EA has quietly released two of its biggest mobile properties into soft launch as that seismic $55bn Saudi-led buyout edges closer.
According to Appmagic, Plants Vs Zombies 3 has returned for its third round of Android-only soft launch testing. It now has the subtitle Evolved and is in beta testing in the UK, Singapore, Ireland and Kazakhstan. EA describes this new version of PvZ 3 as a “Seedling Build” that is “just the beginning” for the game.
“Content, features, and classically quirky PvZ adventures will keep expanding over time,” the store blurb continues. “By playing now, you’re helping shape the future while enjoying the latest, zaniest, first sprouting chapter of Plants vs. Zombies.”
PvZ3’s first beta launched in Philippines, Romania and Ireland in early 2020, before disappearing and then returning again in early 2024 in a wider range of markets, including the UK, Australia and the Netherlands. It was pulled from Google Play again at the end of 2024.
Meanwhile, not along after closing down The Sims Mobile, EA has another potential Sims game in testing under its ‘Labs’ label, subtitled Life Together.
According to Appmagic, it is picking up a small number of downloads in Italy, Netherlands and Sweden. It promises a more multiplayer-focused Sims experience and party games, according to the store blurb.
The Sims Labs: Life Together follows a couple of other Sims betas, The Sims Labs: Town Stories and City Life Game With Friends, which have also been in and out of testing in the last year.
EA recently moved to dismiss concerns over layoffs and the amount of debt being taken on at the company as part of that looming $55bn go-private deal.
We also revealed last week that EA boss Andrew Wilson could cash out over $100m in shares from the Saudi-led megadeal.
Just as the takeover was announced, one EA source claimed that the proposed buyout could transform the fortunes of EA’s mobile arm, which has been held back by strict cost management and a subsequent lack of UA spend for many years.
