The Sims Mobile Servers Set to Shut Down Permanently on January 20, 2026

Electronic Arts (EA) has officially announced the impending cessation of services for The Sims Mobile, a popular free-to-play mobile game that has engaged millions of players since its global launch in 2018. The life simulation title, which offered a faster-paced, legacy-focused take on the beloved franchise for mobile gamers, will be permanently delisted and its servers shut down on January 20, 2026, at 1:59 PM UTC.

The decision, coming after more than seven years of active development and over 50 major updates, marks a significant shift in EA’s strategy for the lucrative mobile gaming market. The announcement has sent ripples through the dedicated community, prompting discussions about game preservation, developer support, and the future direction of The Sims franchise, particularly in light of the ongoing development of the next-generation project, codenamed “Project Rene.”

Key Dates and Final Preparations for Players

The transition period began immediately with the final update, released on October 20, 2025. EA has outlined a clear roadmap for the game’s final months, prioritizing player enjoyment and access to content before the definitive server shutdown.

• October 20, 2025: The final content update for The Sims Mobile went live. Crucially, from this date, the ability to purchase packs or spend any real money within the game has been disabled. Players retain access to any existing SimCash, Simoleons, or Tickets until the final closure date. As a gesture of goodwill, all players received unlimited energy to expedite gameplay.
• October 21, 2025: The Sims Mobile was delisted from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, making it unavailable for new downloads. Existing players, however, can still update or re-download the game through their app library until the January deadline.
• January 6, 2026: In the lead-up to the closure, EA will unlock all Build Mode and Create A Sim (CAS) items for every player. This provides a limited-time opportunity for users to fully realize their dream homes and perfect Sims before the game becomes unplayable.
• January 20, 2026: The final, permanent server shutdown. After this time, The Sims Mobile will cease to be accessible, as the online-required title has no offline mode.

Strong emphasis has been placed on the fact that any unspent in-game currency purchased with real money will not be eligible for a refund after the January 20, 2026, closure date, underscoring the importance of players utilizing their remaining resources.

The Sims Mobile vs. The Sims FreePlay: A Look Back at the Duel

The existence of The Sims Mobile alongside its older counterpart, The Sims FreePlay (released in 2011), often created a split dynamic within the Sims community. While both catered to the mobile gaming audience, they offered starkly different experiences. The Sims Mobile, developed by Maxis, utilized assets similar to The Sims 4, providing superior graphics and focusing on building a Sims Legacy through character relationships, stories, and the passing down of heirlooms.

In contrast, The Sims FreePlay, developed by Firemonkeys, features a slower, real-time progression system and allows players to manage multiple households across an expanding town, a gameplay style often seen as more akin to the classic PC titles. The fact that The Sims FreePlay continues to receive regular, robust updates while the newer title is being discontinued highlights the unique challenges and shifting preferences within the life simulation sub-genre on mobile platforms. The former’s continued profitability and extensive content catalog likely secured its place in EA’s portfolio, whereas The Sims Mobile’s niche focus on a faster, relationship-driven experience may have ultimately constrained its long-term revenue potential.

Project Rene and the Future of the Franchise

While EA has not provided a specific reason for the game’s closure, the timing is highly suggestive. The company is heavily invested in the development of “Project Rene,” widely understood to be the next generation of The Sims experience. Official statements about Project Rene emphasize its cross-platform nature, with a goal to allow seamless play across PC, console, and mobile devices. This new, unified approach suggests that a dedicated, standalone mobile experience like The Sims Mobile may no longer fit into the overarching digital strategy for the premium gaming brand.

The move to consolidate resources aligns with broader trends in the video game industry, where developers are often pivoting toward cross-progression models to maximize the reach and customer lifetime value of a single, central title. For players, this signifies that the future of the franchise on mobile will likely be as an extension of the primary PC/Console game, rather than a separate product with its own unique progression system and in-game economy.

The Economic Context: Acquisition Talks and Industry Layoffs

The shutdown of The Sims Mobile also occurs amidst a complex financial and corporate backdrop. Electronic Arts has recently been the subject of high-profile acquisition talks, with reports of a potential leveraged buyout valued in the tens of billions, including investment from large consortiums. Such corporate restructuring often leads to the strategic pruning of less-profitable or older live-service titles to streamline operations and focus on high-return investments.

Furthermore, the gaming industry has been experiencing a significant contraction and numerous layoffs since 2022, following a period of massive growth. The decision to end service for a multi-year title like The Sims Mobile may reflect a broader industry recalibration toward efficiency and a focus on core, high-performing franchises. This trend raises important questions for game preservation advocates, as titles that are entirely dependent on online servers, and where players have invested both time and in-app purchases, simply vanish from digital existence.

A Farewell to a Digital Life

To ease the departure, EA has scheduled 14 final in-game events, including limited-time quests and Treasure Hunts, providing one last opportunity for players to earn content and engage with the world they built. The unlimited energy feature is designed to help players achieve their ultimate Sim build goals quickly. The developer’s statement extended gratitude to the community for its “creativity, kindness, and imagination,” encouraging players to share their final creations before the curtain falls.

As the date of January 20, 2026, approaches, The Sims Mobile will transition from a daily source of digital entertainment to a cherished memory in the history of the life simulation genre. Players are strongly advised to utilize their premium currency and enjoy the fully unlocked game content in the remaining months.

Disclaimer: This article is based on the news of the upcoming shutdown of The Sims Mobile and incorporates details officially announced by Electronic Arts. Players should refer to the official EA website for the most current information regarding their in-game currency and account status. This is not financial or investment advice. Video game development strategies are subject to change.