Ooh Be Gah! The Sims 4 is at it again! As reported by The Associated Press (via Kotaku), creative possibilities are reaching the virtually-limitless realm now that character customization will be allowed to go beyond gender restrictions. Starting this Thursday, a free update will let your unique little Sim freely try out clothing, hairstyles, and various aesthetic options–including physique and voice selections–as well as switch genders in-game and choose which Sims will reproduce.
With this update, all characters regardless of gender can mess around with over 700 pieces of customizable content. A hint of this evolving change came in May as female characters were allowed open access to a few male hairstyle options. As societal norms change so too must a life-simulation game. The Sims executive producer Rachel Franklin mentioned to AP that Maxis worked with GLAAD’s suggestions to help represent lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender players. GLAAD’s transgender media program director, Nick Adams, stated, “Creating the possibility for greater gender diversity within the world of ‘The Sims’ is an exciting development. It was a pleasure working with developers who were committed to updating the game so that all players can create a Sims world that more accurately reflects the world in which we live today.”
Previous installments of The Sims allowed same-sex romances and marriages early on–and there have always been hundreds of player mods which represent the truest form of limitless customization. In the gaming world, Saints Row, Mass Effect, and Dragon Age: Inquisition are just a few examples of popular series which have started to relax their character customizations and create same-sex NPC relationships to help connect the gaming experience to a player’s life today.
Two years after The Sims 4 was first released, it’s still going strong despite continuous negative response aimed at EA and Maxis. But this 16-year-old series is without a doubt a staple in the gaming world, and if anything, we appreciate seeing it progress with changes such as this update.
What do you think of this inclusive update for The Sims 4? Leave us your comments below!
Image: EA Games/Maxis
