A number of popular YouTubers and streamers known for their content on the beloved life simulation video game series The Sims have announced their departure from the EA Creator Network.
The move comes after Electronic Arts’ $55 billion sale to buyers close to the Trump family and Saudi Arabian government.
James Turner, Plumbella, and lilsimsie, all of whom enjoyed free and early access to the latest games and add-ons for their videos, have announced their withdrawal from the programme.
A clash of values
US creator Kayla Sims, better known as lilsimsie, said in a social media statement she hoped the announcement would make EA “reconsider the long-term impact of this sale”.
She also called on EA to “preserve the values that have made The Sims so beloved”.
This sentiment was echoed by Jesse McNamara, a UK-based influencer known to the community as Plumbella.
In her departing statement, she said she hoped “those that stay put pressure on EA to maintain the level of inclusiveness that The Sims has always been about”.
It is thought that EA’s potential buyers, who include Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Affinity Partners – owned by Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner – would push the game in a more conservative direction.
The series, which celebrated its 25th anniversary back in February, has garnered a reputation for its progressive features.
The Sims, originally released in 2000, featured same-sex interactions between the titular characters, before gay marriage was then allowed in its 2002 sequel.
The latest instalment, The Sims 4, released a range of gender and sexuality customisation options.
Room for other players?
Australian creator James Turner, formerly TheSimsSupply, said he also intended to shift away from The Sims content and include more variety as he exited the creator programme.
Considered the dominant player in the life simulation genre, The Sims has seen several competitors join the market in recent times, such as South Korean InZOI and indie-developed Paralives.
As top personalities pull the plug on The Sims franchise, these new players may finally be able to take a slice of the cowplant pie.
READ MORE: All hearts lead to Rome in Season 5 of ‘Emily in Paris’
Angelica N. Hall 
Shameeka Voyiya 
Carmela Calling