Previous Russian-localized Sims titles had avoided 18+ ratings despite having the option for homosexual relationships. The decision to make the latest Sims sequel as inaccessible to younger audiences as possible comes after a 2013 statute unpermitting of any display of same-sex orientations.

Opposition to the legislation has brought protest and general uneasiness since its passing. Seeing its manifestations in censoring homosexuality in media adds another shitty feather, following the recent Sochi controversy, into Russia’s ushanka.

So what can we do? Pirating the game hurts the publisher and the developer. And Russia’s stance likely won’t change with a few pokes and prods by an angry gaming community. If nothing else, platforms for gifting and trading need to remain region-open. Here, with The Sims, this means Origin.

If EA’s unwilling to help in assuring cross-region trading of The Sims 4, the consumer and the publisher lose and Russia’s backwards legislation wins.