Bullfrog. Pandemic. Mythic. Westwood. EA have something of a track record when it comes to closing beloved developers, but this one really takes the biscuit. Maxis, founded in 1987 and home to The Sims, SimCity, Spore and yes, 3D Pinball for Windows, is apparently shutting its doors.
The news comes in the form of a tweet from employee Guillaume Pierre, Lead Gameplay Scripter and a designer on the recent SimCity. The closure affects Maxis' home studio of Emeryville, though it's worth noting that EA handed over many duties for The Sims franchise to the Redwood based Sims Studio from The Sims 3 onwards.
The effects of the closure on The Sims 4, SimCity and any DLC is as yet unknown.
It follows problems with online features in The Sims 4 and SimCity, issues which some put down to overzealous piracy protection on the part of EA. Many of the studio's employees are currently at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, potentially making this a decision timed to maximise their job opportunities.
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
UPDATE: In a statement to Kotaku, EA have confirmed that they are "consolidating IP development" to other studios.
"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."