Brazilian perceptions of Americanness in The Sims 4: a spatial, narrative, and ludic approach

This study looks at how American culture is built into The Sims 4, a popular life-simulation game, and how Brazilian players understand and interact with it. Using theories about the domination of mainstream media messages and the systems in which game developers implement mechanics while players adapt to them, this research investigates how culture is built within the game’s stories, interactions, and digital spaces, focusing on how Brazilian players interpret these elements. To investigate this, the study takes two approaches. First, it examines how the game’s design reflects American culture. Second, it includes interviews with 20 Brazilian players divided into two groups: those who live in the United States and those who have never been there. The results show that players often do not view the game as distinctly American, but instead as “neutral.” Players who have lived in the U.S. tend to recognize the game’s American aspects only after experiencing them in real life, yet they are less likely to question these elements. On the other hand, players in Brazil are more likely to adapt the game elements to fit their own culture. Overall, the study shows that players are not passive audiences, even when a game reflects a dominant culture; players actively interpret and sometimes challenge it. This highlights how global media can both spread cultural ideas and be transformed by the people who engage with it.