"Netzspannung;c-17887588" wrote:
So I guess the point of the thread is to ask why representation of LGBTQ+ lives has become a thing, when it wasn't in the previous iterations. It's because times change and it is much more widely understood how representation in media can normalise social interactions, relationships and perception of self and others. Whether EA/Maxis wants to be part of that or believe they have to be part of that, I don't really care, because we are still way behind of where we should be by now.
As for some other points that were made, I don't see how the addition of a few CAS items (shirt, leggings and bodysuit) and a flag or the activities of the Marketing team have anything to do with development of new gameplay features or the lack thereof.
Is it necessary to stay true to the original concept of the game for EA/Maxis to put focus on representation of the LGBTQ+ community? No, because back in the early 2000s LGBTQ+ representation wasn't even a consideration. The fact that it is now, is something the LGBTQ+ community has and still continues to fight for and I appreciate that one of my favourite video games is part of the progress that has been made so far.
No, the point is not to ask why representation of LGBTQ lives has become a thing. It's why has
Simself become the thing Maxis in every interview and or article and or in content has the game become about Representation rather than simulating life.
But since you brought it up, I will ask why is Simself just about LGBTQ Sims? Someone mentioned other groups such as disabled and or religious peoples. As I said I didn't want my thread to become just about a wish list of what other types of people players want in the game so they can play Simself, but why is Simself the goal of this game or the most important way to play to Maxis?
But while I'm on the subject of groups there is always a groan from the community they don't want disabled people in the game. Does anyone realize it's been about four years since Grant (who left the building) even mentioned disabilities even being considered? So, while on the subject of groups (though not the point of my thread) what special updates, implementation, or twitch videos etc. etc. has Maxis done for them? None. Other than a promotional trailer about a safe space.
Or I know many don't want religious people in their games, and there is always a large outcry about that. However, is it ok those people don't get to build their Simselves...
See, if you start saying TS4 is a game you use for Simself..there is a whole world out there left out. So, my bafflement is how can Maxis claim it's inclusive and diverse when it's not (billions left out) but advertise you can build any Sim you want, when no we can't nor can some of us even build our own Simselves but we could always build gay and lesbian Sims from way back in 1998 when The Sims was just a half baked idea.
That's over twenty years of other people waiting to build their Simselves. Twenty years.+ But I'm supposed to believe we can all build our Simselves. No, we can't.
But the subject is why has the game become all about Simself (when it is hardly true other than for sexual orientation or gender identity, which is also a mess or shallow) but overtaken the focus. We don't hear a peep from Maxis about any other groups so no the Simself 'gameplay' is just as bad as the rest of the game is in some areas of simulating life.
And in truth Simself is just another way to play just like family player, deviant player, or anything else. But the focus is no longer about a life simulator but Simself...and it fails.
As I said take a look around your town, do you see other type of people who are in the 'groups' I mentioned and many others. Yes, but they aren't in TS4 but oh sure it's a game about Simself and inclusion and diversity, (?) no it panders to specific people. I know someone will mention the holiday free stuff pack etc. however, that is rather insulting in so many ways but not the point. It's if the game is about Simself where are the rest of the people? Why only one category of Simself, and darn can't we move on from it already, others are waiting aren't they? but why is it more important to this game rather than a werewolf? Or cars, or any thing else? Because it is what Maxis advertises and cashes in on. Play your Simself...but like so many other things about TS4 it lacks realism and diversity, too and only specific types of Sims gets the attention.
