EA shuts down The Sims Mobile, paving the way for "Project Rene"

The End of an Era: EA Shutters The Sims Mobile After Eight Years

In a move that will undoubtedly stir bittersweet emotions among its dedicated player base, Electronic Arts (EA) has announced the impending closure of The Sims Mobile. The popular life simulation game, which first graced mobile devices in 2018, is slated to cease operations on January 20, 2026. This marks the end of an eight-year journey for a title that introduced millions to the beloved Sims franchise on the go, boasting over 50 significant updates during its tenure.

The final nail in the coffin for The Sims Mobile's live services is set for October 21, 2023, when the game will be removed from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Following this date, players will no longer be able to make in-game purchases using real money. While existing in-game currency and purchased items will remain accessible until the server shutdown, there will be no refunds for any unspent virtual currency.

A Grand Finale for Players

Before the virtual doors close permanently, EA is offering a final, generous hurrah. Starting January 6, 2026, all items within the game's Build and Create-a-Sim modes will be unlocked without any restrictions. This allows players one last chance to unleash their creativity, fulfilling long-held aspirations of crafting their dream homes and designing their ideal Sims, experiencing everything The Sims Mobile has to offer before its demise.

Even with the shutdown looming, The Sims Mobile isn't going out without a bang. The game is set to receive a series of seasonal events leading up to its closure. Players can look forward to the spooky Eerie Autumn Festival and the cozy Cozier Home Sweet Treat Showdown winter event, ensuring there's still plenty of engaging content to enjoy in its final months.

Shifting Sands in The Sims Universe

This decision arrives at a pivotal moment for The Sims franchise, as EA signals a strategic pivot towards new horizons. While The Sims 4 continues to thrive and evolve, the company is clearly looking ahead. Whispers and rumors surrounding a potential successor, codenamed "Project Rene," have been circulating, hinting at a revolutionary new entry designed to blend single-player and multiplayer experiences across both PC and mobile platforms.

The development of "Project Rene," which is speculated to be the future of The Sims, seems to be the primary driver behind the discontinuation of The Sims Mobile. This new ambitious project aims to redefine the franchise, likely making dedicated mobile-only titles like The Sims Mobile redundant in EA's long-term vision.

A Mobile Stalwart Remains: The Sims FreePlay Carries On

Despite the farewell to The Sims Mobile, another cornerstone of the Sims experience on mobile, The Sims FreePlay, will continue its operational life. This older, but enduring, title received its latest update, "Gap Year: Roads Less Traveled," in October 2025. The Sims FreePlay is reportedly unaffected by the broader internal restructuring at EA and remains the primary mobile offering for fans seeking a Sims fix on their handheld devices.

Adding to the recent activity within the franchise, EA also released a "golden" re-release of older Sims installments earlier this winter, further demonstrating their commitment to the legacy of The Sims while forging ahead with its future.