Video game publisher Electronic Arts Inc. is shutting down Maxis Emeryville, the Maxis studio that created critically acclaimed video games such as SimCity, the Sims, and Spore.
“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,” EA said in a statement on Wednesday.
SimCity lead gameplay scripter and designer Guillaume Pierre said in a tweet:
“Well it was a fun 12 years, but it’s time to turn off the lights and put the key under the door,”
EA will continue providing support for current SimsCity and Sims games and it says that it will work on more Sims titles.
“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,” the company said in a statement.
“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.”
Will Wright and Jeff Braun founded Maxis in 1987. The first major game that the firm released was SimCity – one of the most beloved series in PC gaming.
It was acquired a decade later by Electronic Arts.
