Sims 4 Devs: Incoming Fall Patch will Correct and Include Better Skin Tones

In a stunning, long-awaited announcement Tuesday evening, SimGuruLyndsay of the Sims 4 development team released a heartfelt statement addressing a concern which has troubled the Sims Community a very long time: the inclusion of more realistic, aesthetically pleasing skin tones.

At a time fraught with racial tension and general unease, players and influencers alike have loudly petitioned the Sims 4 team for better skin tones for months. From YouTube videos, interrupted Twitch streams, and hijacked Twitter announcements, players have bravely wielded every tool at their disposal to advocate for better skin.

It should be clear why the issue is so pressing, so salient to our times. In light of grotesque police brutality against people of color and ongoing racial inequality, the time for change is now, and communities everywhere know it.

For years, Sims 4 presented darker skin tones that often appeared ashy and splotchy. Instead of red or yellow undertones, people of color often had to settle for weirdly blue or purple undertones with hints of gray. Darker-skinned Sims looked like the living dead. Considering that Sims 4 is a game that has thrived upon the hypothesis of inclusion, where a player can create Sims who look like them, it was a glaring oversight.

SimGuruLyndsay announced that they are listening. Although the mod community has elevated Sims 4 skin tones to iridescent levels of bronze, midnight, caramel, and many more, Lyndsay admitted this massive contribution does not “absolve” Sims 4 developers of their responsibility.

According to Lyndsay, after extensive research, collaboration with key stakeholders, and careful planning, improved Sim skin tones will hit Sims 4 in a patch this Fall.


https://twitter.com/simgurulyndsay/status/1293339102981402624?s=21

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Are you excited about this update? Let us know in the comments!