Nintendo apologizes for Tomodachi Life

Nintendo has released a second statement on the lack of gay marriage options in its 3DS game Tomodachi Life, this time offering an apology and a commitment to do better next time.

"We apologize for disappointing many people by failing to include same-sex relationships in Tomodachi Life," the statement read. "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 lets users import their collection of personalized Mii avatars and follow them through a series of life events, including marriage, but it doesn't allow for same-sex unions. Last week, Nintendo fan Tye Marini launched the #Miiquality social media campaign to convince the company to change the game, and the campaign quickly drew national attention. Nintendo told the Associated Press that is was only attempting to make "a whimsical and quirky game" rather than social commentary, which in turn drew the attention of LGBT advocacy group GLAAD.

Yesterday the group took Nintendo to task for its position, saying, "In purposefully limiting players' relationship options, Nintendo is not only sending a hurtful message to many of its fans and consumers by excluding them, but also setting itself way behind the times."