The Sims FreePlay CSP - Language & Representations

 The Sims FreePlay CSP - Language & Representations blog tasks

Create a new blogpost called 'The Sims FreePlay CSP - Language & Representations' and complete the following tasks.

Language / Gameplay analysis

Watch The Sims: FreePlay trailer and answer the following questions:

1) What elements of gameplay are shown?

The trailer highlights several key gameplay features, including creating and customising a Sim, building and designing a home, forming romantic relationships, and eventually starting and raising a family.

2) What audience is the trailer targeting?

The trailer seems to target children and teenagers of any gender, though its emphasis on romance, family life, and home design may appeal particularly to young female audiences. It positions the game as a “videogame dollhouse,” which encourages imaginative play.

3) What audience pleasures are suggested by the trailer?

The trailer offers pleasures such as personal identity (designing a Sim that reflects you), personal relationships (forming bonds and families), and escapism through a flexible, customised life simulation. It appeals especially to young people interested in exploring adult lifestyles and aspirational experiences.

Now watch this walk-through of the beginning of The Sims FreePlay and answer the following questions:

1) How is the game constructed?

The game is structured around weekly quests and tasks that reward players with money and XP for consistent play. Players complete everyday activities like using the toilet, cooking, gardening, and getting jobs, creating a cycle of responsibilities and rewards.

2) What audience is this game targeting?

The game appears to target a predominantly female audience, shown through the greater variety of clothing and customisation options available for female Sims.

3) What audience pleasures does the game provide?

Players can enjoy the extensive home store, which offers freedom in designing living spaces. The game also includes intertextual references, such as the Sim chef resembling shows like MasterChef, adding familiarity and humour.

4) How does the game encourage in-app purchases?

The game uses time-based mechanics that can be sped up with premium crystals, encouraging players to buy them. It also offers free crystals in exchange for watching ads and includes subtle product placement to promote spending.

Representations

Re-watch some of the expansion pack trailers and answer the following questions:

1) How do the expansion pack (DLC) trailers reinforce or challenge dominant ideologies?

One expansion trailer shows women shopping in a boutique, which reinforces capitalist ideologies by suggesting that work leads to financial freedom and consumer choice.

2) What stereotypes have you identified in The Sims FreePlay?

The game reinforces traditional gender stereotypes, for example, women are often shown doing domestic tasks or caring for children, while men are more frequently associated with careers and public life.

3) What media theories can you apply to representations in The Sims FreePlay?

Judith Butler’s idea of gender as performance is relevant here. The game reinforces stereotypical gender performances by assigning male and female Sims activities and colour schemes typically associated with each gender.

Representation reading

Read this Forbes article on gender and racism in The Sims franchise and answer the following questions:

1) How realistic does The Sims intend to be?

The Sims aims for “believability” rather than full realism. While it includes life events like ageing and death, it avoids graphic elements like injuries or blood because that doesn’t fit the game’s tone.

2) How has The Sims tried to create more realistic representations of ethnicity?

The Sims has enhanced the Create-A-Sim tools to allow more realistic and less stereotypical representations of different ethnicities, making characters more diverse and detailed.

3) How has The Sims responded to racism and sexism in society?

The creators emphasise that the game is a light-hearted exaggeration of life and does not directly address issues like racism. However, it does include inclusive features such as same-sex marriage and ensures Sims don’t discriminate based on gender preference.

4) What is The Sims perspective on gender fluidity and identity?

Developers acknowledge gender identity as an important issue but say they would need more time and careful consideration before fully incorporating non-binary or fluid gender options.

5) How does The Sims reinforce the dominant capitalist ideologies of American culture?

The game encourages a cycle of working, earning money, and spending it on items, homes, and upgrades. In-game purchases also reflect capitalist values by rewarding players who can spend more.