The Sims at 25: How a virtual dollhouse took over the world

The Sims, a beloved video game series, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The game was created by Will Wright, who had a unique idea for a game that would allow players to design their own characters and control their lives in a virtual world. When he first presented this idea in the 1990s, many people were skeptical. They questioned who would be interested in a game that resembled a 'virtual dollhouse. ' However, it turns out that a lot of people were interested! Today, The Sims is one of the best-selling video game franchises in history, with millions of dedicated fans known as Simmers. The latest version, The Sims 4, has been translated into 18 languages and has attracted around 85 million players globally, according to its publisher, Electronic Arts. The game's open-ended nature has made it appealing to a wide audience, including casual gamers who enjoy creating detailed homes and managing the lives of their digital characters. Players can explore various aspects of life, from love and friendships to daily routines and hobbies, while also having fun with creative and sometimes mischievous scenarios. For instance, one of the most famous tricks is to trap a character in a swimming pool without a ladder, which has become a popular meme among fans.

Jesse, a UK-based streamer known as Plumbella, has been a fan of The Sims since she was just five years old. She recalls how she became obsessed with the game and appreciates the strong sense of community that surrounds it. Players can create modifications, or 'mods,' that change different elements of the game, from gameplay mechanics to character appearances. Popular mods include options for extra height, multiple jobs, and unique personality traits. Jesse explains, 'Take something and customize it and share it with other Simmers. ' This collaborative spirit allows fans to build on each other's creations, making the game even more engaging. The Sims has also been a platform for self-expression, attracting players from diverse backgrounds who appreciate the representation it offers.

At its launch in 2000, The Sims was groundbreaking for including same-sex relationships, a rarity in the gaming industry at that time. Mollie, who streams as TheEnglishSimmer, creates content focused on LGBT themes and believes that The Sims has always been a leader in promoting diverse stories. She shares, 'That's been so wonderful that I have been able to tell my stories and connect with people and they can see themselves represented. ' However, The Sims has faced criticism regarding its racial representation. Amira, known as Xmiramira, created a custom skin tone pack for The Sims 4 because she wanted to create characters that resembled her and her friends. She emphasizes the importance of customization in The Sims, stating, 'I can do what I want, I can make a Sim with any body type, complexion, hair, whatever I want to do. ' Amira's Melanin Pack was well-received, and she has since collaborated with the game's developers to introduce more skin tones into The Sims 4.