An update for The Sims has aimed to be an inclusive series ever since it was first released. While Sims being able to date other Sims of the same sex isn't new, it has been part of the developers' journey to creating a game that both celebrates and helps normalize the queer community.
Even before this update, it was clear that The Sims aims to be LGBTQIA+ friendly. Same-sex relationships have been possible since the first The Sims game way back in the year 2000. Nowadays, players can make their Sims transgender, thanks to options that determine the Sim's sex and gender separately. In another recent update, players got the option to choose the pronouns for their Sims. With of the development team being LGBTQIA+ and working alongside GLAAD and the It Gets Better Project, The Sims 4 continues to develop a more inclusive game that improves over time.
The next base game update for The Sims 4 will include a feature to choose a Sim's romantic and sexual orientation. The update will be free for all players and will be released separately alongside the latest expansion pack High School Years. The feature is divided into three decisions the player can make for their Sim. The first option determines what gender the Sim is romantically attracted to, and the second determines whether or not the Sim's orientation can change. For example, the player could make a Sim that is attracted to the opposite sex but is interested in exploring the possibility of dating the same sex as well. Finally, there is an option which controls what gender the Sim will "woohoo" with. Each of these questions has boxes that say "Men" and "Women" for the player to check. However, according to the EA Games blog post, players can leave the boxes unchecked, allowing Sims to be aromantic and asexual as well. Players will also be able to change these features after the Sim creation by using a mirror or dresser.
This feature divides up sexual and romantic orientations in a clear and concise way, and the option to make Sims aromantic or asexual is a benefit as well. Releasing this update alongside the High School Years expansion, which focuses on a stage of life where many young people are discovering who they are, feels well timed. This opens up the possibility of a lot more stories to tell within The Sims.
Being one of the most successful and long going franchises in gaming, The Sims' progressive stance on inclusiveness and representation is a heartening thing for video game fans looking to see themselves represented in the gaming industry. The Sims has done many things to improve LGBTQ+ representation in its games, and this new sexual orientation update is another solid step.
Source: EA Games