# **EA May Be Moving Away from Single-Player Games—But We Are Not**
The gaming landscape has significantly evolved in the last twenty years, with publishers increasingly concentrating on live-service and multiplayer formats. Nevertheless, for countless players, single-player games continue to be a cherished foundation of gaming culture. Recent developments regarding EA’s re-release of *The Sims* and *The Sims 2* underscore the widening gap between corporate goals and player desires.
## **A Sentimental Comeback of *The Sims***
In early 2025, EA reintroduced *The Sims* and *The Sims 2* on Steam under the name *The Legacy Collection*. Yet, instead of delivering a comprehensive remaster or even a refined re-release, these editions were essentially the original titles with minor adjustments to enhance compatibility with contemporary PCs.
The outcome? A surge of discontent from fans who faced launch issues, visual bugs, and absent features that are now considered standard in modern PC gaming, such as Steam Cloud support and achievements. While a few players succeeded in launching the games, many others encountered technical problems that EA seemingly ignored.
Despite these challenges, *The Sims* retains its status as a distinctive and captivating experience. Its emergent narratives, whimsical humor, and sandbox gameplay still enchant players, demonstrating that well-crafted single-player games can endure over time. Regrettably, EA’s uninspired handling of this re-release indicates that the company no longer perceives value in investing in single-player adventures.
## **EA’s Erratic Handling of Classic Titles**
EA’s management of *The Sims* re-release is especially confusing when compared to its previous attempts. In 2020, the company launched the *Command & Conquer Remastered Collection*, which boasted 4K upscaling, enhanced UI, and contemporary platform features like Steam achievements. Though it wasn’t flawless, it represented a genuine effort to pay homage to the *Command & Conquer* legacy.
Conversely, *The Sims*—a franchise of significantly greater cultural impact and commercial success—received a minimal re-release. This inconsistency raises concerns about EA’s priorities and whether the company still considers single-player games a meaningful investment.
## **The Corporate Shift Away from Single-Player Experiences**
The gaming sector has increasingly embraced live-service models, where ongoing revenue from microtransactions and subscriptions overshadows standalone games. EA’s CEO, Andrew Wilson, recently indicated that single-player titles struggle to fulfill financial expectations.
During a post-earnings discussion, Wilson highlighted the poor performance of *Dragon Age: The Veilguard*, despite it being one of EA’s most commercially successful single-player launches on Steam. He suggested that contemporary games require “shared-world features” to thrive, reinforcing the notion that EA is favoring multiplayer and live-service experiences over traditional single-player titles.
However, recent hits like *Baldur’s Gate 3* and *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2* demonstrate that single-player games can still achieve commercial success. These games have connected with players and attained considerable financial success without relying on live-service elements.
## **The Future of Single-Player Games Resides with Indie Developers**
While large publishers like EA may be distancing themselves from single-player experiences, independent developers are ready to bridge that divide. Titles such as *Hello Kitty Island Adventure* and *Stardew Valley* have attracted extensive audiences by emphasizing engaging, player-centered experiences.
For enthusiasts of single-player games, the conclusion is clear: the future of the genre belongs to indie developers and studios that prioritize innovation over corporate profit margins. While EA may have lost interest in single-player games, players still appreciate them—and they’re eager to support developers that share their enthusiasm.
## **Conclusion: A Missed Chance for *The Sims***
Despite its technical shortcomings, *The Sims* remains a cherished classic that could have experienced a significant resurgence in today’s gaming world. With nostalgia, cozy gaming trends, and sandbox experiences gaining popularity, a well-executed remaster could have introduced a new generation of players to the franchise.
Instead, EA’s uninspired re-release serves as a stark reminder that major publishers are no longer the champions of single-player gaming. Thankfully, dedicated developers and passionate players continue to sustain the genre. While EA may be finished with single-player games, the rest of us definitely are not.
