In the wake of Electronic Arts’ decision to go private, multiple The Sims 4 content creators have announced that they are leaving the EA Creator Network due to the reputation of EA’s soon-to-be owners: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners, and Silverlake.
Last week, popular Sims livestreamer Kayla Sims (better known by her YouTube handle, LilSimsie) revealed that she is leaving the EA creator network, and will be pivoting her content to include other life sims like Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Sims’ exit from the Sims Creator Program (which is part of the EA Creator Network) comes as a shock to some due to how closely she’s worked with EA in the past — in January, Sims even collaborated with EA on a special DLC pack meant to reflect her specific tastes.
“This news has devastated me,” Sims said in a community post on her YouTube channel, where she has more than 2 million subscribers. “The values represented by the people acquiring EA are fundamentally at odds with what I stand for and support. I’ve been losing sleep over it for weeks, and I’ve been deeply struggling with what to do moving forward. I have so much love for The Sims. This game has completely shaped my entire life, and I care so deeply about The Sims and the community.”
Sims says she hopes others will join her in boycotting the game in the hopes it may stop the EA sale — or at least have an effect on what EA’s future owners do with The Sims franchise.
“I have made the decision to remove myself from the EA Creator Network,” Sims continued. “It is my hope that pressure from creators and the community might encourage EA’s leadership to reconsider the long-term impact of this sale and to preserve the values that have made The Sims so beloved.”
EA frequently collaborates with members of the EA Creator Network to advertise upcoming The Sims 4 DLC packs. Creator Network members get free early access to new DLC packs, along with a creator code that viewers can use when purchasing Sims 4 content. Any time a new expansion pack is on the way, EA Creator Network members can be found on Twitch and YouTube, livestreaming their gameplay and drumming up hype for the newest content drop.
“I will no longer receive early access to Sims packs, and I will not have a creator code,” Sims said of her decision to leave the EA Creator Network. “Under this new ownership I feel I cannot maintain a direct association to the company. I also truly believe that they benefit more from my early access content than I do, and I think that stepping away is the strongest action I can take against the sale.”
Long-time Sims historian and YouTuber Jesse McNamara (who goes by Plumbella online) has also announced their departure from the EA Creator Network, as has popular Build Mode player DevonBumpkin, custom content curator Vixella, and Sims 4 challenge YouTuber James Turner.
Shortly after these content creators announced their departure from the EA Creator Network, EA shared a statement via the official Sims 4 X account, reassuring players that The Sims will always be a franchise about self-expression.
“We deeply respect that everyone experiences The Sims in their own way and will make choices that are right for them,” the post reads. “However you choose to play, create, or share, we’re grateful to be a part of your journey. Our mission, values, and commitment remain the same. The Sims will always be a space where you can express your authentic self.”
Approximately 43% of Sims 4 players identify as LGBTQ+, and many fear that the game — which has historically been very inclusive and friendly toward LGBTQ+ players — will be negatively impacted once The Sims in the hands of its new owners. Others aren’t worried about LGBTQ+ content being removed from the game, but simply don’t want to financially support a game owned by entities with a storied history of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and behavior.
