The Sims franchise has always been about simulating real-life scenarios, including LGBTQ+ experiences. Previously, Sims has made changes to allow users to choose their character’s pronouns and their romantic and sexual preferences. Now, it’s taking a bold new step into the world of polyamory. The upcoming Sims 4 expansion pack, Lovestruck, will let players explore romantic relationships like never before. Set to release on July 25, this pack brings a fresh and exciting twist to the beloved game.
What is the Lovestruck Expansion
With the Lovestruck expansion, players can dive into the romance-themed city of Ciudad Enamorada, which features three vibrant neighborhoods: Vista Hermosa, Plaza Mariposa, and Nuevo Corazón. In these locales, Sims can become romance consultants, create dating profiles, and even date multiple people. It’s all about exploring love and relationships in a more open and inclusive way.
Romantic Boundaries: Customize Your Love Life
One of the standout features of the Lovestruck pack is the “Romantic Boundaries” patch. This update lets players control their Sims’ exclusivity settings, offering a more nuanced approach to romantic relationships. According to the official Sims 4 blog, “[The Romantic Boundaries system] will allow you to customize your Sim’s experience with boundaries and jealousy. You can now define how your Sims approach romantic relationships in terms of physical and emotional romantic exclusivity. This allows for Sims to date multiple Sims without impact to other relationships.”
A Long-Awaited Feature
Polyamory has been a highly-requested feature among Sims players for years. Some dedicated fans even created mods to allow for open relationship storylines. Now, the Sims team has finally answered those requests, making it easier than ever to create and manage polyamorous relationships within the game.
A Commitment to Inclusivity
Over the past few years, The Sims 4 has made significant strides toward inclusivity. In 2022, the game introduced nonbinary pronouns, and in 2023, it added trans-affirming medical wearables like binders, top surgery scars, and shapewear. These updates are small but crucial steps in making the game more inclusive for all players, especially queer gamers.
Get Ready for a Messy Queer Polycule
The Sims 4 continues to push the boundaries of virtual life simulation, and the Lovestruck expansion pack is a perfect example. Whether you’re planning a complex polycule or just want to explore new romantic possibilities, this update promises to bring a whole new level of depth and fun to the game. Mark your calendars for July 25 and get ready to dive into the drama of Ciudad Enamorada!
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