In an exciting and unexpected update for The Sims 4, Maxis have allowed for gender customisation options for the first time in Sims series’ history.
While same sex relationships have been possible in the game for a long time, as of the latest free update, The Sims 4 now allows players to create Sims with their desired physique, mannerisms, and voice. As a result, over 700 pieces of content previously available to only male or female Sims can be used by any character, irrespective of gender.
Maxis want to ‘make sure players can create characters they can identify with or relate to through powerful tools that give them influence over a Sims’ gender, age, ethnicity, body type and more.’
This update has been in development for over a year, and allows for a multitude of possibilities. Among other things, the Executive Producer for The Sims 4, Rachel Franklin says “female Sims can wear sharp men’s suits like Ellen (DeGeneres), and male Sims can wear heels like Prince.”
Users have modified The Sims experience for years to allow for this due to the restrictions, but the need for that has finally come to an end. Players can even change the gender of their Sims at any time, specifying whether they can reproduce with other characters.
Maxis worked with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender advocacy group GLAAD extensively on this update, and took onboard many of their suggestions during development.
The game won’t automatically create any NPCs using the new functionality, and there are masculine and feminine filters available in the CAS so you can choose to see specific assets.
This really is a wonderful and inspiring thing to see, and we look forward to seeing continued support in the coming months.
The Sims 4 is currently available on PC, and is scheduled to come to consoles later this year.