The Sims Removes Gender Barriers In Video Game

The creators of “The Sims” are opening up gender customization options for the first time in the long-running history of the popular life simulation video game.

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“The Sims” publisher Electronic Arts and developer Maxis said a free update available Thursday for “The Sims 4” will remove gender boundaries and allow players to create virtual townsfolk - or Sims, as they’re known - with any type of physique, walk style or voice they choose.

“The Sims 4” and earlier installments of the 16-year-old series previously restricted specific clothing, hair styles and other aesthetic options to either male or female characters.

EA and Maxis said over 700 pieces of content previously available to only male or female Sims will now be accessible regardless of gender in “The Sims 4” and its various expansion packs.