The Sims Community Turns on EA After Sale to Saudi-Linked Investors

Who is EA Selling To and Why is it An Issue?

EA’s rumored sale has Simmers on the edge. Players and content creators are walking away, afraid that The Sims’ long-standing message of inclusion could vanish under new ownership tied to Saudi Arabia’s PIF and Jared Kushner’s firm.

The Sims has always been more than a life simulator, it’s a reflection of the community behind it! With a game built on self-expression, diversity, and creative freedom, every corporate move carries weight. That’s why many in the community are uneasy. They see this sale as a test of EA’s values: will the company continue championing inclusivity, or trade it away for profit?

Simmers’ Beliefs and Values

Many players share the same core beliefs and base political stances. With this sale, it brings a lot of anxiety and fear surrounding the fate of the game. Most Simmers are concerned that this may mean a negative fate due to SaudiaArabia’s laws about LGBTQ+ content. A large amount of Simmers, including creators, are either directly in the LGBTQ+ community or allies. According to one survey by Maxis showed that 43%-45% players were non-heterosexual, and more than 17% were reported to be transgender or gender-fluid. With the game in the hands of Kushner, players are concerned about more than just the LGBTQ+ community.

Of course we don’t know for certain that any changes could be made to the diversity of the game, but the fear lingers over players. Even with “hopeful” reassurances and promises from EA and The Sims Team.

Creators’ Stances on the Sell

Source: SweetAshGamer

Lilsimsie was among the earliest creators to publicly step away from the EA Creator Network, paving the way for others like JamesTurner, Plumbella, SteffoSims, Vixella, and many more to follow suit shortly after.

Their departure is more than just a symbolic gesture. It is powerful statements coming from creators who can be seen as pillars of the Sims community, who have inspired so many to play and create, and become a part of the community. It is inspiring many more creators to follow suit, sending a clear message to EA on where people truly stand on this sale. The future of The Sims is not just shaped by corporate decisions, but by the creators and players who pour their time, love, and money into this game.

In the end of it all, it comes down to personal choice. Do you agree with these creators who have left? Or are you more neutral, waiting to see the results of this sell?