The Sims 4: Exploring the Southeast Asian World of Tomarang

The Sims franchise has always been known for its unique blend of real-life simulation and escapism. In its latest update, “The Sims 4: For Rent,” players are given the opportunity to become landlords and build their own rental property empire. However, what has gone somewhat overlooked in this update is the introduction of Tomarang, a Southeast Asian-inspired world that brings with it a rich tapestry of cultures, foods, and activities. In this article, we will take a deep dive into Tomarang and explore how this expansion represents Southeast Asian culture with authenticity and inclusivity.

Tomarang: A Southeast Asian Wonderland

Tomarang, the new world introduced in “The Sims 4: For Rent,” is a vibrant and diverse representation of Southeast Asian culture. Comprising two neighborhoods, Morensong and Koh Sahpa, Tomarang serves as a playground for Sims to explore and immerse themselves in this rich cultural experience.

Cultural Collaboration

To ensure authenticity in representing Southeast Asian culture, the development team behind The Sims 4: For Rent collaborated closely with cultural consultant Jason Chu. Chu’s background, growing up in a household infused with Southeast Asian foods, stories, and traditions, made him an ideal choice for this role. His experiences in Malaysia, Thailand, and Bangkok provided valuable insights into the nuances of Southeast Asian culture, making Tomarang a more accurate and immersive world.

Tomarang’s Authentic Elements

Southeast Asian-Inspired Objects and Activities

One of the standout features of Tomarang is its attention to detail in bringing Southeast Asian-inspired objects, activities, and traits to the game. From rattan furniture to squat toilets, from “no shoes” signs to pressure cookers, Tomarang is teeming with elements that make it feel like a true representation of the region.

Interactable Spirit Houses

A crucial aspect of creating an immersive world is providing interactable elements that make players feel like they are living and breathing the culture. Tomarang introduces Spirit Houses, inspired by real-life traditional structures found throughout Southeast Asia. These Spirit Houses allow Sims to leave offerings, adding depth and authenticity to the world.

Culinary Delights of Tomarang

One highly-anticipated addition to The Sims 4 in the “For Rent” update is the introduction of rice cookers, a staple in many Southeast Asian households. Players can choose from various versions of rice cookers, catering to different price points and levels of fanciness. This addition reflects the importance of rice in Southeast Asian cuisine.

Another exciting feature is the Night Market, where Sims can explore crafts and food stalls. The Night Market brings a wide variety of traditional dishes to the game, allowing players to experience the rich flavors of Southeast Asian cuisine. Dishes like pancit bihon, bánh xèo, Burmese samosa soup, halo-halo, tofu pad thai, and Malaysian satay are just a few examples of the diverse food options available in Tomarang.

Attention to Detail in Food Representation

The development team spared no effort in ensuring that the food in Tomarang looked and felt authentic. From the colors to the textures, every dish was meticulously crafted to capture the essence of Southeast Asian cuisine. This attention to detail enhances the immersive experience for players.

Collaboration in Creating the Night Market

Cultural consultant Jason Chu played a vital role in fine-tuning the Night Market to make it an authentic representation of Southeast Asian street markets. The collaboration between Chu and the development team involved refining the layout, appearance, and atmosphere of the Night Market to make it more true to life. The goal was to capture the bustling and lively ambiance of real Southeast Asian night markets.

Challenges in Creating a Bustling Night Market

Creating a bustling Night Market in a video game while adhering to system restrictions, such as limits on the number of non-playable characters, was a technical challenge. However, it was one that the team was determined to overcome. The focus on details, textures, location, props, and objects helped make the Night Market feel alive and immersive, even within these technical constraints.

Inclusivity and Cultural Diversity

Tomarang: A Reflection of Southeast Asia

One of the key goals of Tomarang is to represent Southeast Asian culture in a way that makes players from various backgrounds feel seen and known. While Tomarang is not intended to represent any single Southeast Asian group exclusively, it aims to encompass the essence of the region’s culture.

Avoiding Stereotypes and Generalizations

The development team behind The Sims 4: For Rent was careful not to homogenize or stereotype Southeast Asian culture. Instead, they aimed to capture the diversity and complexity of the region. Tomarang reflects this diversity by offering a wide range of cultural elements and experiences, avoiding the pitfalls of oversimplification.

Comparison to Other Sims Worlds

The Sims franchise has a history of blending different cultures and countries within its worlds. For example, the Windenburg expansion hints at European influences with shades of Germany and Denmark. Likewise, the Mt. Komorebi expansion draws inspiration from Japan. However, the development team is receptive to feedback from players and makes adjustments to ensure cultural sensitivity and accuracy, as demonstrated with the Mt. Komorebi expansion following concerns raised by Korean fans.

Balancing Realism and Escapism

The Sims has always straddled the line between providing a cute, fun, and light-hearted experience and avoiding negative stereotypes or overly realistic depictions. The goal is to create a fictional escape that offers an enjoyable and inclusive gaming experience for players.

Conclusion

“The Sims 4: For Rent” introduces players to a multifaceted world in Tomarang, where they can explore and immerse themselves in Southeast Asian culture. The collaboration with cultural consultant Jason Chu and the attention to detail in objects, activities, and food make Tomarang an authentic representation of the region. By avoiding stereotypes and embracing diversity, The Sims franchise continues to evolve, providing players with a rich and inclusive gaming experience. Tomarang stands as a testament to the franchise’s commitment to representing cultures respectfully while maintaining the whimsical charm that has made it a beloved series for years.