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As The Sims celebrates its anniversary, the new US government has introduced policies to scale back diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.<\/p>\n
Critics argue these schemes are discriminatory and used to push political agendas, while supporters argue that they work to combat inequalities.<\/p>\n
The tech industry has followed suit, with companies such as Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, scrapping its DEI efforts and also cutting moderation teams.<\/p>\n
There’s a question over whether this could impact gaming, where companies are often criticised for failing to adequately tackle racial and gender-based harassment on their platforms.<\/p>\n
“The bigger concern is that this will be seen as a green light for certain groups of toxic gamers to become more open about their own hateful views, making inclusive spaces more important than ever,” says Zoe.<\/p>\n
Simmer Amira says it’s especially important for a life simulation game such as The Sims to include as many people as possible.<\/p>\n
“Everybody should be able to, for the most part, make themselves with little to no issue,” she says.<\/p>\n
Jesse adds: “A lot of people don’t get to experience things that other cultures experience and it’s a really great way to implement learning about it in everyday life. <\/p>\n
“I think that goes a long way to acceptance as well.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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<\/picture><\/span>EA\/Maxis<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n