The Sims co-creator Tim LeTourneau has passed away

The gaming industry mourns the loss of Tim LeTourneau, a pivotal figure in the creation of The Sims, whose passing was announced by his wife, Donna, via social media. His contributions to the world of gaming have left an indelible mark, prompting heartfelt tributes from colleagues and fans alike.

Career Highlights

LeTourneau’s journey in the gaming realm began in 1998 at Maxis, where he quickly established himself as a senior producer, dedicating eight years to the studio. His tenure at Maxis was marked by innovation and creativity, which laid the groundwork for the success of The Sims franchise. In 2006, he transitioned to Electronic Arts, the parent company of Maxis, where he served as an executive producer for two years before ascending to the role of Vice President and General Manager of The Sims Studio in 2008.

In March 2011, LeTourneau took his talents to Zynga, initially as Vice President of studios. His visionary leadership led to his promotion to Chief Creative Officer less than two years later, where he played a crucial role in shaping the company’s creative direction. Following a brief period at Storm8 as Chief Creative Officer, he returned to Zynga for another year as Senior Vice President of games, further solidifying his reputation as a creative powerhouse.

In March 2017, LeTourneau joined Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment as Director of Product Design, where he continued to influence the gaming landscape until his departure just over four years later. He then took on the role of Senior Advisor at Fortis Games, where his extensive experience and insights were invaluable.

As the news of his passing spread, a former member of the Maxis team took to Reddit to share a poignant tribute, reflecting on the familial atmosphere that LeTourneau fostered within the studio. “There is a reason why I called it the Maxis family, because it has been that for most who work and worked there,” the former staffer noted. “A place where we could all contribute our skills, passion, and visions while keeping our humour, our energy, and our sanity. Tim was a true father of that family.”

AppWizard
The Sims co-creator Tim LeTourneau has passed away