The Sims 4 gets adults only rating in Russia because it depicts same-sex relationships

Russia has given The Sims 4 an 18+ rating because it allows for same-sex relationships.

The Sims’ Russian Twitter account first announced the rating earlier this week. When a fan asked why The Sims 4 was given an 18+ rating while 2009’s The Sims 3 did not, The Sims’ Russian Twitter account explained that it was complying with Russian law number 436-FZ, “On Protection of Children from Information Harmful to Their Health and Development.”

In 2013, this law was amended to also make “propaganda” in support of “non-traditional sexual relationships” among minors a criminal offense. Since The Sims 4 can depict same-sex relationships, selling it to minors would be considered a crime in Russia.

You may be familiar with the law and Russia’s anti-gay policies if you paid attention to the Sochi Winter Olympics, where the controversial issue came to the forefront.

The Sims 4 is set to release on PC and Mac this fall. For more on the game check out GameSpot’s previous coverage.

Emanuel Maiberg is a freelance writer. You can follow him on Twitter @emanuelmaiberg and Google+.
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