A troubling mod for The Sims 4 that removes LGBT and Black nonplayable characters (NPCs) from the game has reemerged, despite efforts by Electronic Arts (EA) to shut it down. This mod, known as DEI Remover 1.0.0, was initially released in March of the previous year but gained renewed attention after popular Sims creator @DanielleBuilds, who boasts over 300,000 followers, shared a screenshot on Facebook urging fans to report it.
The DEI Remover mod is designed with a troubling agenda. It not only eliminates Black NPCs but also alters NPCs to be “healthy” (defined as not fat), replaces vibrant hair colors with “natural” shades, and transforms any LGBT couples living together in the game into siblings. A controversial image associated with the mod shows NPC Celeste Michaelson, a Black and trans character, being replaced with a white female character.
An administrator on the video game forum RPGHQ reported receiving a request from EA's IP enforcement department to remove the mod from their platform. The admin, identifying as “Rusty Shackleford,” criticized this action as targeted censorship and shared screenshots of an email allegedly from EA’s IP senior counsel, Lisa Chin. The email referred to the DEI Remover as the “infringing material” that violated EA's copyrights.
Despite EA's attempts to eliminate the mod, on May 6, the original post migrated to a new thread where it reappeared with a disclaimer claiming “Fair Use” and provided instructions for downloading. Comments on the thread varied, with some users mocking the situation while others expressed concern about antagonizing large publishers.
The Sims franchise has a long-standing history of promoting cultural and LGBT representation. In 2023, the game featured NPC Celeste Michaelson in the expansion pack Growing Together, and in 2022, a lesbian couple was prominently displayed on the cover of the My Wedding Stories game pack. The Sims 4 also introduced a free update allowing players to customize gender identity through pronouns. Furthermore, the game has released various items celebrating significant holidays, such as Juneteenth and Hanukkah.
Unfortunately, platforms like Patreon continue to host mods that undermine this diversity in The Sims 4. Alongside DEI Remover, RPGHQ is home to numerous controversial mods for various games, such as “Balduran Salutes Hitler” for Baldur's Gate 3 and “Negro Remover” for Stalker 2. One troubling Patreon account from December featured a mod that replaced inclusive language with more traditional terms, reflecting a negative attitude toward the franchise's efforts to embrace inclusivity.
Video game mods allow players to download third-party add-ons that significantly alter their gaming experience. For players of The Sims 4 on PC and Mac, mods have become a vital part of the community, offering access to custom content and enhancing gameplay with features like functional banks and preschools. However, the emergence of the DEI Remover mod has sparked outrage among many community members. One TikTok user announced a new series titled “F You, Sims Community,” voicing frustration over the mod's existence.
The quick resurgence of the banned Sims 4 mod illustrates the ongoing struggle against discriminatory content in gaming. While the DEI Remover mod was created last year, external factors, including political actions, have fostered a more hostile environment for marginalized communities. Although modding has been a celebrated feature of The Sims franchise for decades, EA's mod policy asserts the company's right to take action against any mod deemed inappropriate or harmful.
