PETA deems The Sims 3 "Most Animal-Friendly Game" of 2009

It's that time of year again, when PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) gives out its Proggy Awards to corporations that haven't pissed off the crazies group.  Actually, the winners usually make PETA happy in some way.

Last year, the 2008 "Most Animal-Friendly Game" award went to Lionhead's Fable II.  PETA cited the game's treatment of the player's faithful canine companion and how food is addressed.  Vegetarian foods like tofu and veggies had no drawbacks, while meat (and sweets) made you less "good."  In fact, scarfing fruits and veggies wound up the most effective way of getting people to forgive you after a killing spree in the middle of Bowerstone.

Anyway, the 2009 award moves away from console to a PC game: The Sims 3.  That's right, PETA is pleased with EA's massively addictive sim game.  And what did Sims 3 do to appease the human-haters?  More vegetarian lovin', of course!

"Rumor has it that game testers have reported that vegetarian Sims live longer and age more slowly than meat-eating Sims. Of course, that would jibe with studies showing that real-life vegans and vegetarians are less prone to obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and other life-threatening conditions."

Actually, that's not a rumor, and the little bit about being healthier shows up via in-game description.  Considering PETA never addressed the chicken-kicking-wildlife-killing fun in Fable II, however, we assume they don't actually play any of the games they nominate.

PETA Executive VP Tracy Reiman is pleased as punch in either case, commenting:

"Electronic Arts Inc. knows that compassion is strength.  And by portraying vegetarians in a positive way, other players might be encouraged to give animals a break and stop eating them."

And when PETA is finished trivializing human casualties and all of mankind has been converted, we think they may try convincing wolves to stop eating baby caribou.