Maxis has reinforced that its core values remain unchanged after the recent $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts (EA) by a group of investors led by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF).
In a blog post, the Sims team assured players that their commitment to “inclusivity, choice, creativity, community, and play” would stay intact. They emphasized that their creative direction won’t shift due to the acquisition. The company even linked to a page detailing how it strives to represent diverse identities, ensuring every player feels acknowledged and celebrated.
Maxis made it clear that it will continue to provide features that allow players to create Sims reflecting their identities, promoting acceptance and exploration without judgment. Moreover, the team highlighted that the essence of The Sims—its focus on single-player life simulation—will not change. “Single-player PC and console experiences are here to stay,” they stated, with over half their global development resources dedicated to enhancing The Sims 4 and its next iteration.
Looking ahead, the upcoming game Project Rene is set to be mobile-focused, integrating more multiplayer elements while retaining the essence of single-player experience.
The acquisition by the PIF, Silver Lake Capital, and Affinity Partners was announced in September 2025 and was recently approved by EA shareholders. With this deal, the PIF will hold a significant 93.4% stake in EA. Despite these changes, CEO Andrew Wilson has assured players that the company’s values and creative control will remain steadfast.
This acquisition is part of a broader trend where major investors are stepping into the gaming industry. Just last year, a record $80 billion was invested in gaming companies worldwide, highlighting the growing importance of the sector. Analyst reports suggest that the gaming industry is expected to reach $200 billion by 2023, driven by innovations in technology and increasing player engagement.
Overall, the commitment from Maxis to maintain its values amidst significant ownership changes reflects a larger conversation in the industry about how acquisitions impact creativity and player relations. As gaming continues to evolve, communities are keen to see if these changes truly hold true for the diverse audience that The Sims proudly serves.
For more insights on the gaming industry’s growth, you can refer to the detailed analysis by [Statista](https://www.statista.com/statistics/189582/video-game-market-value-worldwide-since-2012/).
