Nintendo today responded to internet backlash over their first response to those asking for same-sex relationships to be added into Tomodachi Life.
The company took to their website to say, “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.”
In a statement earlier this week, Nintendo merely said, “Nintendo never intended to make any form of social commentary with the launch of Tomodachi Life. The relationship options in the game represent a playful alternate world rather than a real-life simulation. We hope that all of our fans will see that Tomodachi Life was intended to be a whimsical and quirky game, and that we were absolutely not trying to provide social commentary.”
The initial statement prompted many to question Nintendo’s stance on homosexuality in their games, including a piece on Stevivor that highlights Nintendo’s whitewashing of homosexual themes in many of their games.
History — and horrible PR responses — aside, it appears as if this is a step in the right direction. We’ll hold off final judgement until the next game in the Tomodachi Life series is released.
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