Changes could be on the way for The Sims video game as a Saudi-led group looks set to take over the game’s developer, with some fearing some “gay Sims” could be removed
The Sims could be changed drastically after the game’s developer agreed to a multi-billion dollar deal with Donald Trump’s son-in-law. This deal was also pushed through thanks to the help of a Saudi-led business that funded the move.
The Sims is one of the most popular games of all time, thanks to its ability to shape people’s lives within the gameplay. With over 200 million copies worldwide being sold across the franchise, it is clear that people are big fans of the chance to play God in the video game.
As part of the game — which celebrated its 25th anniversary this year, players can help to decide everything about what the characters do with each other, as well as shape their personalities. However, there are now worries that this could shift after EA Sports, the company that owns The Sims, was confirmed to be sold to Jared Kushner, Donald Trump’s son-in-law.
In a press release issued by the gaming company, EA confirmed that the branch had been sold to a consortium of different investors. They added that stockholders within EA themselves will receive a total of $210 (£156) in reimbursement for each share that has been absorbed by the deal.
Speaking on the deal, the CEO of EA, Andrew Wilson said they were pressing ahead with the deal as a thank you to the “creative and passionate teams” at the company who had helped to grow the company to what it is today. However, fans are not happy with the takeover, with many suggesting games such as The Sims will now take a drastic conservative turn.
Within The Sims itself, players can allow characters of any gender enter into relationships with each other, with a high proclivity for LGBTQ+ relationships within the game. Saudi Arabia has a highly conservative view on social matters with women only being allowed drive in recent years.
As a result, some gamers have reacted poorly to the news of the takeover, as the conservative ideals of Trump ‘s son-in-law — combined with potentially restrictive rights from the Saudi capital — could result in a focus on “traditional families” consisting of a man, a woman and children. On user took to social media to fume: “The Sims 4 but you get banned if you make a gay sim,” the Independent reported.
Being gay is illegal in Saudi Arabia and can carry the death penalty if caught. As well as this, any form of same-sex relationship cannot be shown in films, movies or video games.
However, in an attempt to diversify its economy in recent years — moving away from oil and into other sectors — Saudi Arabia have tried to portray themselves as more open and free compared to other nations in the Middle East. This comes despite a heavy reliance still on oil, which currently accounts for 55% of the government’s revenue.
Other fans of The Sims are now worried for the future of the game, taking to social media to vent their frustrations. One disgruntled user wrote: “Well I always thought The Sims could never be owned by anyone worse than EA, but now they’re being bought by the literal Saudi investment fund.” A second added: “The concept of Saudi Arabia buying EA just to remove pronouns from The Sims 4.”
A third shared their anxieties about the future: “The Sims being one of the most inclusive games of all time to now being owned by a conservative company backed by Saudi Arabia is concerning. Kinda wish Maxis would just be spun off from EA.”
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