The Sims 4 Makes Trans-Inclusive Updates
News
Life simulation game The Sims 4 has been updated with trans-inclusive character customizations, providing a new genre of representation and visibility for the transgender community. The developer of the game, Maxis, launched the updates on January 31 with a brand-new set of inclusive upgrades to choose from.
Image Credit: Canva
Binders, shapewear, and top surgery scars are now customizations for the virtual characters. Though it can feature fantastical and far-fetched elements, the main objective of the game is to replicate real-life in a self-contained world. The addition of trans-inclusive attributes, such as gender-affirming clothing, in a major video game series is a step forward for recognizing and acknowledging trans identities in wider society. The update also includes medical wearables, such as hearing aids, providing the game with further disability representation.
The update on The Sims' website offers information on how to access these updates in the game: “Under the Body category, all players can find a Body Scars category with an option for Teen and older male Sims (masculine or feminine frame) to add a top surgery scar to their Sims.”
Though the game was released in 2014, online updates allow it to remain up-to-date and relevant society. Fans of the game took to Twitter to express their delight at this particular update, in a genre of entertainment that rarely represents the trans community.
“Finally able to give our transmasculine and nonbinary Sims top surgery scars,” wrote one Twitter user. “I love the realism. @TheSims, you have no idea how many people you just helped by being able to see themselves in this game. Imagine all the in the closet trans kids who see this update.”
The viral response to these updates is indicative of the impact of positive representation in any form. The Sims publishers Electronic Arts are continuing to keep the computer game relevant by reflecting a changing and progressing society.
Related articles:
‘Harry Potter’ Video Game To Allow Trans Characters
Eddie Redmayne Workshopped With Trans Actors After The Danish Girl
Transgender Man Cast as Taylor Swift’s Love Interest in New Music Video
Keep up to date with the latest myGnews
