'The Sims 4' adds vitiligo in free update

The Sims 4 is adding vitiligo in a free update, allowing players to create Sims with the skin condition. The new patch is available right now, in case you need an excuse to boot up the popular life simulator and thoroughly tank your productivity.

Announced today, The Sims 4's new update enables players to give their Sims vitiligo patches in its Create-a-Sim character creator. There are multiple options featuring varying levels of coverage across the face, upper torso, lower torso, arms, and legs.

"Altogether there are 61 pieces ranging from a light to heavier coverage," The Sims 4 associate producer Ash Wait told Mashable. "Some of the heavier body patterns will have multiple swatch choices so players can make one side heavier if they wish. Simmers can also add these to any age of Sim, from infants to elders. This comes out to 305 patterns total!"

The update finally enables players with vitiligo to more accurately recreate themselves as Sims in-game — a Sims experience as universal as drowning your characters in a pool.

Credit: The Sims 4

To announce the vitiligo update The Sims 4 partnered with model Winnie Harlow, who has lived with the skin condition since she was four years old. Having previously shared that she was bullied for her vitiligo in school, Harlow called it "magical" to see it introduced to The Sims 4.

"As a child, I spent a lot of time playing The Sims and I think it’s so beautiful to be able to represent your true self in-game," Harlow said. "This partnership is a powerful statement encouraging players to embrace what makes them unique — both in-game and in real life."

The collaboration with Harlow includes a playable Sim version of her that can be downloaded from the Gallery via the Maxis gallery account. She also worked with The Sims team to create her in-game dream house.

Credit: The Sims 4

Vitiligo is a medical condition that causes areas of skin to lose their pigmentation, leaving pale patches on a person's body. Though it doesn't have any immediate negative consequences for their health, vitiligo can give patients a striking or unusual appearance, which may have a negative impact on their social life and mental health. Approximately one percent of the population is affected by the skin condition.

The Sims 4's vitiligo update is just developer Maxis' latest effort to increase inclusivity in the game, following other free patches such as the addition of top surgery scars, binders and shapewear, and medical wearables last year. It won't be the last either, with Wait saying they intend to continue improving The Sims 4's representation of diverse people "for years to come."

"The Sims, among other things, is about being able to see yourself and feel represented in the game," said Wait. "This is very important to the game team, and to our players. We have countless cultures, people, and places we want to bring into the game!"