Content creators of The Sims 4 are expressing their dissatisfaction with recent developments, taking decisive action by leaving EA’s Creator Network. The cause for this exodus is EA’s impending acquisition by a coalition of investors, including Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners led by Jared Kushner.
The transaction, valued at a staggering $55 billion, marks a historic moment as the largest all-cash sponsor take-private investment ever recorded.
The Sims community, known for its commitment to inclusivity and openness, is concerned that the conservative values associated with EA’s new owners, including figures like Donald Trump’s son-in-law and Saudi Arabia’s Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, could influence the future development of the beloved game. They worry that “the values represented by the people acquiring EA are fundamentally at odds” with those cherished by the game’s community.
Leading the charge is streamer Kayla “LilSimsie” Sims, who commands a following of over 2 million subscribers and has previously collaborated with EA on DLCs. She described the news as “devastating,” labeling the situation as a “nightmare for our community.”
“I have made the decision to remove myself from the EA Creator Network. It is my hope that pressure from creators and the community might encourage EA’s leadership to reconsider the long-term impact of this sale and to preserve the values that have made The Sims so beloved,” she announced in a heartfelt YouTube message.
“This means that I will no longer receive early access to Sims packs, and I will not have a creator code. Under this new ownership, I feel I cannot maintain a direct association to the company. I also truly believe that they benefit more from my early access content than I do, and I think that stepping away is the strongest action I can take against the sale.”
Cascading Impact of EA’s Acquisition
Other prominent creators like Jesse “Plumbella” McNamara, DevonBumpkin, Vixella, and James Turner have also decided to exit EA’s Creator Network. McNamara posted, “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.”
He added, “I think taking this stand is the right choice for me personally, but I’m not going to judge anybody on their decision. I’m in a privileged position to be able to say I’m leaving so easily. I hope that the sale falls through, and if it doesn’t, I hope that those that stay put pressure on EA to maintain the level of inclusiveness that The Sims has always been about.”
EA’s Official Response and Wider Implications
EA has issued a statement via The Sims’ social media accounts, reassuring fans, “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.”
Interestingly, in 2022, PIF also became one of the largest Nintendo shareholders with its 5.01% ownership stake. Earlier this year, Pokémon Go developer Niantic announced that it had sold its library of games to Scopely, a mobile games maker, also controlled by Savvy Games Group and PIF.
The impending acquisition of EA has sparked significant concern among The Sims 4 creators, leading many to exit the Creator Network in protest of the values of EA’s new owners.