Social/Ideological Analysis of The Sims Saga with a Focus on Love Relationships

Abstract

This study explores the socio-ideological implications of love relationships in the popular simulation game, The Sims. As a cultural artifact, this game provides a unique lens through which to examine contemporary social constructs. By employing textual analysis of video games and playtesting experiments, this research investigates how the game portrays romantic relations and reinforces norms and values associated with them. Through two specific gameplay scenarios – a heterosexual couple pursuing a liquid love relationship and a homosexual couple striving for a conservative love relationship – the coexistence and potential conflicts between conservative and liquid love. The combination of theoretical insights with practical observations deepens understanding of how virtual representations in The Sims reflect and shape societal perceptions of love, contributing to broader discussions on diversity, inclusion, and the cultural impact of video games. This research seeks to provide game creators with insights for developing more socially aware and inclusive gaming experiences.