In the world of video games, diversity and inclusiveness are fairly new concepts. For most of the history of video games, most characters are always portrayed in a stereotypical manner, and it wasn't until recently that most video game developers started paying attention to broadening a game's horizon and introducing a diverse set of characters from all walks of life.
One example of this is CD Projekt Red, which revealed at the end of August that its upcoming game, Cyberpunk 2077, will be removing traditional Male and Female options in character creation in favor of a genderless body type that would offer a wide range of customizations. BioWare's Dragon Age franchise has also introduced same-sex relationships on several games. However, it is without a doubt that The Sims franchise, which is one of the best-selling video game series of all time, has pioneered inclusivity and diversity in video games.
The Sims
Back in the day, topics like sexual orientation and gender equality were not as accepted as they are today. Due to the high risk of facing backlash, many video games then decided to stick with traditional societal norms, except for one. During the launch of The Sims in the year 2000, the game offered players the option to pursue same-sex relationships, giving players in the LGBTQ community a chance to simulate the life they wanted to live.
The Sims also did not restrict actions and jobs to a certain gender, empowering both men and women with the freedom to choose the careers they wish to pursue. Although the original Sims was released 19 years ago, it is very much evident that the game was ahead of its time given its dedication to ensure that players have the freedom to choose a lifestyle that suits them the most.
Sims 3 & 4
Succeeding games in The Sims franchise continued to remain inclusive and ensure that all players would have the same opportunities and customization options in the game. The release of The Sims 3 in 2009 brought same-sex marriage to the game for the first time. It also introduced the first pre-made same-sex couple in the game, Dylan and Audrey Shear. Almost five years later, EA released The Sims 4, which is the current-generation installment in the long-standing video game series.
Although The Sims 4 did not have pools during its release back in 2014 (pools were introduced later on), the game retained the inclusive features founded by its predecessors. The latest installment also advocated for diversity and several expansions packs introduced new clothing, decor, festivals, and styles inspired by various cultures including Diwali, Day of the Dead, Carribean, Polynesian, and Muslim details.
This helped people see the world outside of their own circles, in the comfort of their own homes. In the recently released Island Living expansion pack, the game included Polynesian-inspired items and activities and introduced Lia Huata, the first non-binary pre-made sim in The Sims 4. It also added another LGBTQ+ pre-made couple, Tane Ngata and Leila Illles, who kept their own latst names. And in 2016, the Create-a-Sim tool was overhauled to remove gender restrictions, allowing fans to play as they wish. Furthermore, the developer teamed up with the It Gets Better project to include gender neutral bathrooms and Pride items.
Recently, the team also redesign the key art for The Sims 4, including the pre-made lesbian couple, Dela Ostrow and Mia Hayes, on the cover, while the Play With Life campaign uses the game to explore sexual orientation, break societal beauty norms, and approach gender identity. One case of this is Morgyn Ember, a spellcaster from Realm of Magic who is a trans man with a masculine frame who prefers feminine clothing.
Sims 4: Discover University
Now, The Sims 4's latest expansion called Discover University is also promoting a diverse and inclusive student body, celebrating sims from all walks of life, and includes Julia Wright - a pre-made plus-sized Sim and main character of the trailer - on the cover. This newest expansion gives players the choice of two institutions, the historical University of Britechester or the modern Foxbury Institute. Whichever university the player chooses, both institutions highlight diversity at its core.
While the video game industry has progressed so much in terms of inclusiveness, there is still a long way to go, and there are still steps that are yet to be taken toward reaching the goal of making video games relatable for everyone. Luckily, game developers are already seeing the benefits of creating diverse worlds and featuring unique video game characters that defied traditional ideals. In a study by EA's Global Consumer Insights Team earlier this year, it has been revealed that more players want inclusive games, with 56% of 2,252 survey participants saying that it is important for game developers to create games that celebrate all forms of people and cultures, providing a unique and refreshing perspective in life.
Throughout the 19-year history of The Sims, the game continues to be one of the most inclusive and diverse video games of all time. Not only does the game provide multitudes of options and customizations in building a house, but it also gives players the freedom to live their lives the way they want it to be. While some may argue that games such as The Sims are forcing the ideal of diversity and inclusiveness, it is important to remember that the world is not made up of one group of people living a certain way of life. Instead, the world is a collection of unique cultures, ideologies, and traits that we must all respect and celebrate and this is what The Sims has been trying to reflect in its games, with the hope of representing gamers from all walks of life.
The Sims 4 Explore University Expansion Pack is available now for the PC and Mac and will release to the PS4 and Xbox One on December 17.