Electronic Arts has announced a significant shift in its development priorities for The Sims franchise, shelving the project previously codenamed 'Project Lotus' in favor of 'Project Evergreen'. This decision, detailed in an internal email obtained by Kotaku, is part of a broader company restructuring that also includes the layoffs of 400 employees and the closure of BioWare.
Executives Cam Weber and David Tinson informed employees that the company will "focus on the long-term potential of The Sims and skate." To achieve this, efforts will now be concentrated on Project Evergreen for The Sims, allowing the team "more time to reach the full potential and vision for the game." Consequently, development on Project Lotus has been halted.
Fans have reacted to the news with a mix of relief and apprehension. Some welcomed the apparent discontinuation of Project Lotus, which was widely rumored to be connected to the free-to-play, mobile-focused Project Rene. However, others expressed concern for the franchise's future under EA's management, with one fan noting, "The Sims 4 not making it out 2026 THE END IS NIGH."
Project Lotus was thought to be an alternate codename for Project Rene, initially presented as a successor to The Sims 4, though EA avoided officially labeling it The Sims 5. Early previews showcased extensive customization and multiplayer features. However, reports emerged in 2024 indicating a downgrade to a mobile game, with screenshots circulating that bore resemblance to existing Sims mobile titles. Project Rene was also revealed to be free-to-play, with speculation suggesting it might adopt a Roblox-like platform structure. Later playtests reportedly included elements heavily inspired by Roblox experiences like 'Dress to Impress'.
Less is known about Project Evergreen, which is now the primary focus for developer Maxis. Sims Community reported that it might be a new designation for 'Project X,' a single-player game intended to be a more traditional mainline Sims title, separate from Rene. This has led some fans to hope that Project Evergreen could ultimately become The Sims 5 or at least a more satisfying iteration for the series. Regardless of Evergreen's final form, the ongoing shifts and the fate of Project Lotus have fueled anxieties about The Sims' trajectory, especially given the extended lifespan of The Sims 4, which transitioned to free-to-play years after its 2014 launch.