The Sims 4 team made a surprise announcement on Monday, releasing the much anticipated skin tones overhaul a day early.
The update adds over 100 new skin tone swatches to the base game and includes a make up slider for further customisation.
The update, which is available for free for The Sims 4 base game, was scheduled to be released on Tuesday, 8 December 2020, but a surprise announcement revealed that the update was ready a day early.
The update comes six years after The Sims 4 was first released. Players of colour have been asking for better representation for years and the team acknowledged that they need to improve in terms of diversity.
In a post on Instagram announcing the update, The Sims said:
It’s here – and a day early! Today, a free game update brings you 100+ skin tones, customization tools for skin tones and makeup, three improved base game hairstyles, and a main menu makeover. Available now to all The Sims 4 players!
A huge thanks to @xmiramira@ebonixsims@miazaffyt@raonyp & @catherinegames100 for the candid conversations & constructive feedback! Their input, representing their viewpoints alongside their player communities, was instrumental to current & future improvements. #GameChangers !
As we welcome this update, we are committed to making meaningful progress for all players and we are continuing the work for better in-game representation long-term. We can?t wait to see what you create with this new update, Simmers! Happy Simming! ?
Along with the skin tones overhaul, the update also includes several bug fixes, as per the official Sims 4 December update patch notes. Remember to back up your saves, mods and custom content before opening your game following the update.