

“I didn't really like what was out there. That’s the type of content these three are known for in the Sims community. And then there is “alpha” custom content, which aims for hyperrealism. There’s also “Maxis Match” custom content, custom designs that still fit the game’s overall default aesthetic. There’s vanilla base-game content from developer Maxis, which is necessary for Simmers who choose to play Sims 4 without custom content and console players who cannot use it because of system limitations. As for getting it, the game already offers a wealth of add-on content for people looking to customize their characters, homes, and environments. It’s creative, stylistic, and edgy, and fueled by popular Black culture. He became friends with Jeremy and hit the ground running making content that people love, like hair designs. The Brooklyn-based creator, also known as BrandySims, started creating content in 2017 for the fun of it. While most people start The Sims franchise as players, others, like 17-year-old Jadin, started the franchise with The Sims 4 as a creator. Sign up for our Games newsletter and never miss our latest gaming tips, reviews, and features. Their creative spaces aren’t in game studios, they’re right inside of their homes. They have the technological fluency needed to make content on the fly. However, this generation of Simmers has grown up with the tech they’ve needed to influence the game, which they’ve played their whole lives. I didn’t have anything fancy, just a desktop computer that could barely handle the game.

Sims 2 became the ultimate escape for me at a time when therapy wasn’t available, but early forms of technology were. My introduction to The Sims was right after my father’s death from cancer, way back when I was still a preteen. Black skin, Black hair, Black body types, Black clothing, and Black trends move the needle in so many spaces in the real world, so why not in The Sims? But with this content void comes a beautiful opportunity to give the people what they want, and it’s coming from some of the game’s most dedicated players.

To EA’s credit, they’ve listened and updated content, but there is still a huge gap between what they produce and what Simmers feel EA lacks-Blackness. The hair, skin, and makeup are better suited for their lighter and whiter Sims. Whenever Sims publisher Electronic Arts releases new content, where Black people are concerned, there are issues with the content. But in truth, it’s not that simple to get it right. A simulation game like Sims 4 should be able to deliver an image of a player-one that makes them feel whole. And while The Sims 4 has been successful in delivering those fictional worlds to play in, it hasn’t done so well in representation. In The Sims 4, players whisk themselves away to predetermined, idyllic towns full of simulations where you can be whoever you want, whenever you want.
