EA Closes Studio Where ‘The Sims’ Were Created — How Will ‘The Sims 4’ Be Affected?
Fans of The Sims gaming franchise received a huge blow as Electronic Arts released the news that the Maxis studio in Emeryville is closing. This location was the primary Maxis studio, responsible for the birth of the wildly popular line of simulation games, The Sims, as well as others, such as Spore and SimCity. So what does this mean for the newest installment, The Sims 4? Will Electronic Arts continue to expand this new edition, or will The Sims 4 very first expansion pack, due out sometime next month, also be the last?
According to GameSpot, work on The Sims 4 will continue as planned, as evidenced by this statement from Electronic Arts to GameSpot.
“Today we are consolidating Maxis IP development to our studios in Redwood Shores, Salt Lake City, Helsinki, and Melbourne locations as we close our Emeryville location. Maxis continues to support and develop new experiences for current Sims and SimCity players, while expanding our franchises to new platforms and developing new cross-platform IP.”
That is comforting news. Though the studio is closing, the projects they have been working on are safe, as The Sims 4“Get To Work” expansion is anxiously awaited by fans. This will take game play to the next level, as players can now go to work with their Sims, who are completely controllable at their jobs. New career paths include doctor, detective, and more.
Sad news for employees of Maxis Emeryville. EA confirms studio will be closed. Changes won’t impact The Sims 4 – http://t.co/IGGzc8wDuT
— The Sims Mag (@thesimsmag) March 5, 2015
Well it was a fun 12 years, but it’s time to turn off the lights and put the key under the door. #RIPMaxisEmeryville
— Guillaume Pierre (@MaxisGuillaume) March 4, 2015
The Verge reports Electronic Arts has given the out-of-work employees a generous severance package, as well as promising jobs in other locations.
“These changes do not impact our plans for The Sims. Players will continue to see rich new experiences in The Sims 4, with our first expansion pack coming soon along with a full slate of additional updates and content in the pipeline. All employees impacted by the changes today will be given opportunities to explore other positions within the Maxis studios and throughout EA. For those that are leaving the company, we are working to ensure the best possible transition with separation packages and career assistance.”
We can be grateful that, although one large studio has been shut down, this business decision will mean no lasting negative changes to The Sims 4. Now get ready to take your Sims to a place we have never before been able to follow — their jobs!
[Image via INC Gamers,Christian Today]
