Nintendo Apologises For Not Including Same-Sex Relationships in Tomadachi Life
Despite initially saying that they would not bow to pressure and allow players to engage in same-sex romantic activities in the game Tomadachi Life on May 7, Nintedo has issued a short note of apology to the public on its official website:
We apologize for disappointing many people by failing to include same-sex relationships in Tomodachi Life. Unfortunately, it is not possible for us to change this game’s design, and such a significant development change can’t be accomplished with a post-ship patch. At Nintendo, dedication has always meant going beyond the games to promote a sense of community, and to share a spirit of fun and joy. We are committed to advancing our longtime company values of fun and entertainment for everyone. We pledge that if we create a next installment in the Tomodachi series, we will strive to design a game-play experience from the ground up that is more inclusive, and better represents all players.
The game was originally released in Japan last year, where same-sex marriages are illegal.
It is set for release on June 6 in Europe and North America. Many of the countries and states who will be playing the English version of the game have legalised same-sex marriages.
As a result, Tye Marini, a 23-year-old Nintendo fan from Mesa, Arizona, launched a campaign called MiiQuality. He explains that he wants to be able to marry his real-life fiance’s Mii, but cannot do so on the game. He adds that the game is supposedly a representation of real life – you can import your personalised characters, name them, give them a personality, give them a voice, yet “they just can’t fall in love if they’re gay”.
Marini makes it clear that the intention of MiiQuality is not to boycott Tomadachi Life, but rather to get them to incorporate same-sex relationships in the game.
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