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Nintendo Apologizes For ‘Failing To Include Same-Sex Relationships In Tomodachi Life’
Nintendo has provided an additional statement on the lack of same-sex relationships in Tomodachi Life. The title, which has sold 1.85 million copies in Japan, will be making its way to the West in June.
Nintendo says that it cannot patch the title post-launch, but will endeavor to be more cognizant of its diverse fan base in the future.
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.
Nintendo made news earlier in the week after responding to fans requesting same-sex relationships in the title, which Nintendo calls a “whimsical and quirky game” but not one that was designed as a real-life simulation. In it’s response to fans, the company says it was “absolutely not trying to provide social commentary.”
[Source: Nintendo]
Our Take
With everything that can be done with games post-launch, I find it hard to believe that Nintendo can't patch Tomodachi Life. Every decision like this is one of cost. With the company launching DLC for its games and repairing bugs that freeze titles, I find that Nintendo's claim that it isn't possible rings hollow. I'm also disappointed that the company has limited its language on inclusiveness to that one franchise, but at least it demonstrates Nintendo's willingness to listen to fans.
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