Image Credit: Melissa Brink's "Makin' WooHoo: The Sims and My Sexual Awakening"
Abstract
CMS Essay Contest Winner 2023 awarded by the School of Arts Humanities & Technology at UTD
This research essay examines the intersection of feminist and video game culture by exploring modding communities in The Sims series. Focusing on the WickedWhims mod, the paper critiques the limited representation of female pleasure and advocates for the development of feminist sex mods. By prioritizing authentic depictions of female sexual desire, these mods can create a safe and inclusive space for women to explore their sexuality within the game. Through critical analysis of scholarly sources and case studies, the essay contributes to ongoing discussions in critical media studies and feminist game studies.
Content Warning: This essay includes graphic sexual content, including images, viewers digression is advised.