PRINTS MONEY’ machine, there’s a sidebar with an interview. With Hilary Duff. Because EA took some of the printed bills, pressed them sweatily into her hand, and have been trotting her out for press-related activities.

So, beneath the requisite picture of the girl holding the gem-encrusted DS in one hand and the rodent-sized dog in the other, there’s … talking. (bold is my commentary)

PC Gamer: We understand that you were a big fan of the original Sims. Was that before or after you hit it big?

Duff: It was before (like I’d play that crap now) - I would play for hours! One time I was cooking and I burned the house down by accident an my husband died! (or so EA told me I did) Another time, child services came and took my child.

This drivel caps off with:

Editor-in-Chief Greg Vederman: Will you please be my girlfriend?

Duff: Ah, that’s cute, and so are you! But I don’t think my boyfriend would be too happy about that - sorry Greg!

Dude, Greg … whatever they paid you for that story, it wasn’t enough.