ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Los Sims fans bid farewell after Saudi fund acquisition, marking end of an era for the iconic game

market-auction · 2026-08-30

Electronic Arts, the company behind the 25-year-old game Los Sims, has changed ownership following mediation by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former US President Donald Trump. The acquisition by a Saudi fund has sparked an emotional reaction from fans, who say goodbye to a game that has shaped a generation. The game, often dismissed as a 'dollhouse' and not considered 'real gaming,' has been particularly significant for women, who have faced exclusion from the gaming community. Many female players have been told they are not 'true gamers' because they play Los Sims. The sale raises questions about the future of the franchise and its community, as well as broader concerns about the influence of foreign investment in the gaming industry. The article also touches on the cultural impact of Los Sims, which has been a staple for casual and dedicated players alike, and the shifting definitions of what it means to be a gamer.

Key facts

  • Electronic Arts, producer of Los Sims, has changed owners.
  • The sale was mediated by Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law.
  • The buyer is a Saudi fund.
  • Los Sims was launched 25 years ago.
  • Fans are saying goodbye to the game after the sale.
  • The game has been called a 'dollhouse' and has grown a generation.
  • Many women have been told they are not real gamers because they play Los Sims.
  • The article discusses the politics of the term 'gamer'.

Entities

Institutions

  • Electronic Arts
  • Saudi fund

Locations

  • Saudi Arabia

Sources