The software team behind The Sims 4 have addressed a recent petition campaigning for extra mobility features to be added in the popular video game.

Since the game was launched it has been applauded for its inclusion and diversity, but when it comes to disability representation campaigners say it is still too thin on the ground, a point which was raised in a Change.org petition.

Concept artist SimGuruSalo responded to the issue on a recent edition of Inside Maxis live stream saying mobility items are “at the top of our minds”.

The developer said: "We want you to know that we took note of the petition, and we want to say thank you for everyone who's always reaching out to The Sims and giving us pointers on what to do to make this game better.

"[We're] super passionate about what we do and we all want The Sims to be the best game out there for many years to come, so mobility items are at the top of our minds.

As you know, we have a roadmap and we have been including different things like the additional skin tones, the Asian facial features, the updated Black hairs, and we're currently doing research on gender neutral pronouns.

"So representation remains the core pillar of The Sims, and that's helping us guide our roadmaps on what we want to deliver for the base game in the future. Mobility items are at the top of our list.

"Thank you so much for creating this petition, because we hear you."

In 2020 producer Graham Nardone was asked if the game could include wheelchairs and guide dogs. At the time he said: "I think the last thing that we want to avoid is turning it into a feature.”

The Sims 4 is available on PC, Mac, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4.