The Sims is about to get even more competition. A new studio co-founded by Jake Solomon, the veteran game designer behind it XCOM And Marvel’s Midnight Sunswill challenge Maxis’ enduring and dominant life simulation game series with a new, as-yet-untitled game that focuses on “the drama of modern life.”
Joining Solomon at his new gaming company Midsummer Studios are co-founder Will Miller (also formerly of Firaxis) and ex-The Sims producer-director Grant Rodiek (aka “SimGuru Grant”). Rodiek was previously game director Project ReneMaxis’ in-development sequel to The Sims4. At least half a dozen other former Firaxis game developers who worked on the XCOM games and Marvel’s Midnight Suns are now also at Midsummer Studios.
“The best stories in games are written by the players,” Solomon said in a press release. “During Midsummer, we’re creating a life simulation focused on the drama of modern life, where our players write meaningful stories just by playing, and then share those stories with the world.”
Solomon left Firaxis in 2023, after more than twenty years at the studio. Shortly after his departure, he expressed his interest in creating a life simulation game.
Midsummer’s game enters an increasingly crowded field largely dominated by Electronic Arts’ The Sims franchise. Promising competitors include Living through youan upcoming life sim from Paradox Interactive helmed by Rod Humble (Second Life, The Sims 3); Paralives, the highly customizable indie “dollhouse” life simulation; And Paliaa cozy life simulation with Stardew Valley vibes currently in beta.
EA and Maxis’ Project Rene (also known as The Sims5) has no release window, as the developers behind the game say they plan to show off their progress and take community input into account in the coming years. The Sims4 Launched in 2014 and free to play in 2022, reaching over 70 million players over the past decade.
Midsummer Studios has not yet announced a title, release date, or platforms for its debut life sim.