The Sims 4
"The Sims 4" is getting a free update that expands the character customisation options in the Create a Sim feature. EA

While all of the buzz in “The Sims 4” has been concentrating around the upcoming “The Sim 4” Dine Out Pack, The Sims team has released a new free update to bring some changes to a known feature in the game.

The Create a Sim mode will now allow more gender customisation options in The Sims 4.” This gives players the freedom to create Sims with just about any combination of characteristics—and no limits as to the gender of the character.

“For the first time, you’ll be able to customise your Sims without the gender boundaries previously set in place. This means you can now create Sims with any type of physique, walk style and tone of voice you choose---regardless of their gender,” said the developer over the official The Sims blog.

This corroborates previous clues found in earlier update trailers. Before, it was thought that the gender neutral customization features are limited to the likes of hair and clothes. But from the looks of the expanded gender customisation options, this goes way beyond mere cosmetic appeal.

One big upside to this is that it literally expands the way Sims can imitate real life. The trailer shows the extent of this, which is complemented by the 700 pieces of content that can now be used to all Sims with no gender selection limitations.

According to The Sims team, the move was due in part to the goal of allowing players to identify with the Sims characters even more. The expanded Create a Sim feature now allows even more diversity for character creation.

It comes at an opportune time, especially with the debut of “The Sims 4 Dine Out Pack” coming on June 7. Since the upcoming expansion is looking at giving a lot of free rein to players as far as creating their own restaurant goes, giving them free rein for character looks will give a more complex structure and variety to the characters that will inhabit the Sims worlds.

"The Sims 4" Expanded Customisation Options trailer (Credit: YouTube/Official EA UK)