EA Maxis (formerly Maxis Software, or simply Maxis) is an American company, founded by Will Wright and Jeff Braun in 1987 as an independent video game developer. It was acquired by Electronic Arts (EA) in 1997, and is now one of EA's four major development labels. Maxis focuses on developing casual games for traditional and non-traditional gamers.

Maxis' second software title was the highly influential SimCity, a city simulation and planning game. Maxis is also the creator of The Sims series of video games, starting with The Sims in 2000. The Sims is a major franchise for EA and Maxis, and is currently the most successful PC game franchise of all time, with The Sims 2 recognized as one of the best-selling PC games ever.

Most of the Maxis titles are simulation-based, though none are considered traditional simulations. Maxis founder Will Wright likens them as "digital playgrounds." Maxis has also released games developed by other production houses, such as A-Train, sometimes with less than stellar results.

History

Origin and early acclaim

Maxis was founded in 1987 by Will Wright and "idea guy" Jeff Braun to help publish SimCity on home computers. Before then, the game was only available on a limited basis on the Commodore 64 due to few publishers showing any interest in porting it. The reason for this is because SimCity wasn't a traditional game that had definite "win" and "lose" conditions. The title went on to become, statistically, one of the most popular and successful video games of all time.

The SimCity series has since been updated to include SimCity 2000 (1993), SimCity 3000 (1999), SimCity 3000: Unlimited (2000), SimCity 4 (2003) and the non-Maxis developed SimCity Societies (2007). Maxis recently released a reboot of the franchise,SimCity (also called SimCity 2013 to differentiate it from the original), in 2013.

After such success with the SimCity series, Maxis tried various other Sim- titles. Some of these attempts include SimEarth, SimAnt, SimTower, SimLife, SimIsle and SimFarm. The success of these franchises varies, but none matched that of the original SimCity. Maxis' hit The Sims is the only very notable exception. Other games developed by Maxis, in addition to the SimCity series and Sim- series, include RoboSport (1991), Marble Drop (1997), and Spore (2008).

Decline

After the immense success of SimCity, Maxis attempted to go into new areas. However, their new games, including The Crystal Skull and SimCopter, were commercial failures. They also acquired Cinematronics to create a game called Crucible. Heavy losses and lack of direction led Maxis to begin considering acquisition offers.

Acquisition by EA

Electronic Arts (EA) completed its acquisition of Maxis on July 28, 1997. Compared to other companies acquired by EA, such as Origin Systems and Westwood Studios, the absorption of Maxis has taken a slower pace, and the company has retained some of its original staff, including Will Wright. Products were shipped under the Maxis logo for several years, but in 2004, The Sims 2 only bore the Electronic Arts logo on the box cover (although The Sims 2 displays the Maxis logo at game start, and on the reverse side of the box). As of October 18, 2006, and the release of The Sims 2: Pets expansion pack, the Maxis title has been omitted from the game's start.

For many years, Maxis was a traditional studio located in Walnut Creek, California (and before that, Orinda, California), but in February 2004 the division was split between EA's Redwood Shores headquarters and a separate studio located in Emeryville, California.

Will Wright's studio (who was developing Spore) is located in Emeryville, California.

The Sims

Maxis' most successful series to date is The Sims (2000). Released despite concern from Electronic Arts that it would be a commercial failure, it has gone on to become the most successful computer game in history. Maxis has developed seven expansion packs for the game as well as an online version (The Sims Online). Maxis released The Sims 2 in 2004, a sequel title that features a full 3D environment as opposed to the original's pseudo-3D diametric engine. The Maxis logo is no longer featured upon the start-up of more recent The Sims 2 expansion packs. However, the logo can still be found on the back of the CD case and on the start up of the base game. It is now added onto the front cover of The Sims 3: University Life and into the startup logo intro of The Sims 3. Its last appearance on the front cover was on The Sims: Makin' Magic. The Maxis Logo was introduced to Maxis products with SimCity and The Sims 4.

EA Reorganization

In late 2011, EA reorganized its company structure, creating four main labels - EA Games, EA Sports, EA BioWare, and EA Maxis (formerly EA Play).^[1] With the reorganization, Maxis is now home to The Sims Studio. The Sims Studio is the current developer of The Sims series, as well as other casual gaming development studios within EA. Lucy Bradshaw, who joined Maxis in 1998 and served as Executive Producer for The Sims 2, took on the role as general manager, later Senior VP.^[2]

In March 2015, EA closed down Maxis Emeryville, the main branch of Maxis.^[3]

In September 2015, Lucy Bradshaw left Electronic Arts, and was replaced by Rachel Franklin as Senior VP for Maxis.^[4][5] Maxis was also reorganized and placed under Samantha Ryan's leadership, Senior Vice President of EA Mobile and Maxis.^[6]

In March 2022, Maxis was given a complete rebranding. The new logo resembles the updated icon used for the Gallery in The Sims 4, which some players speculate may have been a hint at the time it was introduced.^[7]

Divisions

Under the EA Maxis label, there are many divisions, or studios that work on many different games.

Maxis Walnut Creek (Original Headquarters, closed)

Maxis Walnut Creek is the original studio that worked on The Sims. It was located in Walnut Creek, California. The studio worked on The Sims, The Sims 2 and The Sims Online. During the production of The Sims 2, Maxis split and moved to Emeryville and to Redwood Shores.

The Sims Games Developed at Maxis Walnut Creek

The Sims The Sims: House Party The Sims: Vacation The Sims: Superstar The Sims Online

The Sims: Livin' Large The Sims: Hot Date The Sims: Unleashed The Sims: Makin' Magic

Maxis Emeryville (Closed)

Maxis Emeryville is the sister location to Maxis Redwood Shores. After starting in Walnut Creek, the Maxis studio moved and split between Emeryville and Redwood Shores. It is located in Emeryville, California. Spore and the new SimCity started and were developed here. As of March 2015, Maxis Emeryville was closed.

The Sims Games Developed at Maxis Emeryville

Spore Spore: Galactic Adventures Spore: Creepy & Cute Parts Pack Spore: Bots Parts Pack DarkSpore

SimCity SimCity: Cities of Tomorrow SimCity DLC

Maxis Redwood Shores

Maxis Redwood Shores (formerly known as The Sims Studio and The Sims Division) was formed in 2006, following the relocation of Maxis from Walnut Creek to both Emeryville and Redwood City, California. This team is responsible for developing the core Sims titles, along with most of the additional content.

The Sims Games Developed at Maxis Redwood Shores

The Sims 2

The Sims 2 The Sims 2 Store The Sims 2: University The Sims 2: Nightlife The Sims 2: Holiday Party Pack The Sims 2: Open for Business The Sims 2: Pets

The Sims 2: Seasons The Sims 2: Bon Voyage The Sims 2: FreeTime The Sims 2: Apartment Life The Sims 2: Family Fun Stuff The Sims 2: Glamour Life Stuff The Sims 2: Celebration! Stuff

The Sims 2: Teen Style Stuff The Sims 2: H&M Fashion Stuff The Sims 2: IKEA Home Stuff The Sims 2: Kitchen & Bath Interior Design Stuff The Sims 2: Mansion & Garden Stuff

The Sims 3

The Sims 3 The Sims 3 Store The Sims 3: World Adventures The Sims 3: Ambitions The Sims 3: Late Night The Sims 3: Generations

The Sims 3: Pets The Sims 3: Seasons The Sims 3: Island Paradise The Sims 3: Master Suite Stuff The Sims 3: High-End Loft Stuff The Sims 3: Outdoor Living Stuff

The Sims 3: Fast Lane Stuff The Sims 3: Diesel Stuff The Sims 3: Katy Perry's Sweet Treats The Sims 3: 70s, 80s, & 90s Stuff The Sims 3: Movie Stuff The Sims 3: Town Life Stuff

The Sims 4

The Sims 4 The Sims 4: Get to Work The Sims 4: Get Together The Sims 4: City Living The Sims 4: Cats & Dogs The Sims 4: Seasons The Sims 4: Get Famous The Sims 4: Island Living The Sims 4: Discover University The Sims 4: Eco Lifestyle The Sims 4: Snowy Escape The Sims 4: Cottage Living The Sims 4: High School Years The Sims 4: Growing Together The Sims 4: Horse Ranch The Sims 4: For Rent The Sims 4: Lovestruck The Sims 4: Life & Death The Sims 4: Businesses & Hobbies The Sims 4: Enchanted by Nature

The Sims 4: Outdoor Retreat The Sims 4: Spa Day The Sims 4: Dine Out The Sims 4: Vampires The Sims 4: Parenthood The Sims 4: Jungle Adventure The Sims 4: StrangerVille The Sims 4: Realm of Magic The Sims 4: Journey to Batuu The Sims 4: Dream Home Decorator The Sims 4: My Wedding Stories The Sims 4: Werewolves

The Sims 4: Luxury Party Stuff The Sims 4: Perfect Patio Stuff The Sims 4: Cool Kitchen Stuff The Sims 4: Spooky Stuff The Sims 4: Movie Hangout Stuff The Sims 4: Romantic Garden Stuff The Sims 4: Kids Room Stuff The Sims 4: Backyard Stuff The Sims 4: Vintage Glamour Stuff The Sims 4: Bowling Night Stuff The Sims 4: Fitness Stuff The Sims 4: Toddler Stuff The Sims 4: Laundry Day Stuff The Sims 4: My First Pet Stuff The Sims 4: Moschino Stuff The Sims 4: Tiny Living Stuff The Sims 4: Nifty Knitting Stuff The Sims 4: Paranormal Stuff The Sims 4: Home Chef Hustle Stuff The Sims 4: Crystal Creations Stuff

Maxis Redwood Shores developed several spin-offs and related titles within The Sims franchise, beyond the main series.

The Sims Life Stories The Sims 2 Castaway The Sims Castaway Stories The Sims Pets Stories The Sims Medieval The Sims Medieval: Pirates & Nobles

MySims MySims Kingdom MySims Agents MySims SkyHeroes MySims Racing MySims Party

Maxis Salt Lake (Closed)

Maxis Salt Lake, located in Salt Lake City, Utah, developed expansions for The Sims games, alternating their releases with expansions created by Maxis Redwood Shores. In early 2014, EA heavily downsized its Salt Lake offices, laying off a significant portion of The Sims division. Some of the staff were relocated to Maxis Redwood Shores in California, where The Sims development was consolidated. The remaining members of the Salt Lake studio were reassigned to mobile game development, focusing on projects outside of the life simulation genre until the studio was closed in April 2017

The Sims Games Developed at Maxis Salt Lake

• The Sims 3: Showtime
• The Sims 3: Supernatural
• The Sims 3: University Life
• The Sims 3: Into the Future

TrackTwenty

TrackTwenty (formerly Maxis Helsinki) is a studio of EA Mobile/Maxis focused on making mobile SimCity games.

• SimCity BuildIt

Firemonkeys

Firemonkeys is a studio of EA Mobile/Maxis focused on making and maintaining mobile Sims games.

• The Sims FreePlay
• The Sims Mobile

Playfish

Playfish is responsible for creating Facebook games for EA. Playfish is no longer a subsidiary division of Maxis, although the Maxis logo does not appear on any of their content. They were responsible for the now closed Sims Facebook games.

• The Sims Social
• SimCity Social

Trivia

Contrary to popular myth, the company's name was not based on the words "six AM" spelled backwards. Rather, it was derived from a formula suggested by Jeff Braun's father: computer game companies should have two-syllable names and should include an 'x'. It was noted later that the name is "six AM" backwards.

References

External links

• The official Maxis website
• Maxis Wiki

This page uses content from Wikipedia. The original article was at Maxis. The list of authors can be seen in the page history. As with The Sims Wiki, the text of Wikipedia is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 license.