If you are a fan of The Sims, the iconic simulation game franchise that began in 2000 as a spinoff of SimCity, you might have seen some eyebrow-raising news over the past few weeks — from company statements to creators leaving the community. If you’re confused, we’re here to break it all down for you.
A number of Sims creators have announced they are stepping away from the game, and it all has to do with video game company Electronic Arts (EA) announcing its planned $55 billion acquisition by a group of investors, which includes Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners. EA is the owner of many beloved gaming franchises, like Battlefield, EA Sports FC (formerly FIFA), and The Sims. Here’s what all that means.
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What is EA’s deal?
On September 29, 2025, EA announced it would go private — which means it won’t be available for public trading on the stock market — in a $55 billion leveraged buyout (LBO), with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), and two private equity firms, Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners, and Silver Lake, owning 100% of the company. (PIF already owns 9.9% of EA.) According to the AP, this is the largest-ever private equity LBO.
The deal still needs approval from regulators and stockholders but EA said the transaction “is expected to close in Q1 FY27,” after which “EA’s common stock will no longer be listed on any public market.”
The PIF is chaired by Mohammed bin Salman (often called MBS), Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, and Saudi Arabia has been accused of committing human rights abuses and engaging in sportswashing, which is when sports are used “to redirect public attention away from unethical conduct,” according to the Australian Human Rights Institute. Affinity Partners founder Jared Kushner, of course, is married to Ivanka Trump and has served as an adviser for President Donald Trump. Following the announcement of the deal, many people have come out in opposition of EA’s planned acquisition, including notable The Sims creators Plumbella (Jesse McNamara), James Turner, lilsimsie (Kayla Sims), and more.
Multiple notable streamers in the EA Creator Network — which provides exclusive access and other networking perks to Sims-related content creators — have announced they will be leaving the network, with some adding that they will stop producing Sims-related content on their channels.
