Maxis
Maxis business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
The Sims 4's much maligned paid mods have made it to consoles, but Kits are coming back to PC
The Sims 4's Marketplace, featuring paid mods and user-created content, has launched on PlayStation and Xbox consoles. This rollout mirrors the PC version's introduction of a premium currency, Moola, for purchases, though a leaked memo suggests Kits may return to direct purchase on PC. The reception to paid content and the Moola system has been mixed among players.
Best Free PS5 Games To Play In 2026
This guide highlights the best free-to-play games available on PlayStation 5 in 2026, offering a variety of genres from battle royales to tactical shooters and sandbox worlds. These titles provide polished experiences without mandatory purchases, making them accessible for all players. The list includes enduring favorites like Astro's Playroom and Fortnite, alongside newer additions and evolving live-service games.
Best Free PS5 Games To Play In 2026
This guide highlights the best free-to-play games available on PlayStation 5 in 2026, offering a variety of genres from battle royales to tactical shooters and sandbox worlds. These titles deliver polished experiences without any upfront cost, with optional in-game purchases typically being cosmetic or convenience-based. The list includes popular titles like Astro's Playroom, Marvel Rivals, Overwatch, VALORANT, Apex Legends, and Fortnite, among others, showcasing the breadth of quality free gaming options for PS5 owners.
Inzoi Studio head says early access was unavoidable, but he feels kind of bad about it: 'The users are testing it on our behalf, so I always feel sorry for them'
Hyungjun Kim, head of Inzoi Studio at Krafton, acknowledges the challenges of developing a life simulation game and feels apologetic towards players testing Inzoi in early access. He noted the difficulty in competing with The Sims' long-standing success and the complexities of creating an open-world life sim.
The Sims creator blew 10 years and millions of dollars on his new game, laid off his whole team in 2024, and still isn't done: "I'd much rather have a glorious failure than a mild success"
Will Wright, the creator of The Sims, has spent a decade and millions of dollars developing his new AI-enabled game, Proxi: Yesterday's You Tomorrow, through his studio Gallium Studios. Despite laying off his entire team in 2024 due to funding issues, Wright is determined to see the ambitious project through, even if it means a potential failure. The game aims to allow players to experience and share memories through AI-powered simulacra called Proxies.
The Sims 4's Maker Marketplace Is An Insult To Both Players And Modders
Electronic Arts and Maxis have faced backlash for introducing The Sims 4 Marketplace, a system for paid mods and microtransactions. Players are frustrated by additional monetization in a game already laden with DLC, and creators receive only 30% of sales, with EA taking 70%. The article criticizes this model as predatory and an insult to both players and modders, especially given the long-standing player request for a color wheel customization feature that EA claims is technically impossible.
'Sims don't plan anything' says former Sims 4 developer, though he always wanted to program them to:…
Former The Sims 4 lead AI programmer David Graham discussed the design limitations of sim autonomy, explaining that sims are programmed to constantly reassess their immediate needs rather than plan ahead. While Graham wished for more planning capabilities, he acknowledges the challenges in implementing and communicating such AI to players without breaking immersion or removing the player's role in storytelling.
Morning Postmortems/Retrospectives
A former developer for The Sims 4, Robyn Chinn, revealed that he completely rewrote the game's AI during its development. Chinn stated he deleted existing AI files and started from scratch to improve the game's artificial intelligence.
'I took those files and deleted them': Former Sims 4 developer says he totally rewrote the sims' AI in the middle of development and 'that was a scary thing to do'
Former Maxis lead AI programmer David Graham revealed he completely rewrote the core AI for The Sims 4 during development. He spent about a week overhauling the system on a separate branch before convincing his boss to implement the changes, which significantly improved NPC behavior and decision-making.
The Sims 4 patch makes it so your public lot gatherings won't be interrupted by rogue Sims
An upcoming update for The Sims 4, releasing March 17 for PC and Mac, will address several player-reported issues. Key fixes include preventing random Sims from interrupting public lot gatherings, ensuring Prom is once again completable, and resolving issues with pets and horses. The patch also improves Sim autonomy and eye blinking animations.
The Sims 4 is getting paid mods, and a new in-game currency to pay for them
The Sims 4 is introducing a new Maker Program and Marketplace for community-created paid mods, launching first on PC and Mac on March 17. A new virtual currency, Moola, will be used to purchase these mods and official Kits, with creators receiving approximately 30% of the sale price. Expansion Packs, Game Packs, and Stuff Packs will still be available for purchase without Moola.
EA announces UGC marketplace for The Sims 4
Electronic Arts is launching a user-generated content marketplace for The Sims 4 on March 17, 2026, for PC and Mac, with PlayStation and Xbox versions to follow. The Sims Maker Program will allow creators to publish their work as 'Maker Packs' and receive a 30% share of revenue from sales, with EA covering all associated costs.
The Sims 4 Will Open an Official Marketplace to Let Content Creators Sell Mods for a Share of 'Moola' - IGN
Maxis is launching an official "Maker" program and Marketplace for The Sims 4 on March 17, 2026, allowing approved content creators to sell custom "Maker Packs" using a virtual currency called "Moola." Creators will receive approximately 30% of the purchase price, and these packs must be exclusive to the Marketplace. The program will initially launch on PC and Mac, with console versions for PlayStation and Xbox to follow later.
Sims 4 Console Players Are Finally Getting Custom Content - But There's A Massive Catch
The Sims 4 is introducing a new in-game Marketplace where modders can sell custom content like clothing and furniture, allowing console players official access to modded items for the first time. However, all content will be paid, requiring a new currency called Moola, and items must be exclusive to the Marketplace. The PC and Mac version launches March 17, with console versions to follow.
The Sims 4 developer hasn't forgotten about its quality of life commitment, and is back with an update on what to expect in 2026
Maxis provided an update on its commitment to improving quality of life in The Sims 4, detailing plans for 2026. The roadmap includes enhancements to Sim autonomy, infant-caregiver interactions, dining experiences, and family tree systems, with a patch featuring around 55 fixes due in March.
Best Cozy Games To Cuddle Up With In 2026
This guide highlights the best cozy games available in 2026, focusing on titles that offer comfort and escapism through farming, creativity, and social simulation. The list includes popular games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Stardew Valley, alongside indie gems such as Thrifty Business and Tiny Bookshop, catering to various preferences within the cozy genre.
After 15 years, The Sims' best spin-off finally gets its due follow-up in The Sims 4: Royalty & Legacy
The Sims 4 is releasing a new expansion pack, "Royalty & Legacy," on February 12th for $40. This expansion introduces a new world called Ondarion, featuring new systems like Dynasty and Nobility, new lot types, and a 10-level Swordsmanship skill. The pack draws inspiration from medieval fantasy and Arthurian legends, and includes content developed with guidance from individuals with ties to West African culture.
The Sims 4 gets a bunch of free items inspired by Coach that you can use right now
The Sims 4 has received a free update introducing a collaboration with the luxury fashion brand Coach. This update adds nine new items, including clothing, accessories, and decorative objects, available for all players. The article also briefly touches on future Sims projects and concerns regarding EA's potential ownership change.
The Sims developer vows "our values are unchanged," as it teases multiple projects from post-Saudi-owned EA
The Sims developer Maxis has issued a statement assuring players that its core values of inclusivity and creativity remain unchanged following Electronic Arts' acquisition by a Saudi-led consortium. The studio is working on multiple new Sims experiences for PC, console, and mobile, including continued content for The Sims 4 and the new Project Rene.
The Sims 4's latest free update broadens representation by adding West African-inspired food, clothes, and furniture
The Sims 4 has received a free update that introduces West African-inspired food, clothing, and furniture items, enhancing in-game representation. This content was developed in collaboration with the Pan African Gaming Group and Sims players. The update also includes over 150 community-reported bug fixes and is available on PC, Mac, and consoles.
