Nintendo apologizes, promises ‘more inclusive’ gameplay experience in next Tomodachi

Nintendo has issued a formal apology for not allowing same-sex relationships in Tomodachi Life, explaining that it's "not possible" to change the game's design at this point.

"We apologize for disappointing many people by failing to include same-sex relationships in Tomodachi Life," Nintendo of America said in a statement today.

"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 company defended, promising that if they ever create a next installment in the series, it will be more inclusive.

"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," the statement continued. "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."

Earlier this week, Nintendo defended its decision to not include same-sex relationships saying the company "never intended to make any form of social commentary with the launch of Tomodachi Life."

"The relationship options in the game represent a playful alternate world rather than a real-life simulation," Nintendo said at the time. "We hope that 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."

While it appears that Nintendo's reasoning has changed, it doesn't help those upset that Tomodachi Life currently ignores an entire group of people.