Creators continue to leave The Sims as a platform in response to EA’s controversial buyout
Electronic Arts' $55 billion buyout by Saudi Arabia’s PIF Fund and partners has become a flashpoint for the future of the The Sims franchise and its concerns about player diversity. Amid the news, a roster of The Sims content creators have boycotted the game and their EA Creator Codes.
The all-cash deal, valued at $55 billion at $210 per share, is scheduled to close in the first quarter of 2027, effectively taking the company private. Amid this development, numerous The Sims 4 creators have departed EA’s Creator Network in protest, over concerns that the new owners will undermine the series’ long-running commitment to LGBTQ+ representation.
The ball rolled on October 9 when creator Devon Bumpkin officially announced their exit, stating:
Hello darlings, I wanted to give you a quick update following the recent news about EA’s sale. After taking some time to think things through, I’ve decided to step away from using my EA Creator Code. I’d kindly ask that you no longer use it when purchasing packs or games moving forward.
But with the new ownership and everything that comes with it, I don’t feel comfortable continuing to financially promote the company through my code.”
This was just the beginning, as many other content creators followed suit, including Kayla “LilSimsie”, who has a subscriber base of over two million and has worked with EA on DLC. Following the pack is James Turner, Jesse “Plumbella” McNamara, Vixella, and Steph0Sims.
LilSimsie also chimed in on the situation and spoke out:
The values represented by the people acquiring EA are fundamentally at odds with what I stand for and support.. I’ve been losing sleep over it for weeks… The situation is a nightmare for our community. Nobody supports this sale, and it is putting creators in a very difficult position.
Plumbella also voiced her opinion on the matter:
Due to the recent sale, I have asked to leave the EA Creator Network, and I will not buy or make content around any future release. I hope that the sale falls through, and if it doesn’t, I hope that those who stay put pressure on EA to maintain the level of inclusiveness that The Sims has always been about."
James Turner also gave his two cents on the EA buyout fiasco:
With the news of the buyout and understanding who will be running EA in the future, I plan on shifting our focus to include more variety. In addition to that, I have decided to leave the EA Creator Network and have asked to remove my creator code.
Over the weekend, further content creators spoke up on the matter. Popular content creators like Fantayzia also submitted a video, “I Left The EA Creator Network”, directly calling out EA’s buyout as the “last straw” as The Sims 4 struggles with EA’s bugs, and DLC that stretches far beyond one’s wallet. They stated, “Filming Sims content does not feel right to me anymore… This goes way beyond The Sims 4. For me, this is an issue with where the money will be going once this buyer goes through.”
Sims news channel Iron Seagull was next on the list. In their video:
EA Gets Worse and I Left The Creator Network,” they referenced EA’s AI partnerships and said, “As of Friday, I have also left the EA Creator Network… I have no motivation to review more kits.
Last but not least, build challenge duo CarynAndConnieGaming stepped forward on YouTube, and stated:
We wanted to make sure y’all know that we have left the EA Creator Network as this buyer and future ownership does not align with our beliefs or values… it is our biggest hope that EA reevaluates this decision. This is a personal decision from us; we do not judge other creators on their decisions.
Other members who gave their two cents against EA’s stance were Vixella, who has published twelve years of Sims content by opting out of EA’s Creator Network. Even non-network members like modder Arnie weighed in against the EA buyout.
On the other end of the spectrum, the studio behind The Sims, Maxis, is trying to reassure the community, stating:
We’re continually inspired by our incredible players and creators; by your imagination, creativity, and the joy you bring to The Sims every day. 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.
As EA’s acquisition deal approaches, tensions among community members grow with concerns that foreign investments might hinder creative freedom in The Sims.
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