Nintendo's upcoming release of "Tomodachi Life" for the 3DS is already causing controversy.
In the game, you create a character, called a Mii, and can go about the world wreaking havoc or even making the characters fall in love. That's where the controversy comes in. (Via Nintendo)
"The characters eat and shop and fall in love, but only heterosexual couples are allowed to marry in the game." (Via KSAZ)
This especially didn't sit well with Tye Marini, who has started a campaign called "Miiquality," complete with Facebook and Twitter pages - along with this video :
"The game does not support same-sex relationships. Being a gay male myself, this news is very disappointing to me." (Via Vimeo / Tyeforce)
Relationships and marriage are part of the game - and some features can't be unlocked unless you're married. However, WTOC reports Nintendo doesn't seem to be budging.
"Nintendo says it won't bow to the pressure to allow players to woo characters of the same sex in English editions of this game." (Via WTOC)
However, since the game is scheduled to be released in the U.S. in June, we should note there really isn't time for developers to go back and change the game without changing the release date.
There are games that do promote virtual equality, like the SIMS, for example. (Via YouTube / Juan Mamaril / Electronic Arts Inc.)
But Time puts it all in perspective. "Dozens of countries across the globe now allow gay marriage, but it’s still verboten in some virtual worlds."
