‘The Sims 4’ error mistakenly enables incest and also fast growing children

The Sims 4 got a free update this week adding new features as well as fixing bugs such as Sims’ inability to scoot over in beds against walls. Unfortunately, this patch also introduced some new bugs, opening up uncomfortable options regarding exactly what they can do once in those beds. Or more specifically, who they can do it with.

Multiple players have noticed their Sims developing inappropriate incestuous desires after the July 26 update, sharing tales and screenshots of familial relationships that have gotten a bit too familiar. Brothers, sisters, and mothers are now itching to confess romantic feelings to immediate family members in The Sims, making for some very awkward households.

The bug seems to be an issue with The Sims 4‘s new Wants and Fears feature, which replaces the life simulator’s whims mechanic. Previously seen in The Sims 2, Wants and Fears give Sims a handful of goals they wish to achieve, as well as pitfalls they wish to overcome. Unfortunately, some of these Sims’ new goals apparently include romancing their parents.

This isn’t the first time incest has appeared in The Sims 4 since its release in 2014. Similar glitches have previously enabled close Simcest in years past, and the game also allows romantic relationships between family members from first cousins once removed and beyond.

The developers are well aware of the new issue, and are working to separate Simmers’ kissing siblings as quickly as possible. But in the meantime, it’s a lawless land of inappropriate lust out there, with Sims abandoning all rules of engagement in their restless search for some action.

“I just wanted to acknowledge that the Want to date a family member is something we know about, we’ve reproduced ourselves, we’re working on it,” quality designer said “We’re looking to get it fixed ASAP, thanks for all the bug reports, we appreciate it.”

The development team is further working on fixing an ageing bug that was introduced in the same update, which makes Sims quickly grow old and face their own mortality significantly before their time. It feels like an apt metaphor for us all, considering the current state of the world.

Aside from bug fixes (and unintentional bug insertion), The Sims 4‘s Base Game Update added new features such as body hair, customisable sexual orientations, and curved walls. This was followed up on Thursday by the eagerly awaited High School Years Expansion Pack, which aims to flesh out teen Sims’ educational experiences with classes, cafeterias, and extracurricular activities.

Hopefully this will give players enough new content to distract their Sims from their sexy brothers until a new patch is deployed.