The Sims Mobile Shutting Down in 2026: EA Confirms Details
Electronic Arts has officially announced that it is sunsetting one of its long-running life simulation titles, The Sims Mobile. After a seven-year run filled with dozens of updates and community events, the servers for the popular mobile game will be permanently shut down on January 20, 2026. Once the servers go offline, the game will become completely unplayable.
In a statement addressing the game's dedicated community, the development team expressed its gratitude for the players' long-standing support and creativity. The announcement marks the beginning of the end for the mobile title, setting a clear timeline for players to enjoy their final months in the virtual world they built.
The Final Sunset: Key Dates and Shutdown Details
The process of winding down the game will occur over the next year and a half. Players should be aware of several key dates and changes that will take place leading up to the final shutdown.
The most critical date is January 20, 2026. At precisely 1:59 PM UTC on that day, the game servers will be permanently deactivated. Because The Sims Mobile is an online-only experience with no offline mode, this action will render the game inaccessible to everyone.
Leading up to this, the game has already ceased receiving major content updates. The development team has confirmed that the "Uptown Industrial" Sweet Treat Showdown, which recently concluded, was the game's final major event. While the game will remain playable, no new themed updates or events will be introduced from this point forward. Furthermore, the ability to make real-money in-game purchases has been disabled as of late 2024.
A Seven-Year Journey Comes to an End
Launched worldwide in 2018 after a soft-launch period, The Sims Mobile offered a unique, story-driven take on the classic Sims formula for iOS and Android devices. It differentiated itself from its sibling title, The Sims FreePlay, by focusing on generational play, detailed Sim customization, and interactive social features that allowed players to connect and engage with each other's virtual lives.
Over its lifespan, the game received more than 50 significant updates, introducing new careers, hobbies, build items, and narrative events that kept the community engaged. Players have spent countless hours designing dream homes, guiding their Sims through intricate stories, and building a vibrant online community.
In their farewell message, the developers celebrated the players' contributions, stating: "The Sims Mobile and The Sims community as a whole are full of creativity, kindness, and imagination. You’ve amazed us with your stories, builds, and Sims." The message acknowledges the passion that fueled the game for so long and thanks players for being part of its journey from the beginning.
What This Means for Your Sims and Purchases
For active players, the primary question is what will happen to their progress and the money they have invested in the game.
- Game Progress: All player progress, including created Sims, completed stories, and decorated homes, will remain fully accessible and playable until the servers shut down on January 20, 2026.
- In-Game Currency: Any existing premium currency, such as SimCash, and standard currencies like Simoleons, can still be spent in the game on available items. However, once the shutdown occurs, all currency and items will be lost.
- No Refunds: As is standard practice for live-service game shutdowns, EA has not announced a program for refunding real-money purchases made during the game's lifetime. All previous transactions are considered final. Players are encouraged to use any purchased currency and enjoy their items before the game goes offline for good.
The lack of an offline mode is a critical point, as it means the application will cease to function entirely once it can no longer connect to the central servers.
The Future of The Sims Franchise
While the closure of The Sims Mobile is the end of an era for its players, the broader Sims franchise continues to move forward. EA has assured the community that the other major mobile title, The Sims FreePlay, is not affected by this decision and will continue to receive support and new content.
Furthermore, development is well underway for the next mainline evolution of the series, currently codenamed Project Rene. This highly anticipated title is expected to be a free-to-play experience across both PC and mobile platforms, aiming to innovate on the core Sims formula with deep customization and integrated multiplayer options. The shutdown of The Sims Mobile may be part of a broader strategy by EA to consolidate its resources and focus on the future of the franchise with Project Rene and the continued success of The Sims 4.
For now, players of The Sims Mobile have over a year to say their goodbyes, host final parties, and celebrate the unique stories they were able to create.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Sims Mobile Shutdown
When is The Sims Mobile shutting down for good?
The game's servers will be permanently shut down on January 20, 2026, at 1:59 PM UTC.
Can I still play the game after it shuts down?
No. The Sims Mobile requires a connection to its servers to function. Once the servers are offline, the game will no longer be playable.
Will I get a refund for my in-game purchases?
EA has not announced any plans for refunds. All prior in-game purchases are considered final. You can continue to use your purchased items and currency until the shutdown date.
What should I do with my SimCash and other currencies?
You should spend any remaining in-game currency before January 20, 2026. After this date, all currency and items will become inaccessible.
Is The Sims FreePlay also shutting down?
No. This announcement is only for The Sims Mobile. The Sims FreePlay will continue to be supported with ongoing updates and content.