The Sims fans worried about future of LGBTQ+ content after EA’s Saudi buyout
The Sims fans are concerned for the future of LGBTQ+ content after developer EA’s Saudi Arabia buyout. (The Sims 4)
The Sims fans are concerned for the future of LGBTQ+ content after developer EA's Saudi Arabia buyout. (The Sims 4)
The Sims developer EA has been bought out by an investor consortium that includes the Saudi Arabian-run Public Investment Fund, leading queer fans to fear for the future of LGBTQ+ content in the hugely popular gaming series.
Life-designing and long-running video game The Sims has long been a staple in the catalogue of even the most casual of gamers since its first edition in 2000.
The franchise has become a figurehead for expression and diversity within gaming, with features and expansions covering everything from polyamory to sexuality customisation to the ability for players to create transgender or disabled Sims.
EA Games, The Sims developer, confirmed 29 September that it had been bought by an investor consortium – including, among others, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), headed by Saudi Arabian ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Another is Affinity Partners, which is owned by Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
Given both the Trump family and Saudi Arabia‘s track record with the LGBTQ+ community, it’s understandable that queer fans are feeling concern over the future of opportunities to fully express themselves in The Sims.
Homosexuality is illegal in Saudi Arabia, with the death penalty among the punishments for those found to have engaged in same-sex acts. In addition, LGBTQ+ topics are censored and it is illegal to be trans because Sharia Law prohibits what it describes as “cross-dressing”.
“Huge step back for one of the most inclusive and proudly woke games [The Sims] that built its legacy on diversity and representation.. this is so out of character,” one X user wrote.
Another added: “The Sims is literally successful because it’s woke and gay.”
The Sims literally got saved from being shelved because of a lesbian kiss that called people and media attention at E3 1999
— maTheuso (@theusosroom) September 29, 2025
And it turned into one of EAs most successful franchises and one of the best selling games ever
You can't separate gay and The Sims https://t.co/WyFeTF0nJ6
When I log into The Sims and all my LGBT characters are gone
— matth (@messy_icon) September 29, 2025
pic.twitter.com/I12knl0w8H
Andrew Wilson, CEO of EA, has since issued a statement that the company’s “values” will “remain unchanged”, but did not mention The Sims specifically.
“Our mission at EA to — Inspire The World To Play — continues to guide everything we do. Our values and our commitment to players and fans around the world remain unchanged.
“With continued rigor and operational excellence, we can amplify the creativity of our teams, accelerate innovation, and pursue transformative opportunities that position EA to lead the future of entertainment.
“Together, we’ll create experiences that are bold, expressive, and deeply connected to inspire generations of players around the world,” he said as part of a larger statement.
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