Electronic Arts should get ready for some competition: although they’re working on The Sims 5 (Project Rene), former developers from the franchise are also part of the newly formed Midsummer Studios, which is looking to create a true next-gen life simulation game.

Based in Hunt Valley, Maryland, Midsummer Studios’ staff has experience in the genre, having worked on The Sims and XCOM, as well as Sid Meier’s Civilization. Their creative director is Jake Solomon, game director is Will Miller (both came over from Firaxis, so don’t expect XCOM 3 anytime soon…), and their chief operating officer (and CFO) is Nelsie Birch, who has 25 years of experience.

The studio has raised $6 million from investors (Transcend Fund, Tirta Ventures, Betaworks Ventures, 1Up Ventures, F4 Fund, Krafton, Zero Day Productions) and their life simulator has a strong emphasis on player-driven narrative, allowing communities to share the memorable moments that come from player creativity. And it remains very similar to what The Sims has to offer!

“The best stories in games are written by the players. At Midsummer, we’re creating a life sim focused on the drama of modern life, where our players will write meaningful stories just by playing, and then share those stories with the world,” said Jake Solomon, who is also the CEO of Midsummer Studios, in the press release.

“Leading the Seed for Midsummer was a natural fit for Transcend. As a producer on The Sims nearly twenty years ago, I know the power that meaningful player-driven storytelling can unleash. I also have an abiding respect for how hard it is to deliver the alchemy of community, system design, gameplay, and user-generated content that it takes. Midsummer’s founders are industry veterans with the rare experience and design artistry needed to realize this tremendous opportunity. I am excited to join the board and support their journey to redefine the life sim category,” added Transcend founding partner Shanti Bergel.

Grant Rodiek is also working on the project. The executive producer previously spent 18 years at Maxis as a producer and director on The Sims games and their expansions…

Source: Gematsu