The long-running, esteemed simulation Sims franchise, The Sims 4, is looking to continue evolving with the current times. According to The Sims 4 developers, a new update aims to make the game more inclusive, as they said on a Twitch livesteam that players will be able to select pronouns for the Sims they make in the game.
According to developers and a Gayety report, players will soon see the message, “Hello, my name and pronouns are:” when they navigate the “Create-A-Sim” screen. In addition to they/them/theirs, she/her/hers, and he/him/his pronouns, users will also be able to select their own custom pronouns. In addition, the update will protect users with in-game filters, similar to the game’s existing profanity folder, that will keep users from abusing pronouns.
The update came in collaboration with LGBTQ groups like It Gets Better and GLAAD.
“Our language shapes the world around us and how we interact with the world,” sayd Rae Sweet, It Gets Better’s education coordinator.
Sweet also made an appearance on the livestream and stressed the importance that finding their correct pronouns had in their life.
“The day that I tried on they/them pronouns for the first time was the day I was first ever able to recognize myself in the mirror. Which, as you can imagine, is life-changing,” they say. “I just know that giving people a space to play in The Sims and play with pronouns and be who they want to just give them so much room to explore and find themselves and be their true authentic selves, especially in a society where they might not be able to in real life.”
Rachel Gilbert is a designer for The Sims 4 and says the upgrades will help to create a more welcoming and inclusive space within the game.
“It’s really validating to see your pronouns, I really can’t underscore that enough,” Gilbert says. “It’s reassuring and it’s like a little checkbox—We’re all good here; we know who we are.”
Photo courtesy of The Sims on Instagram
