Website: https://www.ea.com/en-gb/games/the-sims/the-sims-freeplay
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesimsfreeplay/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheSimsFreePlay?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
Language
- Simulation
- Players create account and are made to create their own avatar that they can control and ‘play’ as
- They can ‘design’ this virtual character by changing skin tone, eye shape, hair style, outfit and body type to name a few.
Audience
This CSP can be discussed in relation to some general trends in the industry such as the gradual shift away from a heavily male-dominated target audience. Also, the reaction of some reviewers and regulators to The Sims FreePlay is indicative of wider concerns about the potentially negative influences that video games are claimed to exert on players, particularly young players.
Representation
- Representations are quite idealistic. Promoting the American Dream, idealistic body types and a perfected version of life
Industries
- The Sims FreePlay was developed by EA Mobile. Released on IOS in 2011
- The game was later taken over by Firemonkeys Studios
Regulation:
Sims FreePlay is regulated by the BBFC – British Board of Film Classification. This is an independent organisation that regulates all computer games in the UK. It is rated 12 – because the game “may contain themes that are not suitable for younger children, such as the potential for violent fist fights and “woohoo!”.
https://www.newsweek.com/sims-freeplay-banned-china-saudi-arabia-egypt-lgbtq-996699
The computer game was banned in China, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar and Egypt due to the games inclusion of LGBTQ and Non-Binary characters. The EA responded saying that “regional standards” were the reason for this ban. The Sims responded saying “We’ve always been proud that our in-game experiences embrace values as broad and diverse as our incredible Sims community. This has been important to us, as we know it is to you”