@@SimmerErin Gonna nerd a bit, Delicious in Dungeon is actually inspired by the game "Wizardry 6: Bane of the Cosmic Forge", which probably had D&D inspirations .
Every single week since this post was released patrons have been asked for it to be made public. We were so excited about it we unanimously said we wouldn't mind the rest of the community knowing about it on the same exact day we did. It's nice for the post to finally be public so we can freak out about it to all our friends. :)
Ha I can guess that happening with a lot of posts! I'll say this: I generally am liking the community surrounding paralives, too. mostly seems quite welcoming
paralives, the sims, all these kinds of games are games you can play however you want. that's why having the OPTION for disability representation is always, in my opinion, a good thing if you don't want to see this in your game, simply don't play with it, there are features for the sims 4 that i don't play with, the game is never gonna force you to use something you don't want, the option is simply there for anyone who wants or needs it. also remember that the world doesn't revolve around us, just because we personally may not care about a specific feature, doesn't mean that there isn't someone out there who will be extremely happy to see it in their game.
for sure, I am certainly in favor of more options than less- so long as the team feels they can handle a certain disability well. In many ways, though pathfinding would be tricky, it may be easiest to start with making. wheelchairs, canes and so forth functional first, will be interesting to see what they decide later on
No they aren't, you can't play however you want. Want to recreate your life exactly as it is except kill the person who attacked you when you were a child. Nope you recreate that part of your life and not only are you going to get raped in jail but they're also going to steal your property. Want to create a version of yourself that is still attracted to what you're attracted to, but can act on it because everyone can consent to everything nope can't do that that's considered propaganda. Because everything has to match reality. Like fictional characters that society says you shouldn't be allowed to like and want to express that using the game nope you'll get stolen from because people who aren't you exist. It's always been this way the people who actually need representation because they use fiction to redirect harmful things or trauma aren't permitted to engage in it
exactly!! just like real life lmao able bodied people dont go get wheelchairs just to bitch about them, just let people who want them use it! im super happy with this
The other me, everyone's all happy for"normal" life objects. Until the objects are for people with trauma in their childhood, or who redirect harmful thoughts in a healthy way. Then they call it propaganda
@Priestesskikyou It's too much for a cozy game. As a person who deals with s-cide thoughts, I wouldn't be happy with being reminded of my problems in the game. you know, thing that is meant to entertain. and no, disabilities aren't same. they are a part of you. people either accept themselves or suffer whole life from something, that isn't a part of their condition.
11 дней назад+54
This honestly makes me excited, not for the usual cases of including them. But because i myself have gone from half of my life using a walker, since birth. To using crutches. While my older brother uses the wheelchair ever since he turned 5. And as of two months ago he's 30. I got hopes for Paralives to knock it out of the park, when it does release eventually.
So far the items are just for decoration (for now), but I do appreciate these items are included just to add some depth to the personality of the Para you're playing with. My only hope that is if they are going to include it, they better be done tastefully and accurately. The school of thoughts of "Realism" vs "Escapism" when playing Sims dates way back to the Sims 2 days. One cannot assume anyone with different abilities to want all kinds of items that they have in their real life for representation, some rather not want them because the items reminded too much of their real life.
yep. Honestly it makes sense to start by just making them decorative, until they get all core functions of the game down at very least. They seem mindful of the complexity of making something into gameplay too. Yep! I have heard from people with disabilities who really want such gameplay and many who really do not. Topic comes up a lot w/ mental illness too. Personally I feel mental illness would be an even deeper rabbit hole if you're talking beyond generalize anxiety and depression (two out of three of my diagnoses lol, I would not be too keen on adding eating disorders, for instance... don't see that going well
@@SimmerErin Whether the game play is included or not, that wouldn't stop people from making storylines touching mental health issues. (Whether it is authentic or not is a whole other issue altogether)
It was really great to see all these things and from a small dev. They keep knocking it out of the park with each tidbit they release. The items, both for disability or otherwise look great and I can see myself enjoying adding clutter to a room, which is something I find chore like in other software.
The Text phone aka TTY brought back memories for me. I'm deaf, and before cellphones and texting was a thing we used to chat all the time on the TTY lol. I liked how it'd save our chats by printing it out, some of them I saved and still have to this day.
That sign book is almost identical to one of my own when I was learning. They clearly used a real world item for modeling. I like the detail that instead ASL, it has the manual PSL for Para Sign Language. So I have a variety of invisible disabilities, most notably Lupus and several versions of arthritis. My home is filled with things that help my comfort and independence.. I have long been against The Sims adding disabilities because the quirky nature of the game could make that rather sick (preferring to leave it in the hands of the modders), but for Paralives I'm not concerned about that. The cozier more gentle vibe we get I think could carry it when/if real disabilities come.
I cannot thank you enough for sharing this. Not only does it give me more hope that it's being handled well, but really shows how meaningful these additions are. I have a dear friend who has lupus, and I know how that can impact a life. She actually was told she would never skate again, but now is back to coaching and competing. Thank you again for sharing all this!
I am hoping for functionality of these items. I have children with special needs and they don't have the luxury of overlooking or opting out of their individual struggles. I would love to be able to show them that even in a game, 'disability' is not a dirty word. And as a designer, I was trained to consider the health, safety, and welfare of all of my clients...able-bodied and disabled. Seeing that there is even a possibility of disability game play items/interactions/options gets me excited. Thank you for the video.
Right, but this is a game. It's not real life. So you can opt out of anything you want. Which is why people "opt out" of taking care of babies and toddlers in the sims...
Helping out with my grandma and my mom who both had mobility issues, I can appreciate having these things in game. It's hard to get around in regular washrooms when you're in a wheelchair or using a walker, for example. I've had to use a cane (my grandmother's while she was in a hospital) when I was having acute appendicitis when I was a kid. I accidentally broke it, as it couldn't support my full since it was a wooden cane. She had since then had a metal cane until she switched to a walker.
yes. I lost my Papa (grandfather) this year, and the last year or so, the walker was very important but also posed challenges. Made me think of that too.I'm glad your grandma and mom had you to help Oh wow, that must have been a lot to experience as a kid.
@@SimmerErin Yes but I wasn't very fond of the graphics. I could get used to them, though. I mean I was able to get used the TS4, so I don't see why I couldn't with Paralives.
The concern I always have about disabilities in a life sim is that, if given to characters as traits, if they don't give limitations the disability is trivialized and doesn't represent people who face real challenges, while placing hard limitations does not reflect those who overcome those challenges in various ways. But decorative items that allow the player to use their imagination is a cool addition.
yeah, it would be truly challenging because in reality there isn't a universal experience- all on a spectrum. More bb and cas likewise can be ways to allow players to tell stories without running into such complexities. so I can understand that route
ahhhhh as someone with disabilities i love this so much!!!! if you dont wanna play w the disability aids then dont lmao nobody is forcing you to recreate your actual life perfectly, i personally love simulation games because they help me feel more normal lmao, when i start to feel really embarrassed cuz of my social anxiety i can just go "this is just a temporary mood debuff, this isn't permanent and it will expire"
I am glad to see these items, even if they are currently just decorative. And I appreciate that they are kind of leaving open the option of perhaps making some of them functional eventually, as that opens up even more story telling options about people of all types of abilities. That said, if they do eventually add gameplay and it becomes something you might be born with, I would appreciate the option to toggle that on or off for different save files; sometimes I do need to escape reality and play in a fantasy world, and I would like to still be able to do that.
yeah, I think that'd be honestly pretty challenging to implement into being born with something could almost seeing it more as you have to decide/ assign it... it's def really tricky to handle well, and yes it should be optional if they did
Very cool! Definitely keen to add some of those clutter items (inhalers, medication, stim toys) and particularly love the weighted lizard! Do hope there's at least the option to sit on the wheelchair (if not by early access, perhaps by full launch) but we'll see how it goes.
I haven't thought much about disabled sims. After seeing these pictures I think Id like to play a blind sim . I don't expect it to become a reality, but the idea of having special animations would be terrific! I like the gentleness and less cartoony path this is taking, but it wouldn't hurt if she ran over someone's foot with her wheelchair. accidentally. lol.. I like to think they can do this without all the Goofy, Over the Top responses of the sims4.
paralives to me seems to be striking a balance in animations between very realistic and very over the top so I think if they do add some functionality say for wheel chairs, it'd probably be done well. Blind paras obviously they have some braille seen here, but I'm curious how else they would be represented
@@SimmerErin Deciding what a blind Para can and can't do sounds complicated, but I'd love the idea. When does it seem patronizing if a para offers to help them ? The whole concept kinda blows my mind.
Oh my god having “accidentally” run over foot with wheelchair be an interaction option would be so funny. It should give some kind of satisfaction point when you do it to a sim yours doesnt like lol. I can basically see the pop up over my aunts head when she does it lol
I care mainly about gameplay as well but this is the sort of non-gameplay that helps people tell the stories they want to tell - In life sims, in a lot of cases, aesthetic options is gameplay content, and I think this is one of those cases (although hopefully they're able to get some of those items functional - particularly the wheelchair - and will do the research into optimal ramp gradients when they add wheelchair ramps as an object rather than making them via their terrain tools, but even if they aren't able to get any of this functional this is incredibly cool to see), but it's far more of a start than I was expecting. From the language used in some of the descriptions I get the impression they're already consulting with various disabled communities. And, from a 'realism' vs 'escapism' angle, making it optional, even if the items become functional at some point, feels like a good idea.
yes, I consider this actually to be of great significance regardless of what they decide on gameplay. I do think while pathfinding would be challenging, making wheelchairs and canes etc useable may be the 'easiest' way to dip into gameplay associated with disabilities. A lot of specific disabilities would require quite a bit of nuance yeah, I do think it's being highly considered. Likewise, they are also juggling getting the game ready for early access
I can see at least crutches or walking sticks being more easily programmed purely due to remembering the use of walking sticks in the Sims 3. BUT honestly I would be happy just to have disability represented in decorative items because that’s already so much more than we’ve gotten in any other game.
I think gameplay elements with disability representation should eventually exist but there should be some sort of toggle or switch that players who don't want it at all can use to keep those elements from showing up in their game. One thing I think would be good would be for the paramaker to have a tool in it for custom scars or body makings. I've never been able to make a character really look like me, as no game thus far has allowed me to replicate my surgical scars. While this is a minor thing, for some of us living with chronic illness, these scars and the struggles they represent are an important part of who we are and what we've been through that it's honestly difficult to represent ourselves in game, without.
you know what i want?? a shower chair lmao THAT would be so me edit: ahhhhh i kept watching and there was a shower stool!!!!!!! :'))) im so happy i could cry lmao
To tell the truth this is something I'd never use though I'm glad it's there for the people who actually want it. Hopefully the Paralives team is not attacked for adding these items but no game play to go along with them when a major company with 100s of employees has not done better.
it's hard, when you create a game, you are going to always have people that disagree with your decisions. what I can say, their plans aside, is they seem to have a good head on their shoulders, thus far balancing out player requests with that they feel is best for their game
Disability items should have gameplay associated with them, in the sense that they should be applicable in the equivalent of CAS. Townies should auto generate with white canes, wheelchairs, hearing aids, and more. I don't think that we need in depth or complex gameplay with most items, but we should be able to at least see some disability representation walking around in the background of our games. If a player wants to remove representation, they can do that manually, but yeah! Idk that the like. Lizard needs gameplay. I think different visible physical disabilities make a bigger impact in normalizing how you see other people around you in the world, though neurodivergence representation would always be cool
I doubt I would use disability items in my game (Paralives or Sims.) I want the lives of my Sims/Paras to be perfect (rather than like mine has been.) For example, I never use the hearing aids that are in TS4. In the past, I've been in discussions about this subject a few times. (Frankly, it was the reaction of some people to the ideas which made me decide I really didn't want to interact on the Sims Forum.) As you know, I'm a big advocate for having things in the game, but having them be optional in a way that those who want them can have them and those that don't won't have to see them. In the discussions, there seem to be two streets of thought for the people who have disabilities. One group wants disabilities in the game (as long as they are accurately and kindly done) so that they can represent themselves as they are (rather than as a fantasy perfect version.) Others are adamant that they don't want it in the game at all because there is no way it could be done well enough and anything less than that is offensive (and they also were concerned about players using it as a way to deliberately be offensive to the disabled community.) It's going to be interesting to see what happens in the near future. A recent development (and I'm sure you know which one I'm talking about) has made it ok to be "your worst self." Already DEI departments in major corporations are being dismantled. (A friend of mine was a big wig in DEI at Amazon. He just quit in disgust and found another job because of changes that are already being put in place.) That would taint how disability is characterized in games, not because of how the companies handle it, but by the way that *players* handle it. The fears of the disabled players that it would be used in deliberately offensive ways is more likely to be true (no matter how the companies handle it.)
I hadn't considered this angle, people being intentionally offensive. I just have too much faith in humans, though it isn't always deserved. I have to remember when TS4 Base Game went free, the hateful, awful things we saw come from that. I think we can't let ourselves be bothered by people like that, their hearts are ugly and they'll find a way to be offensive no matter what.
@@NoDecaf7 I wish we could just ignore it. But if you're the one being mocked for your disability, it's hurtful beyond imagining. EA has put in some prevention work for that, which is why we don't see the hateful, awful things you mention (and which I remember.) They don't always work, unfortunately.
These are all such good points. I was feeling bad because I felt a little worried about these items being included when everyone else on the comment section, for the most part, seems very happy. I realize now it’s because of what you have said, especially the part about hiding the bad parts of disability. Stim toys are cute but my meltdowns and picky eating are horrible. I don’t want to play a sim game with an “autistic” sim that has a perfect easy time, it would feel disingenuous and make me feel bad for my struggles, I think. And the potential for harm is definitely worrisome but I feel more optimistic that it make overall a positive impact even if and when some people inevitably use it for harm.
This is so cool, I loved seeing the stim toys especially. Stimming is so stigmatized, especially among girls and those socialized as them. Speaking of that, I'm less enthused about period products in the game (at 6:50). For me, I'm firmly in camp "escapism" on that one. Still, I see how including them in the game helps normalize them, I would just want menstrual cycles to be able to be turned off if they're added.
As someone with a learning disability who has lived around people with different disabilities my whole life, I would say I would like to have it as an option in the game. I will admit my perspective on disabilities is not normal. I see it as a variant of life, like eye and hair color. Not having it in feels to me like saying they don't want to deal with "representation," usually meaning fewer, not white people. I can understand someone with a disability wanting to escape their limitations in a game, so I would suggest a toggle option. Much like in sims where you can toggle off wants, have that as an option for disabilities. I will say one thing about it. As long as they don't do with it what they did with hearing aids in Sims 4, where they're basically jewelry with no practical impact on gameplay, I'll be happy. It could be as simple as vibrating mode on phones or requiring paras to look directly at another para to talk with them without their device. For learning disabilities, homework is done on a computer with headphones on, and yes, functioning wheelchairs, please. If it's not in release, I can get that, but if it's not real, don't do it, please. I'd love to see a para need assistance with reading. or having buffers by using the weighted doll if a para is autistic; maybe completing homework still leads to less than 100%, showing we don't do things perfectly, but please don't make us decoration.
I don't see that as not normal- a therapist once asked me, what is normal and it made me reflect We all have our own lived experiences, and, likewise, many may have some similar thoughts too without us knowing. Excellent points
Bit of a long comment so fair warning lol! I became physically disabled a year ago and coming to terms with the fact I’ll likely never walk or even exist without being in pain again is scary, and there are times I grieve the loss of my physical health, the times where I didn’t have to down at least 4 pills a day for my chronic pain alone, nevermind my other health problems…That being said, seeing things like the idea of mobility aids in the game makes me happy, it makes me feel seen- heck I’m currently looking into getting an ambulatory wheelchair myself. It sucks that us mobility aid users aren’t really seen anywhere in media other than “old person” and “trauma victim who suffered injury who is a side character for about a minute before never being seen again”, or god forbid physically disabled people try and be in a FANTASY setting. All in all, I appreciate the Paralives creators for at least acknowledging us, I understand programming something as complex as disabilities can be a challenge.
I would like to see stuff like this in game, but the gameplay with it may be a lot harder than people are thinking. So to see them even adding some of this stuff is nice at least.
The big bar to including mobility issues for me is the game clock. Since sims animations are in real time, for certain actions, especially ones with detailed animations, you get this horrendous time inflation. Mollie (EnglishSimmer) did a video where she tier-ranked skills and bowling suffered because it took so many game hours. This was a problem with the walking cane in Sims 3 too, it just took too long to even get to the kerb to drive somewhere, or to get to the bathroom, unless you did these absurdly quick animations that had them walking as fast as regular sims without the cane (thereby breaking the immersion) I like the idea of sims/paras getting injuries disabilities, but without that tweak to the game engine, they become ruinous to gameplay as a guess
its cute that they add so many stim toys for instance, i just hope the devs dont swamp themselves by trying to incorporate every single stim toy out there. just give us 2-3 types and let that be it
yeah, for now it's just aesthic so not sure- but if it does become something you can use, I think all ages would be doable! They use procedural animations which makes it more plausible to have more animations for paras of different heights
Both my children are autistic, as well as myself (although I’m more in the ADHD/Gifted range) and I was so happy to see the fidget toys on the desk!!! And the weighted toy too.
That is a nice gesture. ☺️ Most importantly, it tells me that Paralives is nearly finished. The developers are done with the core game and can now focus on creating additions that are not gameplay relevant, yet. They are preparing for future updates already. A good sign. Hopefully, the team will show the alpha gameplay soon. I still haven’t seen the core concept of Paralives and can’t decide if I should get excited. Post Scriptum: I personally wouldn’t expect my disability to be represented in a video game. It’s illogical to integrate a system that only benefits a few people. The budget is limited and more often than not, such a system siphons resources from the core game, effectively reducing content. I wouldn’t want people to have less, just so I can have more. Also, what disabilities would be represented and where does it end? In my experience, it is mostly non-afflicted people that demand representation for others, while the majority of disabled people would never ask for special treatment. I think disability representation would only ever really make sense in a real life simulation like Sims or Paralives. (Though, arguably, Sims was never meant to simulate “real” life but to parody consumer culture. Ergo: Real afflictions in a game with occults and fictional diseases seem rather ludicrous.) Otherwise, games have specific storylines which invite you to walk in a character’s shoes and see things from their perspective. (Not unlike a book you read.) Self-insertion in video games is a new trend for self-obsessed people. Somehow they struggle with the idea of escaping their lives and empathizing with a fictional character. The argument that representation is needed, in order to ‘feel save’ in a game or even be able to enjoy it, completely misinterprets the essence of a video game. (You have a chance to forget your own self for a while. Why would you want to keep being you?). I’d even call it crucial to experience different perspectives, in order to understand others and develop creative cognizance. We have to keep in mind that it is impossible to represent everyone. It used to be commonly accepted that games are fiction, juxtaposed with reality. Nowadays, corporations use representation to virtue signal for government funds and sales. Unfortunately it is mandated by publishers, effectively destroying developer’s and writer’s creative freedom. Today’s video games already demonstrate a severe lack of inspiration because of that. I apologize for the essay. The subject matter has been clogging my synapses and needed to be exorcised, apparently. 😬
Yes, I think disabilities should exist in a life sim, as long as they're optional. I have a few storylines in Sims that involve disabled people, even though we don't really have items nor gameplay for them.
Disabilities items. No outrage? Just wow.... Sure decor but I remember when we got hearing aids in CAS in ts4, oh boy. I feel like the solution is simple; optional. Like the hearing aids in 4. Not functional but if they were, it's a choice to add. The stuff we're seeing in the first picture doesn't scream disabilities vs something like a wheelchair. Then 1:56 we know, the para has a disability. Getting the wheelchair, walker and cane to be functional is definitely going to be hard. I don't follow the news closely, so I don't know if they confirmed different heights for one life stage or not. I wish at least Sims could do more decorative things for disabilities but again the community doesn't even like that. Not EA but that'll probably be the argument. Functional stuff and traits would be nice too but more difficult.
@honinakecheta601 year, I think they're in the earrings category. I was recommended videos about the controversy. People actually weren't happy about it.
@@AutobotSimmerprobably mainly bc it was added as a random after thought, and if it takes takes up the earring slot then it’s not gonna be optimal to use it.
most of the time, people seem fairly chill about paralives only time I can recall much is way back when it was first announced and the whole sims killer thing was going around Different heights are possible for paras- we have a height slider and they are working with procedural animations so hat's cool. pathfinding would indeed be challenging, though, plus you'd also have to consider how the wheelchair for ex interacts around the world, diff lots It was cool when the sims added cochlear impants (?) and also glucose monitors, and it would be cool to see more in cas
Because they're not disability sims. The amount of coding necessary to code in all the stuff necessary for every disability would take years. Then people would still be upset... Well why not have THIS disability in the game? How come we have this disability and not that disability? Why isn't this super rare chromosome deletion disability in the game? Why can't we have home health aides who come take care of the paras? How come my para can't be blind? How come the para can't use an oxygen machine?? It will never end..the best thing for a small team to do is just not add it at all
I wish The Sims did stuff like this. They definately have the resources to add disabilities in The Sims and the fact they haven't is actually kind of heartbreaking, especially when they showed off people with visible disabilities in a trailer showing off how diverse their fanbase is.
I do agree. that one could argue in fact they have far more resources to do so when it comes to implementing in live mode, parallves takes a small advantage with a procedural animations system
I am wondering if para lives may NOT be out until maybe 2025 around the SAME time as InZoi plans to be out then. Or perhaps Para lives MAY NOT be ready by then either until maybe 2026. But this is just my estimated guess. As for the game it self, it seems to be looking pretty good so far. But the para team is most likely still wanting to iron out some details and stuff about it. It seems to have some good astetics too though. That said, I HOPE all goes well with the game and the para team. 🤩👍 Ty for posting friend and take take care. Also HOPE you have a GOOD holiday.✌❤ T-day is my fav. 🤩👍
This looks awesome. I’m a little worried about their focus on aesthetic things like Halloween jewelry and makeup and stuff as well as cosmetic options for disability representation, though. Simply because I want them to be focusing on a wells developed and functional game before adding in too much decoration. Things like functional wheelchairs is amazing but other things like heating pouches, stim toys, etc seem like a distraction. I’m autistic so I’m happy they want to represent it as one of many disabilities, but do they actually work? Are there autistic sims with sensory issues that affect gameplay? Just a thought.
Oh for sure, and I have had that concern before. My concerns have been less since they have discussed and shown some of the core systems and they seem to be making good progress. But a fair concern for sure
If they do add in-game use, I hope they do a better job than Sims 3 did with canes. Your sim would be hobbling along with the cane. Until they got to a staircase, then it's hop-hop-hop up or down, then back to the cane.
Since you specifically asked, i would rather the game not have any disability gameplay. Especially not walkers and wheelchairs. The amount of time and resources they would need dedicated to reanimate tons of actions would be extreme and it would take that thing and effort away from other areas of the game.
I know that the community that follows the development of the game is very supportive, but I still think that it could be a dangerous move to include so many non-functional disability items. A broader audience will see the screenshots without context, assume that things like the wheelchair and crutches come with animations/gameplay, and get angry because they can't read (classic customer). I'm really amazed how clutter placement can tell a story. The array of medication, the fidget toys.
perhaps, the caveat I will say is that people not following closely tend to miss these posts- I think they're fine so long as it isn't up front in marketing in a. way that makes them seem functional. plus, we aren't even yet in early access. I like that they were upfront about it, and you also don't see any paras posed as if they are using said items, But certainly a good consideration! me too- honestly I don't think I used to care much about clutter a few years ago but even other items can do a lot to tell a story,. This here is especially remarkable
I think this is so cute honestly especially because my son has autsim so i have always wanted these sensory figit toys in his bedroom would be cool if the kids could play with them atleast when there a bit overwhemled or stressed.. also my partner has his crutchers next to his bed at night so it will be cool to be able to have it as a feature next to the bed. I think this is supper cool idea that no other game has done before so for them to even think about this is amazing to me ❤ i cant wait to play early access.
As a brilliant Sims 4 creator once said …. “the Sims four could never “… never get this level of respect for people with disabilities without putting a price tag and… More information gaslighting is use the people of the disabilities further endless hunger for money because all we want is shiny things and that’s all they care about___😢❤ some for our media does believe we exist and just as humans or people functioning or people who are thriving in someway in society good on them
yes the ADA does classify asthma as a disability but I know what you mean. A lot of times, mental illness falls under disabilities but I myself don't consider myself disabled. kinda interesting to think about.
@SimmerErin ik, but it will be better for deaf ppl representative, bc in the sims, you just use it like a normal accessory, and if paralives decide to take a step on doing that, it will be pretty nice!!
If they manage to add all of this, I'd be beyond impressed! Much like The Sims drew the line in the sand and set the standard by adding gender customization back in 2015 (goodness, it's been almost 10 years...), Paralives has the opportunity of setting it's mark by adding this level of attention and detail to their game. Now here's where I worry: IF they manage to add all of this. The level of detail promised is such that it worries me that it's going to be only implemented after early access. I mean, I'm sure the base of the system most likely is already there but... Sorry, I can't help but worry at how much is going to be put for "post-early access", so many games use this tactic of having an eternal early access without much promise of when will we have all of the promised features...
by the wording, it's vague: because technically it leaves open added at the end of early access- kinda sounds like just not at launch? Idk I need to read it again
To be honest i really don't like non fonctional mobility aid. It might just be me but, at least when it comes to big studios, it feels like a way to get praised without actually doing the work needed to represent us. For paralive i'm disappointed but i won't hold it against them since they're a small team. But for games like animal crossing, it gives me a really bad taste. Ok i found a comparison which i think works well: to me it's like if a game had gay marriage, but it is only a label in the relationship panel, without any romantic interactions whatsoever, no gameplay, juste a "married" label.
I love how on the desk they include no tech ACC cards! They are great for autistics who are non-verbal/speaking or can lose the ability to communicate verbally/communicate their needs. I personally use them alot!
@SimmerErin well I'd love to see my own, so that would include Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and OCD. I have moderate autism/level 2 autism so I'd really hope if they did include ASD they'd find ways to represent as much of the spectrum as possible, while seeing represent that only for only one part of the spectrum(usually level 1/low support needs or level 3/high support needs) is something, I'd really appreciate if people like me who are very much inbetween could be represented. I'd love to see some options for paras who's aren't fully verbal or have atypical verbal capabilities like myself. I'd love it if my para couldn't always communicate or needed an ACC sometimes to aid them(just a simple Social animation of the para silently showing an image card could be an effective way to do this). This is something I also wish for the Sims, I can't make a sim that truly reflects myself because all Sims can communicate normally and identically. I also have had long term problems with debilitating fatigue(due to my Nero divergence) and would love to see CFS represented. I also generally would love to see a variety of nerodivergence and mental health struggles(all shouldn't be forced on the player), I'd also love to see health conditions like anaemia, diabetes, allergies(environmental and food ideally). I'd love to see EDS, hyper mobility, POTS, chronic illness in general. Also multiple sclerosis. I'd generally love to see gameplay like offering speech therapy, having mobility aids, having medication options(I'd love to see SSRIs since my sib takes them), This kinda area is close to my special interest(abnormal psychology) so I'm passionate, I know realistically they likey cant implement all of these, but I'm fond of the direction their taking!
@SimmerErin well I'd love to see my own, so that would include Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and OCD. I have moderate autism/level 2 autism so I'd really hope if they did include ASD they'd find ways to represent as much of the spectrum as possible, while seeing represent that only for only one part of the spectrum(usually level 1/low support needs or level 3/high support needs) is something, I'd really appreciate if people like me who are very much inbetween could be represented. I'd love to see some options for paras who's aren't fully verbal or have atypical verbal capabilities like myself. I'd love it if my para couldn't always communicate or needed an ACC sometimes to aid them(just a simple Social animation of the para silently showing an image card could be an effective way to do this). This is something I also wish for the Sims, I can't make a sim that truly reflects myself because all Sims can communicate normally and identically. I also have had long term problems with debilitating fatigue(due to my Nero divergence) and would love to see CFS represented. I also generally would love to see a variety of nerodivergence and mental health struggles(all shouldn't be forced on the player), I'd also love to see health conditions like anaemia, diabetes, allergies(environmental and food ideally). I'd love to see EDS, hyper mobility, POTS, chronic illness in general. Also multiple sclerosis. I'd generally love to see gameplay like offering speech therapy, having mobility aids, having medication options(I'd love to see SSRIs since my sib takes them), This kinda area is close to my special interest(abnormal psychology) so I'm passionate, I know realistically they likey cant implement all of these, but I'm fond of the direction their taking!
This is really great ! I knew the paralives team was a good one from the start but they're showing us time and time again how pure their hearts are. I really hope that this game will be a roaring success because it so deserves to 🤍🙏
Just FYI Delicious in Dungeon is an anime based very loosely on D&D
OOH okay! Thanks for the heads up! Had no idea.
I was excited that they mentioned my current favorite anime in the same room that they put the diabetes equipment.
@@SimmerErin Gonna nerd a bit, Delicious in Dungeon is actually inspired by the game "Wizardry 6: Bane of the Cosmic Forge", which probably had D&D inspirations .
Every single week since this post was released patrons have been asked for it to be made public. We were so excited about it we unanimously said we wouldn't mind the rest of the community knowing about it on the same exact day we did. It's nice for the post to finally be public so we can freak out about it to all our friends. :)
Ha I can guess that happening with a lot of posts!
I'll say this: I generally am liking the community surrounding paralives, too. mostly seems quite welcoming
paralives, the sims, all these kinds of games are games you can play however you want. that's why having the OPTION for disability representation is always, in my opinion, a good thing
if you don't want to see this in your game, simply don't play with it, there are features for the sims 4 that i don't play with, the game is never gonna force you to use something you don't want, the option is simply there for anyone who wants or needs it.
also remember that the world doesn't revolve around us, just because we personally may not care about a specific feature, doesn't mean that there isn't someone out there who will be extremely happy to see it in their game.
for sure, I am certainly in favor of more options than less- so long as the team feels they can handle a certain disability well. In many ways, though pathfinding would be tricky, it may be easiest to start with making. wheelchairs, canes and so forth functional first, will be interesting to see what they decide later on
No they aren't, you can't play however you want.
Want to recreate your life exactly as it is except kill the person who attacked you when you were a child.
Nope you recreate that part of your life and not only are you going to get raped in jail but they're also going to steal your property.
Want to create a version of yourself that is still attracted to what you're attracted to, but can act on it because everyone can consent to everything nope can't do that that's considered propaganda.
Because everything has to match reality.
Like fictional characters that society says you shouldn't be allowed to like and want to express that using the game nope you'll get stolen from because people who aren't you exist.
It's always been this way the people who actually need representation because they use fiction to redirect harmful things or trauma aren't permitted to engage in it
exactly!! just like real life lmao able bodied people dont go get wheelchairs just to bitch about them, just let people who want them use it! im super happy with this
Pads. PADS! This small detail, neglected by the Sims, is what excited me the most! Horray for including actual normal life objects!!!!
yes!
The other me, everyone's all happy for"normal" life objects.
Until the objects are for people with trauma in their childhood, or who redirect harmful thoughts in a healthy way.
Then they call it propaganda
@@Priestesskikyouwtf? Touch grass
@Priestesskikyou It's too much for a cozy game. As a person who deals with s-cide thoughts, I wouldn't be happy with being reminded of my problems in the game. you know, thing that is meant to entertain. and no, disabilities aren't same. they are a part of you. people either accept themselves or suffer whole life from something, that isn't a part of their condition.
This honestly makes me excited, not for the usual cases of including them. But because i myself have gone from half of my life using a walker, since birth. To using crutches. While my older brother uses the wheelchair ever since he turned 5. And as of two months ago he's 30. I got hopes for Paralives to knock it out of the park, when it does release eventually.
thanks so much for sharing this. It's wonderful to see people connect with content on a personal level that makes them feel excited.
So far the items are just for decoration (for now), but I do appreciate these items are included just to add some depth to the personality of the Para you're playing with. My only hope that is if they are going to include it, they better be done tastefully and accurately.
The school of thoughts of "Realism" vs "Escapism" when playing Sims dates way back to the Sims 2 days. One cannot assume anyone with different abilities to want all kinds of items that they have in their real life for representation, some rather not want them because the items reminded too much of their real life.
yep. Honestly it makes sense to start by just making them decorative, until they get all core functions of the game down at very least. They seem mindful of the complexity of making something into gameplay too.
Yep! I have heard from people with disabilities who really want such gameplay and many who really do not. Topic comes up a lot w/ mental illness too. Personally I feel mental illness would be an even deeper rabbit hole if you're talking beyond generalize anxiety and depression (two out of three of my diagnoses lol, I would not be too keen on adding eating disorders, for instance... don't see that going well
@@SimmerErin Whether the game play is included or not, that wouldn't stop people from making storylines touching mental health issues. (Whether it is authentic or not is a whole other issue altogether)
@@westanimesims true!
There is a moder for Sims 4 who has a mod for mental health issues. I believe it is either panda sama or adeepindigo both are on Patreon.
@@marthagalbraith416 yeah, I think there are many mods out there, I am unsure what all they cover.
It was really great to see all these things and from a small dev. They keep knocking it out of the park with each tidbit they release. The items, both for disability or otherwise look great and I can see myself enjoying adding clutter to a room, which is something I find chore like in other software.
yep, what strikes me is the attention to detail and how well thought out everything is, and that I consider highly impressive
The Text phone aka TTY brought back memories for me. I'm deaf, and before cellphones and texting was a thing we used to chat all the time on the TTY lol. I liked how it'd save our chats by printing it out, some of them I saved and still have to this day.
thanks so much for sharing this 💕 I am really happy to see that these items are striking chords with people in meaningful ways
That sign book is almost identical to one of my own when I was learning. They clearly used a real world item for modeling. I like the detail that instead ASL, it has the manual PSL for Para Sign Language.
So I have a variety of invisible disabilities, most notably Lupus and several versions of arthritis. My home is filled with things that help my comfort and independence.. I have long been against The Sims adding disabilities because the quirky nature of the game could make that rather sick (preferring to leave it in the hands of the modders), but for Paralives I'm not concerned about that. The cozier more gentle vibe we get I think could carry it when/if real disabilities come.
I cannot thank you enough for sharing this. Not only does it give me more hope that it's being handled well, but really shows how meaningful these additions are. I have a dear friend who has lupus, and I know how that can impact a life. She actually was told she would never skate again, but now is back to coaching and competing. Thank you again for sharing all this!
I am hoping for functionality of these items. I have children with special needs and they don't have the luxury of overlooking or opting out of their individual struggles. I would love to be able to show them that even in a game, 'disability' is not a dirty word. And as a designer, I was trained to consider the health, safety, and welfare of all of my clients...able-bodied and disabled. Seeing that there is even a possibility of disability game play items/interactions/options gets me excited. Thank you for the video.
Right, but this is a game. It's not real life. So you can opt out of anything you want. Which is why people "opt out" of taking care of babies and toddlers in the sims...
Thanks so much for sharing this. A beautiful and true message as well
Helping out with my grandma and my mom who both had mobility issues, I can appreciate having these things in game. It's hard to get around in regular washrooms when you're in a wheelchair or using a walker, for example.
I've had to use a cane (my grandmother's while she was in a hospital) when I was having acute appendicitis when I was a kid. I accidentally broke it, as it couldn't support my full since it was a wooden cane. She had since then had a metal cane until she switched to a walker.
yes. I lost my Papa (grandfather) this year, and the last year or so, the walker was very important but also posed challenges. Made me think of that too.I'm glad your grandma and mom had you to help
Oh wow, that must have been a lot to experience as a kid.
This is really great to see. I might have to give paralives a look.
Oh! have you seen or heard of paralives much before this
@@SimmerErin Yes but I wasn't very fond of the graphics. I could get used to them, though. I mean I was able to get used the TS4, so I don't see why I couldn't with Paralives.
The concern I always have about disabilities in a life sim is that, if given to characters as traits, if they don't give limitations the disability is trivialized and doesn't represent people who face real challenges, while placing hard limitations does not reflect those who overcome those challenges in various ways. But decorative items that allow the player to use their imagination is a cool addition.
yeah, it would be truly challenging because in reality there isn't a universal experience- all on a spectrum. More bb and cas likewise can be ways to allow players to tell stories without running into such complexities. so I can understand that route
ahhhhh as someone with disabilities i love this so much!!!! if you dont wanna play w the disability aids then dont lmao nobody is forcing you to recreate your actual life perfectly, i personally love simulation games because they help me feel more normal lmao, when i start to feel really embarrassed cuz of my social anxiety i can just go "this is just a temporary mood debuff, this isn't permanent and it will expire"
I am glad to see these items, even if they are currently just decorative. And I appreciate that they are kind of leaving open the option of perhaps making some of them functional eventually, as that opens up even more story telling options about people of all types of abilities. That said, if they do eventually add gameplay and it becomes something you might be born with, I would appreciate the option to toggle that on or off for different save files; sometimes I do need to escape reality and play in a fantasy world, and I would like to still be able to do that.
yeah, I think that'd be honestly pretty challenging to implement into being born with something could almost seeing it more as you have to decide/ assign it... it's def really tricky to handle well, and yes it should be optional if they did
Very cool! Definitely keen to add some of those clutter items (inhalers, medication, stim toys) and particularly love the weighted lizard! Do hope there's at least the option to sit on the wheelchair (if not by early access, perhaps by full launch) but we'll see how it goes.
The build buy in this game looks truly outstanding. Really looking forward to seeing what I can make when it comes out.
yeah that it does. tools look promising too
This visibility and the thought it provokes for simulation games is important and a great start tbh ❤
I haven't thought much about disabled sims. After seeing these pictures I think Id like to play a blind sim . I don't expect it to become a reality, but the idea of having special animations would be terrific! I like the gentleness and less cartoony path this is taking, but it wouldn't hurt if she ran over someone's foot with her wheelchair. accidentally. lol.. I like to think they can do this without all the Goofy, Over the Top responses of the sims4.
Right now the items are just decorative but since they are launching with cars, they may figure out wheelchairs and walkers.
paralives to me seems to be striking a balance in animations between very realistic and very over the top so I think if they do add some functionality say for wheel chairs, it'd probably be done well. Blind paras obviously they have some braille seen here, but I'm curious how else they would be represented
@@SimmerErin Deciding what a blind Para can and can't do sounds complicated, but I'd love the idea. When does it seem patronizing if a para offers to help them ? The whole concept kinda blows my mind.
Oh my god having “accidentally” run over foot with wheelchair be an interaction option would be so funny. It should give some kind of satisfaction point when you do it to a sim yours doesnt like lol. I can basically see the pop up over my aunts head when she does it lol
I love the storytelling angle even if the items are not fully useable. So many nice touches and thought. I am really excited for Paralives! 😊👍
I care mainly about gameplay as well but this is the sort of non-gameplay that helps people tell the stories they want to tell - In life sims, in a lot of cases, aesthetic options is gameplay content, and I think this is one of those cases (although hopefully they're able to get some of those items functional - particularly the wheelchair - and will do the research into optimal ramp gradients when they add wheelchair ramps as an object rather than making them via their terrain tools, but even if they aren't able to get any of this functional this is incredibly cool to see), but it's far more of a start than I was expecting. From the language used in some of the descriptions I get the impression they're already consulting with various disabled communities.
And, from a 'realism' vs 'escapism' angle, making it optional, even if the items become functional at some point, feels like a good idea.
yes, I consider this actually to be of great significance regardless of what they decide on gameplay. I do think while pathfinding would be challenging, making wheelchairs and canes etc useable may be the 'easiest' way to dip into gameplay associated with disabilities. A lot of specific disabilities would require quite a bit of nuance
yeah, I do think it's being highly considered. Likewise, they are also juggling getting the game ready for early access
I can see at least crutches or walking sticks being more easily programmed purely due to remembering the use of walking sticks in the Sims 3.
BUT honestly I would be happy just to have disability represented in decorative items because that’s already so much more than we’ve gotten in any other game.
yeah, those would I would think- be the easiest the implement
and certainly, this is more than I have seen in any game much I can think of
I think gameplay elements with disability representation should eventually exist but there should be some sort of toggle or switch that players who don't want it at all can use to keep those elements from showing up in their game. One thing I think would be good would be for the paramaker to have a tool in it for custom scars or body makings. I've never been able to make a character really look like me, as no game thus far has allowed me to replicate my surgical scars. While this is a minor thing, for some of us living with chronic illness, these scars and the struggles they represent are an important part of who we are and what we've been through that it's honestly difficult to represent ourselves in game, without.
body scars or other details like that would be great! a relatively simple addition too.
Beautiful message, I agree
you know what i want?? a shower chair lmao THAT would be so me
edit: ahhhhh i kept watching and there was a shower stool!!!!!!! :'))) im so happy i could cry lmao
Yes! This basic acknowledgement of disability being a part of life, and us being real humans is a huge victory. 🙌
indeed, it cannot be overstated how important it is for that to be acknowledged within a variety of media.
To tell the truth this is something I'd never use though I'm glad it's there for the people who actually want it. Hopefully the Paralives team is not attacked for adding these items but no game play to go along with them when a major company with 100s of employees has not done better.
it's hard, when you create a game, you are going to always have people that disagree with your decisions. what I can say, their plans aside, is they seem to have a good head on their shoulders, thus far balancing out player requests with that they feel is best for their game
Disability items should have gameplay associated with them, in the sense that they should be applicable in the equivalent of CAS. Townies should auto generate with white canes, wheelchairs, hearing aids, and more. I don't think that we need in depth or complex gameplay with most items, but we should be able to at least see some disability representation walking around in the background of our games. If a player wants to remove representation, they can do that manually, but yeah! Idk that the like. Lizard needs gameplay. I think different visible physical disabilities make a bigger impact in normalizing how you see other people around you in the world, though neurodivergence representation would always be cool
yes, def there is a lot to be said for normalizing
I doubt I would use disability items in my game (Paralives or Sims.) I want the lives of my Sims/Paras to be perfect (rather than like mine has been.) For example, I never use the hearing aids that are in TS4.
In the past, I've been in discussions about this subject a few times. (Frankly, it was the reaction of some people to the ideas which made me decide I really didn't want to interact on the Sims Forum.) As you know, I'm a big advocate for having things in the game, but having them be optional in a way that those who want them can have them and those that don't won't have to see them.
In the discussions, there seem to be two streets of thought for the people who have disabilities. One group wants disabilities in the game (as long as they are accurately and kindly done) so that they can represent themselves as they are (rather than as a fantasy perfect version.) Others are adamant that they don't want it in the game at all because there is no way it could be done well enough and anything less than that is offensive (and they also were concerned about players using it as a way to deliberately be offensive to the disabled community.)
It's going to be interesting to see what happens in the near future. A recent development (and I'm sure you know which one I'm talking about) has made it ok to be "your worst self." Already DEI departments in major corporations are being dismantled. (A friend of mine was a big wig in DEI at Amazon. He just quit in disgust and found another job because of changes that are already being put in place.) That would taint how disability is characterized in games, not because of how the companies handle it, but by the way that *players* handle it. The fears of the disabled players that it would be used in deliberately offensive ways is more likely to be true (no matter how the companies handle it.)
I hadn't considered this angle, people being intentionally offensive. I just have too much faith in humans, though it isn't always deserved. I have to remember when TS4 Base Game went free, the hateful, awful things we saw come from that. I think we can't let ourselves be bothered by people like that, their hearts are ugly and they'll find a way to be offensive no matter what.
@@NoDecaf7 I wish we could just ignore it. But if you're the one being mocked for your disability, it's hurtful beyond imagining. EA has put in some prevention work for that, which is why we don't see the hateful, awful things you mention (and which I remember.) They don't always work, unfortunately.
yes yes, and I think both sides are valid on that. I know you and I both are generally in favor of more player choice and more options
These are all such good points. I was feeling bad because I felt a little worried about these items being included when everyone else on the comment section, for the most part, seems very happy. I realize now it’s because of what you have said, especially the part about hiding the bad parts of disability. Stim toys are cute but my meltdowns and picky eating are horrible. I don’t want to play a sim game with an “autistic” sim that has a perfect easy time, it would feel disingenuous and make me feel bad for my struggles, I think. And the potential for harm is definitely worrisome but I feel more optimistic that it make overall a positive impact even if and when some people inevitably use it for harm.
This is so cool, I loved seeing the stim toys especially. Stimming is so stigmatized, especially among girls and those socialized as them.
Speaking of that, I'm less enthused about period products in the game (at 6:50). For me, I'm firmly in camp "escapism" on that one. Still, I see how including them in the game helps normalize them, I would just want menstrual cycles to be able to be turned off if they're added.
I haven't seen them talk about periods as gameplay- my guess is that won't be added, but not 100 percent on that
As someone with a learning disability who has lived around people with different disabilities my whole life, I would say I would like to have it as an option in the game. I will admit my perspective on disabilities is not normal. I see it as a variant of life, like eye and hair color. Not having it in feels to me like saying they don't want to deal with "representation," usually meaning fewer, not white people. I can understand someone with a disability wanting to escape their limitations in a game, so I would suggest a toggle option. Much like in sims where you can toggle off wants, have that as an option for disabilities. I will say one thing about it. As long as they don't do with it what they did with hearing aids in Sims 4, where they're basically jewelry with no practical impact on gameplay, I'll be happy. It could be as simple as vibrating mode on phones or requiring paras to look directly at another para to talk with them without their device. For learning disabilities, homework is done on a computer with headphones on, and yes, functioning wheelchairs, please. If it's not in release, I can get that, but if it's not real, don't do it, please. I'd love to see a para need assistance with reading. or having buffers by using the weighted doll if a para is autistic; maybe completing homework still leads to less than 100%, showing we don't do things perfectly, but please don't make us decoration.
I don't see that as not normal- a therapist once asked me, what is normal and it made me reflect
We all have our own lived experiences, and, likewise, many may have some similar thoughts too without us knowing. Excellent points
I saw pads in the shelf! For periods! YAY!
I love seeing representation in a life sim! Bravo to the Paralives team for acknowledging all players ❤❤
absolutely! I wonder if I could find the survey they did some time ago on disabilities- I can't even recall when that was
Bit of a long comment so fair warning lol!
I became physically disabled a year ago and coming to terms with the fact I’ll likely never walk or even exist without being in pain again is scary, and there are times I grieve the loss of my physical health, the times where I didn’t have to down at least 4 pills a day for my chronic pain alone, nevermind my other health problems…That being said, seeing things like the idea of mobility aids in the game makes me happy, it makes me feel seen- heck I’m currently looking into getting an ambulatory wheelchair myself. It sucks that us mobility aid users aren’t really seen anywhere in media other than “old person” and “trauma victim who suffered injury who is a side character for about a minute before never being seen again”, or god forbid physically disabled people try and be in a FANTASY setting.
All in all, I appreciate the Paralives creators for at least acknowledging us, I understand programming something as complex as disabilities can be a challenge.
I would like to see stuff like this in game, but the gameplay with it may be a lot harder than people are thinking. So to see them even adding some of this stuff is nice at least.
The big bar to including mobility issues for me is the game clock. Since sims animations are in real time, for certain actions, especially ones with detailed animations, you get this horrendous time inflation. Mollie (EnglishSimmer) did a video where she tier-ranked skills and bowling suffered because it took so many game hours. This was a problem with the walking cane in Sims 3 too, it just took too long to even get to the kerb to drive somewhere, or to get to the bathroom, unless you did these absurdly quick animations that had them walking as fast as regular sims without the cane (thereby breaking the immersion)
I like the idea of sims/paras getting injuries disabilities, but without that tweak to the game engine, they become ruinous to gameplay as a guess
aaaah that is an excellent concern to bring up
I saw that video! quite enjoyed it, but generally enjoy her content
3:10 i just wanna point out you can see like all the keys on that keyboard. cool
its cute that they add so many stim toys for instance, i just hope the devs dont swamp themselves by trying to incorporate every single stim toy out there. just give us 2-3 types and let that be it
it's a worry I have had over time here and there, but it seems the team has been able to maintain a good balance and still make progress
Im autistic and I LOVE the autism items It would be nice if you could just give any charicter of any age a walking stick
yeah, for now it's just aesthic so not sure- but if it does become something you can use, I think all ages would be doable! They use procedural animations which makes it more plausible to have more animations for paras of different heights
Both my children are autistic, as well as myself (although I’m more in the ADHD/Gifted range) and I was so happy to see the fidget toys on the desk!!! And the weighted toy too.
That is a nice gesture. ☺️
Most importantly, it tells me that Paralives is nearly finished. The developers are done with the core game and can now focus on creating additions that are not gameplay relevant, yet. They are preparing for future updates already. A good sign.
Hopefully, the team will show the alpha gameplay soon. I still haven’t seen the core concept of Paralives and can’t decide if I should get excited.
Post Scriptum:
I personally wouldn’t expect my disability to be represented in a video game. It’s illogical to integrate a system that only benefits a few people. The budget is limited and more often than not, such a system siphons resources from the core game, effectively reducing content. I wouldn’t want people to have less, just so I can have more.
Also, what disabilities would be represented and where does it end?
In my experience, it is mostly non-afflicted people that demand representation for others, while the majority of disabled people would never ask for special treatment.
I think disability representation would only ever really make sense in a real life simulation like Sims or Paralives. (Though, arguably, Sims was never meant to simulate “real” life but to parody consumer culture. Ergo: Real afflictions in a game with occults and fictional diseases seem rather ludicrous.)
Otherwise, games have specific storylines which invite you to walk in a character’s shoes and see things from their perspective. (Not unlike a book you read.)
Self-insertion in video games is a new trend for self-obsessed people. Somehow they struggle with the idea of escaping their lives and empathizing with a fictional character.
The argument that representation is needed, in order to ‘feel save’ in a game or even be able to enjoy it, completely misinterprets the essence of a video game. (You have a chance to forget your own self for a while. Why would you want to keep being you?).
I’d even call it crucial to experience different perspectives, in order to understand others and develop creative cognizance.
We have to keep in mind that it is impossible to represent everyone. It used to be commonly accepted that games are fiction, juxtaposed with reality.
Nowadays, corporations use representation to virtue signal for government funds and sales. Unfortunately it is mandated by publishers, effectively destroying developer’s and writer’s creative freedom. Today’s video games already demonstrate a severe lack of inspiration because of that.
I apologize for the essay. The subject matter has been clogging my synapses and needed to be exorcised, apparently. 😬
Yes, I think disabilities should exist in a life sim, as long as they're optional. I have a few storylines in Sims that involve disabled people, even though we don't really have items nor gameplay for them.
not much anyway. all I can think of is the cochlear implants and blood glucose monitor
Disabilities items. No outrage? Just wow.... Sure decor but I remember when we got hearing aids in CAS in ts4, oh boy.
I feel like the solution is simple; optional.
Like the hearing aids in 4. Not functional but if they were, it's a choice to add.
The stuff we're seeing in the first picture doesn't scream disabilities vs something like a wheelchair. Then 1:56 we know, the para has a disability. Getting the wheelchair, walker and cane to be functional is definitely going to be hard. I don't follow the news closely, so I don't know if they confirmed different heights for one life stage or not.
I wish at least Sims could do more decorative things for disabilities but again the community doesn't even like that. Not EA but that'll probably be the argument. Functional stuff and traits would be nice too but more difficult.
The hearing aids were just cosmetic though right? You can’t make a deaf sim I don’t think.
@honinakecheta601 year, I think they're in the earrings category. I was recommended videos about the controversy. People actually weren't happy about it.
@@AutobotSimmerprobably mainly bc it was added as a random after thought, and if it takes takes up the earring slot then it’s not gonna be optimal to use it.
most of the time, people seem fairly chill about paralives only time I can recall much is way back when it was first announced and the whole sims killer thing was going around
Different heights are possible for paras- we have a height slider and they are working with procedural animations so hat's cool. pathfinding would indeed be challenging, though, plus you'd also have to consider how the wheelchair for ex interacts around the world, diff lots
It was cool when the sims added cochlear impants (?) and also glucose monitors, and it would be cool to see more in cas
Because they're not disability sims. The amount of coding necessary to code in all the stuff necessary for every disability would take years. Then people would still be upset... Well why not have THIS disability in the game? How come we have this disability and not that disability? Why isn't this super rare chromosome deletion disability in the game? Why can't we have home health aides who come take care of the paras? How come my para can't be blind? How come the para can't use an oxygen machine??
It will never end..the best thing for a small team to do is just not add it at all
I wish The Sims did stuff like this. They definately have the resources to add disabilities in The Sims and the fact they haven't is actually kind of heartbreaking, especially when they showed off people with visible disabilities in a trailer showing off how diverse their fanbase is.
I do agree. that one could argue in fact they have far more resources to do so
when it comes to implementing in live mode, parallves takes a small advantage with a procedural animations system
I am wondering if para lives may NOT be out until maybe 2025 around the SAME time as InZoi plans to be out then. Or perhaps Para lives MAY NOT be ready by then either until maybe 2026. But this is just my estimated guess.
As for the game it self, it seems to be looking pretty good so far. But the para team is most likely still wanting to iron out some details and stuff about it. It seems to have some good astetics too though. That said, I HOPE all goes well with the game and the para team. 🤩👍
Ty for posting friend and take take care. Also HOPE you have a GOOD holiday.✌❤ T-day is my fav. 🤩👍
hard to say, but hoping they make it end of year
This looks awesome. I’m a little worried about their focus on aesthetic things like Halloween jewelry and makeup and stuff as well as cosmetic options for disability representation, though. Simply because I want them to be focusing on a wells developed and functional game before adding in too much decoration. Things like functional wheelchairs is amazing but other things like heating pouches, stim toys, etc seem like a distraction. I’m autistic so I’m happy they want to represent it as one of many disabilities, but do they actually work? Are there autistic sims with sensory issues that affect gameplay? Just a thought.
Oh for sure, and I have had that concern before. My concerns have been less since they have discussed and shown some of the core systems and they seem to be making good progress. But a fair concern for sure
If they do add in-game use, I hope they do a better job than Sims 3 did with canes.
Your sim would be hobbling along with the cane. Until they got to a staircase, then it's hop-hop-hop up or down, then back to the cane.
yeah, sims 3 isn't the best with pathfinding
Since you specifically asked, i would rather the game not have any disability gameplay. Especially not walkers and wheelchairs. The amount of time and resources they would need dedicated to reanimate tons of actions would be extreme and it would take that thing and effort away from other areas of the game.
I know that the community that follows the development of the game is very supportive, but I still think that it could be a dangerous move to include so many non-functional disability items. A broader audience will see the screenshots without context, assume that things like the wheelchair and crutches come with animations/gameplay, and get angry because they can't read (classic customer).
I'm really amazed how clutter placement can tell a story. The array of medication, the fidget toys.
perhaps, the caveat I will say is that people not following closely tend to miss these posts- I think they're fine so long as it isn't up front in marketing in a. way that makes them seem functional. plus, we aren't even yet in early access. I like that they were upfront about it, and you also don't see any paras posed as if they are using said items, But certainly a good consideration!
me too- honestly I don't think I used to care much about clutter a few years ago but even other items can do a lot to tell a story,. This here is especially remarkable
I think this is so cute honestly especially because my son has autsim so i have always wanted these sensory figit toys in his bedroom would be cool if the kids could play with them atleast when there a bit overwhemled or stressed.. also my partner has his crutchers next to his bed at night so it will be cool to be able to have it as a feature next to the bed. I think this is supper cool idea that no other game has done before so for them to even think about this is amazing to me ❤ i cant wait to play early access.
It's very heartening to see, I think ti does a lot for raise awareness, normalizing, and empowering; hopefully more will follow suit in the future
i have autism and i love this room
It's so good to hear it's been thoughtfully designed
As a brilliant Sims 4 creator once said …. “the Sims four could never “… never get this level of respect for people with disabilities without putting a price tag and… More information gaslighting is use the people of the disabilities further endless hunger for money because all we want is shiny things and that’s all they care about___😢❤ some for our media does believe we exist and just as humans or people functioning or people who are thriving in someway in society good on them
is asthma a disability? 😭 I’m asthmatic but I’ve never seen it as a disability
yes the ADA does classify asthma as a disability but I know what you mean. A lot of times, mental illness falls under disabilities but I myself don't consider myself disabled. kinda interesting to think about.
Delicious in Dungeon ❤ love this show. Yes it's like an morrpg meets a anime cooking show. 😂😂😂 its funny and strange and cute and sad ❤
Now I know! I seriously thought it was just a pun
yes, yes, YES!!! hearing aids wont be just an accesory like in the sims! im so happy!!!
for now, it is not functional but I feel they are def considering making it so
@SimmerErin ik, but it will be better for deaf ppl representative, bc in the sims, you just use it like a normal accessory, and if paralives decide to take a step on doing that, it will be pretty nice!!
This is all so great. I love the representation.
If they manage to add all of this, I'd be beyond impressed! Much like The Sims drew the line in the sand and set the standard by adding gender customization back in 2015 (goodness, it's been almost 10 years...), Paralives has the opportunity of setting it's mark by adding this level of attention and detail to their game.
Now here's where I worry: IF they manage to add all of this. The level of detail promised is such that it worries me that it's going to be only implemented after early access. I mean, I'm sure the base of the system most likely is already there but...
Sorry, I can't help but worry at how much is going to be put for "post-early access", so many games use this tactic of having an eternal early access without much promise of when will we have all of the promised features...
by the wording, it's vague: because technically it leaves open added at the end of early access- kinda sounds like just not at launch? Idk I need to read it again
i feel like paralives has started to come off like that one friend that's a bit too woke...
define "woke"
To be honest i really don't like non fonctional mobility aid. It might just be me but, at least when it comes to big studios, it feels like a way to get praised without actually doing the work needed to represent us. For paralive i'm disappointed but i won't hold it against them since they're a small team. But for games like animal crossing, it gives me a really bad taste.
Ok i found a comparison which i think works well: to me it's like if a game had gay marriage, but it is only a label in the relationship panel, without any romantic interactions whatsoever, no gameplay, juste a "married" label.
Valid as well. To me, it sounds like they do want to eventually have at least some gameplay associated (maybe wheelchairs?) but are not yet sure
I love how on the desk they include no tech ACC cards! They are great for autistics who are non-verbal/speaking or can lose the ability to communicate verbally/communicate their needs. I personally use them alot!
thanks so much for sharing this, truly!
Personally id really like disabilities with game play. I have a couple disabilities IRL and enjoy making characters with my and other disabilities.
what disabilities do you most hope to see (only if you're comfortable sharing, though!)
@SimmerErin well I'd love to see my own, so that would include Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and OCD. I have moderate autism/level 2 autism so I'd really hope if they did include ASD they'd find ways to represent as much of the spectrum as possible, while seeing represent that only for only one part of the spectrum(usually level 1/low support needs or level 3/high support needs) is something, I'd really appreciate if people like me who are very much inbetween could be represented. I'd love to see some options for paras who's aren't fully verbal or have atypical verbal capabilities like myself. I'd love it if my para couldn't always communicate or needed an ACC sometimes to aid them(just a simple Social animation of the para silently showing an image card could be an effective way to do this). This is something I also wish for the Sims, I can't make a sim that truly reflects myself because all Sims can communicate normally and identically.
I also have had long term problems with debilitating fatigue(due to my Nero divergence) and would love to see CFS represented.
I also generally would love to see a variety of nerodivergence and mental health struggles(all shouldn't be forced on the player), I'd also love to see health conditions like anaemia, diabetes, allergies(environmental and food ideally). I'd love to see EDS, hyper mobility, POTS, chronic illness in general. Also multiple sclerosis.
I'd generally love to see gameplay like offering speech therapy, having mobility aids, having medication options(I'd love to see SSRIs since my sib takes them),
This kinda area is close to my special interest(abnormal psychology) so I'm passionate, I know realistically they likey cant implement all of these, but I'm fond of the direction their taking!
@SimmerErin well I'd love to see my own, so that would include Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and OCD. I have moderate autism/level 2 autism so I'd really hope if they did include ASD they'd find ways to represent as much of the spectrum as possible, while seeing represent that only for only one part of the spectrum(usually level 1/low support needs or level 3/high support needs) is something, I'd really appreciate if people like me who are very much inbetween could be represented. I'd love to see some options for paras who's aren't fully verbal or have atypical verbal capabilities like myself. I'd love it if my para couldn't always communicate or needed an ACC sometimes to aid them(just a simple Social animation of the para silently showing an image card could be an effective way to do this). This is something I also wish for the Sims, I can't make a sim that truly reflects myself because all Sims can communicate normally and identically.
I also have had long term problems with debilitating fatigue(due to my Nero divergence) and would love to see CFS represented.
I also generally would love to see a variety of nerodivergence and mental health struggles(all shouldn't be forced on the player), I'd also love to see health conditions like anaemia, diabetes, allergies(environmental and food ideally). I'd love to see EDS, hyper mobility, POTS, chronic illness in general. Also multiple sclerosis.
I'd generally love to see gameplay like offering speech therapy, having mobility aids, having medication options(I'd love to see SSRIs since my sib takes them),
This kinda area is close to my special interest(abnormal psychology) so I'm passionate, I know realistically they likey cant implement all of these, but I'm fond of the direction their taking!
This is really great ! I knew the paralives team was a good one from the start but they're showing us time and time again how pure their hearts are. I really hope that this game will be a roaring success because it so deserves to 🤍🙏
yep, I think they really care a lot about what they add to this game. have had a fairly high opinion of the team for quite a bit now.