The Sims FreePlay CSP - Representations Blog Tasks

Representations 

Re-watch some of the expansion pack trailers and answer the following questions: 

1) How do the expansion pack (DLC) trailers reinforce or challenge dominant ideologies? 

It showcases girls doing traditionally feminine stuff such as ballet and writing in journals

It showcases boys doing traditionally masculine stuff such as karate

2) What stereotypes have you identified in The Sims FreePlay? 

Girls doing traditionally feminine stuff such as ballet and writing in journals

Boys doing traditionally masculine stuff such as karate

3) What media theories can you apply to representations in The Sims FreePlay?

Judith Butler - 'Gender as performance' and 'Gender rituals'

Representation reading

Read this Forbes article on gender and racism in The Sims franchise and answer the following questions:

1) How realistic does The Sims intend to be?

The Sims does not aim for strict realism but prioritises believability. The game serves as a caricature of life, focusing on a model that includes elements like death and ageing but avoids features such as broken bones and bleeding. The goal is to create a simulation that is more about escapism and catharsis than a faithful replication of reality.

2) How has The Sims tried to create more realistic representations of ethnicity?

The Sims 4 has focused on improving the Create-A-Sim feature to provide more detailed and less stereotypical representations of different ethnicities. The game attempts to move away from cartoonish depictions, aiming for more authentic and diverse character designs. However, the emphasis is on believability rather than strict realism.

3) How has The Sims responded to racism and sexism in society?

The Sims acknowledges that it is a caricature of life and does not aim to deliver specific messages about racism or tolerance. While the game includes same-sex marriage and avoids discrimination based on gender preference, it draws a line at incorporating explicit racial awareness into its systems. The game allows players to project certain levels of intolerance onto their Sims but does not explicitly support or disallow such actions.

4) What is The Sims perspective on gender fluidity and identity?

The Sims 4 appears inflexible when it comes to gender identity. Players are presented with a binary choice between male and female at the beginning of the Create-A-Sim mode. While the studio acknowledges the topic as interesting, it currently does not support or include other gender identities or the option to create Sims with neither gender selected. The issue is open for discussion within the team.

5) How does The Sims reinforce the dominant capitalist ideologies of American culture?

The Sims reinforces dominant capitalist ideologies by embodying an American attitude of life as a goal-oriented, currency-driven quest. The game reflects a model where individuals strive to fulfil personality traits given from birth and pursue career aspirations. It mirrors the stress of upholding societal and personal expectations. The game's focus is on moving players to the top of Maslow's hierarchy of needs, emphasising career goals and personal achievements within a framework that doesn't explicitly judge right or wrong but offers freedom of choice.

Read this New Normative feature on LGBTQ representation in The Sims franchise (the website link no longer works but that will take you to the text of the article - you'll need your Greenford Google login to access). Answer the following questions:

1) How did same-sex relationships unexpectedly help the original Sims game to be a success?

Same-sex relationships in the original Sims game became a focal point of positive attention when, during a demo at E3, two female Sims fell in love and shared a kiss. This accidental inclusion drew widespread acclaim and positive publicity, making The Sims stand out and generating significant interest and support.

2) How is sexuality now represented in The Sims?

In The Sims, sexuality is represented by allowing characters to engage in various romantic interactions, including same-sex relationships. The game has evolved to include a more nuanced approach to characters' sexual preferences, determined by repeated actions over time. The Sims strives to offer a diverse and inclusive portrayal of relationships and sexuality.

3) Why have fans praised the inclusion of LGBTQ relationships in The Sims franchise?

Fans have praised the inclusion of LGBTQ relationships in The Sims franchise for its commitment to diversity and representation. The game provides a platform where players can create characters with diverse sexual preferences, fostering a sense of acceptance and normalcy. The positive portrayal of LGBTQ relationships has resonated with players, contributing to the game's widespread acclaim.

4) Why did the Sims run into regulatory difficulties with American regulator the ESRB? How did EA respond?

The Sims faced regulatory difficulties with the ESRB when the game's expansion pack, Living Large, received an M-rating due to the inclusion of the "Love Bed," allowing Sims to have sex. While the team was prepared to remove explicit elements, the ESRB's decision was based on the automatic M-rating for same-sex support, a guideline not initially present. EA, standing by the game's integrity, fought the ESRB to maintain the T-rating, successfully grandfathering LGBTQ content into future instalments without a rating increase.

5) How is sexuality represented in the wider video game industry today?

Sexuality in the wider video game industry today is gradually making progress in better representing LGBTQ relationships. Some games, like Fable and The Last of Us Part II, have included gay and lesbian relationships, contributing to a more diverse representation of sexuality. While progress is being made, the industry as a whole still has work to do in catching up to the inclusive standard set by games like The Sims, which pioneered positive portrayals of LGBTQ characters more than 17 years ago.