Maxis

Maxis Software was founded as a video game developer and is now a brand name of Electronic Arts (EA). Its initial software title was the seminal SimCity, a city simulation and planning game. Maxis is also the creator of the best-selling computer game of all time, The Sims.

Most Maxis titles are simulation-based, though none are considered traditional simulations. Maxis founder Will Wright likens them to "digital playgrounds." Maxis tends to release most of the games released as strategy simulation, with little multiplayer content.

Contrary to popular myth, the company's name was not based on the words "six AM" spelled backwards. Rather, it was derived from a formula suggested by Jeff Braun's father: computer game companies should have two-syllable names and should include an 'x'.

Spore
Maxis' latest project, Spore, was released on September 7, 2008 (September 5 in Europe). Players create species starting at the single cell level, and develop them into sentient life. The goal is for them to eventually gain the intelligence to create spaceships and get to the center of your galaxy. The Spore Creature Creator allows users to create species for later use in the game.