Nintendo is currently in a little bit of a problem after its latest video game title for the 3DS, Tomodachi Life, failed to add an option for same sex relationships. The LGBT community is asking the Japanese video game giant to update the game with the option, but Nintendo is saying this is not possible.
The game is set for launch in North America come June 6, which according to Nintendo won't give the company enough time to add gay characters. It is also impossible for Nintendo to add gay characters post launch. As it stands, the LGBT community might have to wait until the next version of the game to get what they require.
"Dedication has always meant going beyond the games to promote a sense of community, and to share a spirit of fun and joy," says a statement from Nintendo. "We are committed to advancing our longtime company values of fun and entertainment for everyone."
Tomodachi Life is a game that uses the virtual representation of a person's Mii avatar. The game has been available in Japan since April of last year, and Nintendo has since so far sold 1.83 million copies. When the game releases in North America and Europe, it will be the first time a title in the series has ever been released outside of the land of the rising sun.
Tomodachi Life is all about players going shopping, riding amusement parks, personalizing their avatar, dating other Mii characters, along with getting married from within the game.
The LGBT community has been very vocal about the omission of same sex relationship and marriage in the game. However, 23-year old Tye Marini, a resident of Mesa, Ariz, campaign was more vocal as he chose not to boycott the game, but simply ask Nintendo to update the title.
"I want to be able to marry my real-life fiancé's Mii, but I can't do that," according to Marini in an online video posted to Vimeo. "My only options are to marry some female Mii, to change the gender of either my Mii or my fiancé's Mii or to completely avoid marriage altogether and miss out on the exclusive content that comes with it."
Nintendo has made it clear there will be no update adding gay relationships and marriage to Tomodachi Life. Chances are; future versions of the game will have the option, but for now, the LGBT community will just have to accept what is available.
