Game will also allow characters to switch gender at any point.

Electronic Arts’ long-running video game series The Sims has always promised to let you have ultimate control over the virtual characters you create – but until today (June 2), certain choices were limited to either male or female characters. Now, however, all gender-based boundaries have been removed: a free update for The Sims 4 has lifted any restrictions and will allow users to choose from any body shape, hairstyle, clothing, walking animation or voice type regardless of gender.

The Sims 4’s executive producer Rachel Franklin also revealed that players will be able to change the gender of their character at any point during the game. Speaking to the Associated Press (via NME), she also revealed that Electronic Arts and developer Maxis had been working on the update for over a year, and had consulted with the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). “Female Sims can wear sharp men’s suits like Ellen (DeGeneres), and male Sims can wear heels like Prince,” she said.

A statement from Electronic Arts said the update would “make sure players can create characters they can identify with or relate to through powerful tools that give them influence over a Sims’ gender, age, ethnicity, body type and more.” The series had previously included options for same-sex relationships in 2000 and same-sex marriages in 2009.

We don’t usually bring you updates on Electronic Arts’ virtual empire, but evidence of a games company getting with the programme on gender equality is rare as a blue hedgehog’s manure.

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