Sul Sul… For the Last Time: The Sims Mobile Is Shutting Down
After seven years and over fifty updates, one of the mainstays of mobile simulation gaming is coming to an end. In a move that has surprised and angered many fans, Electronic Arts has announced that The Sims Mobile will be officially “sunset” and its servers shut down permanently on January 20, 2026. The game, which allowed players to build lives, homes, and families on the go, will become completely unplayable after this date, marking the end of a significant chapter for the franchise’s mobile presence.
In a farewell blog post titled “Our Final Update,” the development team thanked the community for their creativity and passion over the years. But for many players who have invested years of time and real money into the game, the thank you feels hollow in the face of another live-service game being switched off forever.
The Shutdown Schedule: A Step-by-Step Goodbye
EA and the Sims Mobile team have laid out a clear, multi-stage plan for winding down the game. Here’s what players can expect in the coming months:
- Final Content Update: The game’s final update went live on October 19, 2025. No new features or major content will be added after this.
- In-App Purchases Disabled: All real-money purchases were disabled immediately following the announcement.
- Delisted from Stores: The game will be removed from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store starting October 21, 2025, preventing new players from downloading it.
- Final Farewell Gift: On January 6, 2026, the developers will unlock every single Build Mode and Create-A-Sim item for free. This gives all remaining players two weeks to go wild and build their dream homes without any restrictions.
- Servers Go Dark: On January 20, 2026, the servers will be permanently shut down. As the game requires an online connection to play, it will become completely inaccessible.
The team has confirmed that a full schedule of in-game events will continue to run as normal until the final shutdown, allowing players to use up their remaining currency and enjoy the game’s final months.
Community Backlash and the “Project Rene” Connection
The reaction from the community has been one of sadness and frustration. The shutdown highlights a growing issue in the games industry, where players can lose access to games and purchased content overnight. Many have pointed to this as another example of why the “Stop Killing Games” movement is so important, calling for developers to provide offline patches for live-service titles before shutting them down.
Speculation is also rampant that this move is connected to the next major installment in the series, codenamed “Project Rene.” This upcoming game is expected to have a significant mobile component, which would make The Sims Mobile redundant. Some fans believe the 2026 shutdown date is a strong hint that Project Rene is aiming for a release in the same year.
It’s important to note that this shutdown does not affect The Sims FreePlay, the other long-running Sims title on mobile, which will continue to operate as usual.
Conclusion
The end of The Sims Mobile is a bittersweet moment. It marks the closure of a game that has been a creative outlet for millions, but it also serves as a harsh reminder of the impermanent nature of digital-only, online-required games. While the final weeks of free, unlimited building will be a fun send-off, it does little to soothe the sting for players who are losing a game they love, and all the time and money they put into it. Dag dag, Sims Mobile. You will be missed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is The Sims Mobile officially shutting down?
The game’s servers will be turned off permanently on January 20, 2026, at which point the game will become unplayable.
2. Can I still play the game if I already have it installed?
Yes, you can continue to play the game and participate in events until the servers are shut down on January 20, 2026.
3. What happens to all the money I spent on the game?
According to EA, all your purchased items will continue to work until the game shuts down. However, any leftover premium currency will not be eligible for a refund after the servers go offline.
4. Will I be able to play the game offline after the shutdown?
No. The Sims Mobile requires an online connection to EA’s servers to function. Once those servers are turned off, the game will be completely inaccessible.
5. Is The Sims FreePlay also shutting down?
No, this announcement only applies to The Sims Mobile. The Sims FreePlay is a separate game and will continue to be supported.
6. What is the final event or bonus for players?
As a farewell gift, starting January 6, 2026, every item in the game’s Build Mode and Create-A-Sim catalog will be unlocked and made available for free to all players until the final shutdown.