Russia classifies 'The Sims 4' as adults-only game under controversial child protection law

According to a report by Computerandvideogames.com, Russia has labeled Electronic Arts' latest version of the popular "The Sims" video game. "The Sims 4" has been classified as an adults-only game with an 18+ rating because of the game's supposed content, which is in violation of the country's federal law on protection children from information that could harm their development and health. The Russian law 436-FZ, which was passed in 2010, has put in buying restrictions on content that are otherwise deemed universal in other European countries.

Under the child protection law, content from creatives such as video games could be outright banned or restricted if the content could encourage children to commit acts that could endanger their lives.

"(The acts include) desire to use narcotics, psychotropic and (or) intoxicants, tobacco, alcohol and alcohol-containing products, (as well as promoting) unconventional sexual relationships," the law read.

CVG said that it was unclear which law was used to justify the reclassification of "The Sims 4" video game. However, the report noted that the game's predecessor has also met restrictions in the UK at PEGI 12 and in the US at Teen rating.

Following the passing of the new Russian law by President Vladimir Putin, which essentially bans propaganda that promotes homosexuality, the country nonetheless received international condemnation throughout the month of February after a warning was made known to gay athletes and Winter Olympic games attendees that disclosing their sexual orientation could be met with harsh penalties in violation of the legislation.

The Sims spokesperson Deborah Caster said to Polygon about the classification of the latest version of the life simulation game, "We have no plans to alter The Sims 4," Deborah Coster, a spokesperson for The Sims. One of the key tenets of The Sims is that it is up to the player to decide how to play the game. We provide the simulation sandbox and player choice and creativity does the rest."

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The Sims 4, The Sims 4 rating, Electronic Arts, 436-FZ

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