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The Sims at a Boiling Point: Creators Exit Over $55B Saudi-Backed Deal as Devs Insist the Game “Will Always Be a Space for Your Authentic Self” As prominent Sims creators leave EA’s network in protest of the $55 billion Saudi-funded buyout, the dev team says its “mission, values, and commitment remain the same,” and that The Sims will stay a home for authentic self-expression — even as the ownership changes. The Sims development team posted on X to reassure fans that “our mission, values, and commitment remain the same,” and that “The Sims will always be a space where you can express your authentic self.” The statement arrived a day after three of The Sims 4’s largest creators withdrew from EA’s Creator Network over the impending acquisition by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and private equity partners — a move soon echoed by others, including Vixella and Syd Mac. “We’re continually inspired by our incredible players and creators; by your imagination, creativity, and the joy you bring to The Sims every day,” the message reads. “We deeply respect that everyone experiences The Sims in their own way and will make choices that are right for them. However you choose to play, create, or share, we’re grateful to be part of your journey. Our mission, values, and commitment remain the same. The Sims will always be a space where you can express your authentic self.” Context makes the statement anything but neutral. The Sims has cultivated a progressive reputation by recognizing queer identities and relationships — and backing it up with action. In 2022, for instance, rather than cutting same-sex content from My Wedding Stories, EA chose not to release the pack in countries with anti-LGBTQ+ laws. Shifting ownership, steady promises — and real concerns Critics fear that stance could be jeopardized under PIF control. Saudi Arabia’s regime criminalizes same-sex relationships and denies LGBTQ+ rights. In September, former BioWare lead writer Trick Weekes predicted that “gay stuff” would be unwelcome under the new owners — a grim forecast that clashes with The Sims 4’s 2023 update inclusive of trans options and disability features. Others argue the business case — The Sims’ large, spending community — may temper interference. Still, for many, principle outweighs profit: once the deal closes, EA will be partly owned by a state that punishes queer existence, a real-world fact some players cannot ignore. Meanwhile, EA CEO Andrew Wilson has said company values will “remain unchanged” under the new structure, while industry chatter speculates that “guns and football” could be prioritized as risk-averse content rises. Roadmap: big updates, 2026 and beyond The Sims team also teased “exciting things we have coming in 2026 and beyond,” promising more details on October 27. A substantial The Sims 4 update lands November 4 with 150+ fixes and free bonuses, the first in a series aimed squarely at community priorities. Whether those promises survive the ownership shift — and maintain community trust — is the question that will define the next chapter. Source: PC Gamer

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