The Sims is Celebrating Inclusivity in Character Creation
Maxis, the developer behind The Sims 4, has unveiled an exciting free update to the game, introducing a Vitiligo skin feature in the Create-a-Sim tool. This groundbreaking addition allows players to further personalize their Sims by incorporating Vitiligo skin details, representing the diversity of skin conditions within the game’s virtual world.
With this new feature, players can now customize Sims of all ages with Vitiligo skin patches, including variations on the face, upper torso, lower torso, arms, and legs. This enhancement reflects Maxis’ commitment to inclusivity and representation, acknowledging the experiences of individuals living with Vitiligo, a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting approximately 70 million people worldwide.
While Vitiligo is seldom portrayed in video games, recent releases like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Disney Dreamlight Valley have begun including it as an option in character creators. Moreover, the character Nova from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, modeled after real-life figure Abena, notably featured Vitiligo skin representation.
Although previously available through player-created mods, the inclusion of Vitiligo as an official feature in The Sims 4 marks a significant milestone in promoting diversity within the gaming community.
Renowned Canadian model Winnie Harlow, who herself has Vitiligo, enthusiastically endorses the update in partnership with Maxis, emphasizing the importance of embracing one’s uniqueness both in-game and in real life. Harlow expresses gratitude for the opportunity to represent authentic experiences within the virtual realm, reminiscing about her childhood spent playing The Sims and the joy of seeing oneself reflected in-game.
The Sims 4 has been actively expanding its range of inclusive features, with previous updates allowing players to customize a Sim’s pronouns and sexual orientation. As the game continues to evolve, the forthcoming generation known as Project Rene promises to further advance these efforts, ensuring that players can authentically express themselves in the virtual world of The Sims.