Nintendo got into some trouble with the gaming community this week when it was revealed that Tomodachi Life, their upcoming life simulator, doesn’t include an option for same-sex relationships. After fans tried to organize a protest campaign, Nintendo told the Associated Press that Tomodachi Life wasn’t designed as “social commentary” and that the game “[represents] a playful alternate world rather than a real-life simulation.”
Late last night, Nintendo formally apologized and admitted that the game’s code can’t be changed with a post-release patch to allow same-sex relationships. The company has also pledged that any future Tomodachi Life game will be designed from the ground up to be more inclusive. Nintendo’s full statement can be seen here:
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.
Tomodachi Life will be released for the 3DS on June 6.
