Veteran The Sims Producer Tim LeTourneau Has Passed Away

The Sims Producer Tim LeTourneau

Tim LeTourneau, a beloved figure in the gaming industry and one of the creative forces behind The Sims franchise, has sadly passed away. His death was confirmed by his wife, Donna, a longtime voice actor for The Sims.

LeTourneau’s career spanned more than two decades, and his contributions have touched millions of players worldwide. He helped shape landmark titles including SimCity 3000, The Sims, The Sims 2, MySims, and FarmVille 2, blending simulation, storytelling, and playfulness in a way that defined an entire genre.

Career Highlights

Maxis and EA (1998–2011)

Tim LeTourneau began his journey in game development in 1998, joining Maxis as an associate producer. He was part of the team behind SimCity 3000 and the original The Sims, working closely on numerous expansion packs such as Hot Date, Vacation, and Unleashed. His impact grew steadily, and by 2006 he had become Executive Producer. Two years later, he was named Vice President and General Manager of The Sims Studio at Electronic Arts, overseeing a franchise that had sold over 125 million copies by 2010.

In addition to his production work, LeTourneau lent his voice to Simlish dialogue in The Sims: House Party and The Sims: Makin’ Magic. He also helped spearhead spinoffs like MySims and SimAnimals, ensuring The Sims evolved while staying true to its heart.

Zynga and Beyond (2011–2025)

After leaving EA, LeTourneau joined Zynga as VP of Studios, later rising to Chief Creative Officer, where he led the development of FarmVille 2. He briefly joined Storm8 as CCO (2014–2015), returned to Zynga as SVP of Games, and in 2017 joined Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment as Director of Product Design. Most recently, he served as a Senior Advisor at Fortis Games.

A Legacy Remembered

Colleagues and peers remembered LeTourneau not just for his technical skills but for his leadership, warmth, and empathy. Jonathan Knight, who worked alongside him across EA, Zynga, and Warner Bros., shared:

“Mentor is too small a word for the relationship that followed… He was a servant leader before we called it that. He engendered loyalty everywhere he went. He made the work fun. He cared so much.”

A Reddit tribute from a 3D artist LeTourneau once hired at 23—despite a lack of formal experience—highlighted how he recognized raw passion and provided rare opportunities. “He changed my life,” they wrote.

Others echoed the same. Amanda Taggert, former EA communications leader, remembered him as someone who "treated everyone with respect." Niko Vuori, CEO of Linus, called him “a wonderful human being and an empathetic game designer.”

Rest in peace, Tim.