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As The Sims became a steady success, Will Wright began to focus on Spore.

After the spinoff of The Sims studio, it was Maxis ' only project — as such, a make-or-break effort.

Its development was protracted enough to merit vaporware status, and upon its 2008 release, found itself subject to harsh criticism and the target of a consumer protest against Electronic Arts.

Despite the poor launch publicity, Spore was still a commercial success.