Sims 4 brings socially awkward Sims to advocate for neurodiversity in the high school DLC
With the new feature, EA wants to create more understanding for real fears and ensure that more gamers can identify with the Sims.
With the High School Years Expansion Pack, The Sims 4 introduces a new trait called Socially Awkward. Sims with this trait experience anxiety during social interactions, but also receive special rewards for interacting. in one internal interview Publisher EA takes a closer look at the approach, talks about the motivation for installing the feature, the advantages and the challenges.
EA on Socially Awkward Sims
It’s all about this: In the introduction to the interview, EA explains that they want to campaign for neurodiversity and use the feature to show that awkwardness in social settings is absolutely okay. In an interview, EA intern Anna Machata talks about the challenges and advantages that the new feature brings.
This is what the rewards look like: Machata explains that the trait increases the risk that social interactions will fail. At the same time, the Sim will receive more positive feelings when responding to a unique social event. In addition, the Sim is able to build self-confidence and deeper and more lasting relationships.
Representation and Authenticity: The intern sees the new feature as a way to ensure more representation. In addition, the pandemic has led to increased fears, especially among teenagers. One more reason to show them in the game. Machata expresses himself personally on this topic:
As a neurodiverse person, I believe that Sims should also live authentically. Creating a sim like this was another step towards a more inclusive and realistic gaming environment. […] I have incorporated many of my own and others’ experiences and conducted research with internal mental health groups within the company.
You can watch a trailer for the new high school expansion here:
3:14
Sims 4 unveils new expansion pack and finally gives teens something to do
Focus on the positive sides: According to Machata, the most important thing for her is the implementation of positive characteristics and rewards as well as the reduction of stigmata. She especially likes the pot and lid trait when two socially awkward Sims become lifelong friends. Not only does she hope that players will be able to better identify with the Sims in the future, but that the new feature will also stimulate conversations and better understanding.
You can find more Sims news here:
The innovations presented a challenge: Machata admits that it wasn’t easy to depict real fears, since in reality they are triggered by triggers that are often difficult to represent in the game environment. It was also difficult to portray fear as an understandable emotion.
The High School Years expansion was released on July 28th for PS4, Xbox One and PC.
How do you like that this new feature has been implemented?
Reference-www.gamepro.de
