Miiquality

     For whatever reason, homosexuality is a touchy subject. Whether it be fear or ignorance- or both- it continues to perplex companies and government agents alike. But let's continue to the point of this post. Nintendo is releasing a brand new game called Tomodachi Life; a game advertised to simulate real life situations and tasks, including romantic relationships. This in itself is no issue. Okay, whimsical Miis being whimsical in their life, fine whatever. The issue arises in the manner in which the romance is presented- not allowing for any relations besides hetero-normative ones. A campaign was started on twitter under the hashtag Miiquality, urging Nintendo to include same sex couples, so that everyone can have an equal and personal experience. A game involving emulation of real life should include real life, right? Not according to Nintendo.

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. (Nintendo)

This is a strange response. On one side, it would be unfair to expect Nintendo to throw itself neck deep into an arena of personal rights and morals, in a country they themselves don't belong to. But it is also fair to say that they create social commentary simply by adding relationships at all, then purposefully excluding a section of them, even after fan outcry. Nintendo is making games for kids, and is natural they want to avoid such subjects in a children's media, but this presents the largest problem.
     The fact they included relationships at all shows that they think kids can handle it. The mistake is is that they make a discernment between heterosexual ones, and a relationship of a gay or lesbian couple. Somehow "normal" relationships are considered "whimsical" whilst that of anyone else are taboo and would ruin the child-like quality of the game. If they didn't want to over complicate the situation, it begs the question "Why include relationships at all?"
     Anyone can understand Nintendo's position, and why they took it. No one can tell them to take a position either. The best that can be done, is what has been done already; stating your displeasure in this move. The only way to change the game industry, is to show the game industry that you desire change, by telling them so. Because of #miiquality Nintendo is now aware people desire this, and from here on in ignoring these requests will make every move on their part social commentary. This was their free pass, they can no longer claim ignorance to the desires of their fans. It will be interesting to see what Nintendo has to offer in the future- using this event as a jumping off point.