Net Worth Ranker
What Is Will Wright’s Net Worth?
Will Wright, an influential American video game designer and businessman, has accumulated a net worth estimated at $20 million. This wealth is primarily attributed to his co-founding of Maxis, a game development company that revolutionized the industry with its innovative simulation games.
The Rise of Maxis and SimCity’s Impact on Will Wright’s Net Worth
Wright’s career took off with the formation of Maxis alongside Jeff Braun in 1987. In 1989, Maxis released SimCity, one of the most influential computer games ever created. SimCity’s success not only cemented Wright’s reputation but also established Maxis as a major player in the gaming world. This initial success paved the way for other successful titles, including SimEarth and SimAnt, further contributing to Wright’s growing wealth.
In 1995, Maxis went public, reporting revenues of $38 million. This initial public offering (IPO) provided a substantial boost to Wright’s financial standing. However, in 1997, Electronic Arts (EA) acquired Maxis, marking a significant shift in Wright’s career and a further increase to his net worth. While the specific terms of the acquisition remain undisclosed, it’s reasonable to assume that Wright received a considerable payout as a co-founder and key figure in the company.
Further Contributions and “Spore”
Following the acquisition of Maxis by EA, Wright continued to play a pivotal role in the development of groundbreaking games. In 2000, EA published The Sims, which became the best-selling computer game of all time, and by 2006, the franchise had generated over $1 billion in revenue for EA. Wright’s creative input was instrumental in the success of the series and its contribution to his Net Worth.
Wright’s innovative spirit led to the creation of Spore, released in 2008. The game, which focused on scientific advancement and evolution, sold over 400,000 copies within just three weeks of its release. While “Spore” was not as commercially successful as “The Sims”, it still contributed to Wright’s income through royalties and sales.
Beyond game development, Wright founded the “Stupid Fun Club” in 2009, an entertainment think tank with EA as one of its major shareholders. Although the specific financial details of this venture are not public, it can be inferred that Wright received financial backing and potentially equity in the company.
