Unannounced The Sims game Project Lotus cancelled in sweeping EA studio closures

Electronic Arts has paused development on an unannounced The Sims game codenamed Project Lotus as part of a broad restructuring that also closes BioWare. EA announced the changes on October 21 in a letter to employees from chief operating officer David Tinson and chief studios officer Cam Weber, which the publisher also posted on its news site. 

Some outlets, including Bloomberg, reported the move as a cancellation, but the letter itself says EA is “pausing development” on the project. It does not explain what Project Lotus was, how far along it was, or whether any of its work will carry over to future Sims releases.

Why Project Lotus was paused

EA says it wants to prioritize a separate Sims project, codenamed Project Evergreen, to give that team more time to reach the game's full vision. Pausing Project Lotus frees up resources to do that.

BioWare closes, and layoffs follow

The letter confirms that BioWare is closing, along with its Edmonton workspace, ending early development on the next Mass Effect. Bloomberg reported, citing a person familiar with the plans, that about 400 employees are being laid off, roughly 3 percent of EA’s workforce, including about 50 at BioWare. The letter itself gives no figure. The free-to-play skate. will continue, but with a smaller, more focused team.

What EA is still building

EA says it remains committed to two big upcoming launches, Marvel’s Iron Man and the next Star Wars Jedi game. Battlefield continues, and Respawn and DICE will collaborate on an unannounced project in its shooters business. EA also plans to keep investing in Apex Legends with new multiplayer modes and in its EA Sports FC franchise. Two new sports projects are in development: Project Gridiron, a social-first open-world American football game, and the return of Fight Night.

Restructuring after the buyout

The changes arrived about two and a half months after EA went private. A consortium of PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners completed its $55 billion acquisition on August 4, a deal financed in part with roughly $20 billion in debt. EA’s letter frames the changes as the result of a review of its business and sets out three priorities: deepening its core franchises, expanding its reach, and transforming its business. It does not mention its new owners. EA says it will discuss its direction further at a global town hall in November.