The Sims series isn’t a particularly violent game. In fact, it’s as least violent as you can get as far as video games go. It’s a series that has always been deemed fit for teenagers and that many youngsters play across the globe. Despite that, the Sims 4 is getting severe censorship and maturity ratings, and has been deemed unfit for teenagers in Russia. The Sims 4 has been rated M and 18+ in the Russian Federation, and selling the game is strictly forbidden to minors. Surprising? Yes and no.
Since 2013, president Vladimir Putin issued a censorship law that basically prohibits any material promoting homosexuality, transgender relationships or bisexuality in teenager content. Because The Sims 4 will offer players the chance to hook up their sims with same-gender partners, the game is thus considered adult content, and can only be played by Russians aged 18 or more. The 2013 law is of course highly controversial in western countries, and Vladimir Putin has been receiving criticism for enforcing it, but alas, it’s not the only controversial decision of the Russian president in recent times.
The effects of this decision are unlikely to really affect Sims 4 sales globally in the large scheme of things however. Despite Russia being an important gaming market, the country is well-known for its high levels of piracy, so it’s possible parents will resort to unethical means and still allow their children to play Sims 4. Previous titles, such as Sims 3, were deemed fit for children aged 6 in Germany, and in general, the game receives very tolerant ratings across the globe. The Russian censorship board explained that the possibility of adopting babies or jumping into the sheets in a game that allows same-gender relationships is immoral and thus should not be accessible to under-aged individuals.
Maxis and EA have so far not commented on the matter, but it’s unlikely that anything will change when it comes to Sims 4’s rating in Russia. The game is set for a fall 2014 release, with no exact date established as of yet, but it’s likely that the Sims 4 will be getting a release date and more gameplay trailers during the E3 conference in June. How do you feel about this censorship decision? Do you feel that the decision is justified, or should Sims 4 be a game accessible to minors? Sound off in the comment section below!