The Sims 4 will fix dark skin tones and add new ones this year

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The Sims 4 will fix dark skin tones and add new ones this yearNew options coming this autumn

New options coming this autumn

The Simsseries has a reputation for being inclusive and always striving to let players create Sims that represent themselves. For years though, Black players have been pointing out thatThe Sims 4could really stand to do better with its dark skin tones that look desaturated compared to the skin of actual people. Thanks in part to aTwitter hashtagand apetition, Maxis have agreed to fix the current options available for dark skin tones and add more this year.

Executive producer Lyndsay Pearson has posted a video promising players that Maxis will take a closer look at their current skin tones and add more this autumn. “While we have made additions and improvements and fixes in the past, there is much more for us to do,” Pearson says. “We are making it a priority to release more options this year as well as to address the visual issues with current skin tones, specifically to improve the blotchy artifacts and ashy tones.”

I want to acknowledge your concerns about the variety of skin tones represented in The Sims 4 & I have some updates from the team to share.pic.twitter.com/Nzeg8VwllS— Lyndsay Pearson (@SimGuruLyndsay)August 12, 2020To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

I want to acknowledge your concerns about the variety of skin tones represented in The Sims 4 & I have some updates from the team to share.pic.twitter.com/Nzeg8VwllS

“The major issue with the skin tones in the game is a lack of depth and vibrancy,” custom content creator Shellytells Vice. “The skins have little to no undertones, and the black and brown swatches are very dull. They almost look sickly. Black people all around the world come in so many different shades and colors and undertones. And specifically for myself and other dark skinned individuals, it is near impossible to make us accurately without custom content.”

The commitment is a positive one, though it remains to be seen how Maxis actually execute on new skin tones and fix the current visual artifacts in the ones they’ve got. Beyond just skin tones, Sims players are also hoping that Maxis will look to improve how makeup looks on dark skin and textured hair style choices. Hopefully we’ll hear about improvements planned in those areas for the future.

“We realize there isn’t one single fix for representation and we’re dedicating people to ongoing commitments to continue improvement over the long term,” Pearson says at the end of the announcement.