Nintendo sorry for gay slip, to be inclusive
Print Edition
NINTENDO is apologizing and pledging to be more inclusive after being criticized for not recognizing same-sex relationships in English editions of a life-simulator video game. The firm said while it was too late to change the current game, it was committed to building virtual equality into future versions if they’re produced.
Nintendo came under fire from fans and gay rights organizations this past week after refusing to add same-sex relationship options to the game “Tomodachi Life.”
“We apologize for disappointing many people by failing to include same-sex relationships in Tomodachi Life,” Nintendo said in a statement released on Friday. “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.”
The game was originally released in Japan last year and features a cast of Mii characters — Nintendo’s personalized avatars of real players — living on a virtual island. Gamers can do things like shop, play games, go on dates, get married and encounter celebrities like Christina Aguilera and Shaquille O’Neal. Already a hit in Japan, “Tomodachi Life” is set for release on June 6 in North America and Europe.
Tye Marini, a gay Nintendo fan from Arizona, launched a social media campaign last month seeking virtual equality for the characters.
“I want to be able to marry my real-life fiance’s Mii, but I can’t do that,” Marini said in a video posted online that attracted the attention of gaming sites and online forums this past week.
Marini said on Saturday he was “very happy” with Nintendo’s response.
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