MAXIS SIMTOWN SOFTWARE
MAXIS SIMTOWN PC

Maxis has it roots in a pizza party, where co-founders Jeff Braun and Will Wright first met. These are the stories from those people about the ups, downs, and quirks that come with building and maintaining one of the most respected studios in the industry вЂ“ and the games that make Maxis famous.Д¬ontributors and their positions (as of September 2012) The studioвЂ™s ability to retain this identity over time is due in large part to the passion of its dedicated staff, many of whom have been at Maxis long enough to witness a wide array of its stumbles and triumphs. Despite these changes, the core of Maxis has remained intact over time its focus on fun, accessible, and creative content lets playersвЂ™ imaginations run wild.

MAXIS SIMTOWN PC

It has grown into a multi-studio developer, survived a corporate buyout, released a high-profile disappointment, and built the best-selling PC series of all time. In the gaming landscape of 1987, a simulation about urban planning was risky, but Braun and Wright hoped that it would find an audience.ДЄfter 25 years, Maxis is a different organization in many ways.

MAXIS SIMTOWN SOFTWARE

Though shooting robots and fighting wizards were the most prominent gameplay moments from that year, a new type of experience was taking shape at the newly formed Maxis Software вЂ“ a small studio in Moraga, California formed by Will Wright and Jeff Braun to publish SimCity. The year 1987 is a pivotal one in gaming history, introducing iconic series like Mega Man, Metal Gear, and Final Fantasy. Even if the Maxis brand persists in some altered form, the Emeryville location was the core of the studio, and I'm sad to see it go. Though recent developments may be missing from the conversation, I left the studio impressed by the dedication, passion, and creativity of the staff. I conducted these interviews in September 2012 вЂ“ prior to the release of SimCity and The Sims 4 вЂ“ to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Maxis.

With the news of Maxis closing its doorsВ in Emeryville, we wanted to post the feature to give you a look at happier days at the legendary studio. Author's Note: This article originally appeared in issue 236 of Game Informer.