Nintendo apologizes for lack of virtual equality
Source: AP-Excite
By DERRIK J. LANG
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 publisher said that while it was too late to change the current game, it was committed to building virtual equality into future versions.
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 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 June 6 in North America and Europe.
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FILE - This photo provided by Nintendo shows the cover of the video game, "Tomodachi Life." Nintendo is apologizing and pledging to be more inclusive after being criticized for not recognizing same-sex relationships in English editions of the life-simulator video game. But the publisher said it was too late to make changes. Nintendo came under fire from fans and gay rights organizations in early May 2014 after refusing to add same-sex relationship options to the game set for release June 6, 2014 in North America and Europe. (AP Photo/Nintendo)
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