As culture swings further and further to the right and appealing to queer audiences becomes less popular, one gaming franchise is digging its heels in when it comes to allyship: The Sims.
The long-running life simulation game series — which just celebrated its 25th anniversary — surprised dropped a free update to the base game content of The Sims 4. It includes new beds, outfits, and decor that can be color-swapped to reflect a plethora of Pride flags, including color schemes for the lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, transgender, two-spirit, genderfluid, nonbinary, genderqueer, MLM, and asexual communities, as well as the overarching Progress Pride flag. The update is now live in the game.
It might seem unusual to drop a Pride-themed update two months away from Pride Month — but it seems like that was exactly the point of the update. The new content’s promotional video ended with the phrase “Show Your Pride Everyday,” a welcome affirmation that queer people exist all-year round, not just during a month that it’s profitable to pander to them.
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When the Sims 1 was released, players discovered that all Sims were bisexual by default.
It’s far from The Sims 4’s first queer-inclusive update. In 2022, the game added the option to change your Sims’ pronouns. In 2023, it added customization options for trans Sims, including top surgery scars, binders, and shapewear. Fans praised the game’s continued support for the queer community, even in the face of a conservative cultural backslide. “[I know] people despise rainbow capitalism but with the state of things, I think it’s really nice that the sims is releasing free pride content,” one user wrote.
One of The Sims 4’s producers, Sim Guru Ash, celebrated the update on social media. “So happy this one is finally out,” she wrote. “A lot of heart went into this release & we hope players understand that & love it 🌈🥰💗.”
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