‘The Sims 4’ gets 18+ rating in Russia over gay relationships
By Will Stroude
The Sims 4
has been rated “for adults only” in Russia because it includes same-sex relationships.
Developer Electronic Arts (EA) confirmed in a tweet last week (May 5) that the game has received an ‘R’ (mature) rating in the country.
The company cited Russian content rating law 436-FZ as the reason for the classification, which means that only those over the age of 18 will be able to purchase the game.
The law protects children from “harmful” material such as violence or drugabuse, but an amendment introduced in 2013 specified that the “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relationships” should also be prohibited.
Like previous instalments of the popular game franchise, the upcoming sequel will allow players to enter into same-sex relationships, including marriage.
Speaking to Polygon, an EA spokesperson said the developer had no plans to alter the game in light of the 18+ rating.
“We have no plans to alter The Sims 4,” said Deborah Coster. “One of the key tenets of The Sims is that it is up to the player to decide how to play the game. We provide the simulation sandbox and player choice and creativity does the rest.”
The Sims 4 is set to be released this autumn.
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