Welcome to a new chapter in the Sims 4™️ universe - „Diverse Horizons.“ 

This new feature introduces a world that embraces and celebrates neurodiversity.

We believe that every person is unique, and this expansion reflects our commitment to inclusivity in the Sims™️ universe, regarding specialties like ADHD or autism.

Embark on a journey where Sims with diverse neurotypes navigate life with their own strengths and challenges. Whether it‘s managing sensory sensitivities, navigating emotions or handling social interactions.

Get ready to discover a more vibrant and diverse Simsville, where acceptance and understanding redefine the Sim experience and help you understand others in real life.

The topic of mental illness is no longer a taboo.

Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have been engaging with their mental health, and the topic of neurodiversity has gained attention.

For example, the search term „Neurodiversity“ has gained popularity worldwide on YouTube, and the term „ADHS“ has seen an increase in popularity in Germany in recent years, with the trend continuing to rise.

Many issues faced by both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals stem from poor communication and misunderstandings. Often, ignorance and associated prejudices result, harming both parties.

Especially within the context of school, work, and interpersonal situations, this can lead to significant conflicts.

However, how can I educate as many people as possible without singling out a specific group of the spectrum?

I decided to take a playful approach to addressing the issue. While education could be delivered through various games, I opted to develop an expansion pack for the Sims 4™️ universe.

Sims has been a popular game since its release in 2000. Along with improved graphics, each new installment of the series has introduced new features and actions in life simulation. Players make decisions for their Sims or create their own Sims 4 world in build mode.

The enduring interest in the game over the years is evident not only from its social media relevance and word-of-mouth exchanges but also from the following statistic from Statista. Despite the game's release in 2014, it still ranked third among the world's most popular games nine years later.

Absolutely, leveraging the existing inclusivity and diversity within the game provides an excellent foundation for your idea. With the wide range of expansion packs, accessory packs, and gameplay packs already available, players can customize their experience to suit their preferences and explore the world in new ways. This versatility makes „The Sims 4“ an ideal platform for introducing concepts related to neurodiversity and promoting understanding and acceptance among players. By seamlessly integrating educational elements into the game's existing framework, you can create an engaging and immersive experience that encourages players to learn and grow while having fun.

My business model involves both leveraging EA's existing customer base and acquiring new customers.

The development of „Diverse Horizons“ adds more variety to the community while also contributing to an improved reputation. Due to the awareness raised about neurodiversity, many feel better understood, leading to increased popularity and benefits for the game. As EA embarks on this journey towards greater inclusivity, the plug-in anticipates a positive impact on the reputation and popularity of The Sims 4. By championing diversity and promoting awareness of neurodiversity, it´s positioning itself in the gaming industry, earning accolades for commitment to social responsibility and inclusivity.

This initiative not only enhances diversity within the Sims 4 universe but also fosters greater understanding and empathy among players. By shedding light on neurodiversity, it empowers the community members to feel better understood and represented, ultimately leading to a more positive and enriching gaming experience for all.

When new skin details like stretch marks, vitiligo, or scars were added during Sims creation, there was widespread positive feedback. Particularly, those affected spoke of a sense of belonging and learning to appreciate their uniqueness.

For those unaffected, expansions like this feature or my plug-in are enriching because they raise awareness and educate in a playful manner. Thus, players take away an experience for real life that can be mutually beneficial. Through the plug-in, I hope for better understanding and treatment of individuals living with neurodivergence.

Given that Sims has a broad target audience, I can envision developing more plug-ins in the future to reach even more players. For example, mental illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder, or social phobia could be potential topics to educate and inform about, and their stigmas and prejudices could be challenged through a plug-in.