Fire Emblem Fates will include same-sex marriages, according to Nintendo.
The upcoming strategy-RPG will feature same-sex relationships, based upon the version of the game you purchase. Like Pokémon, Fates will be released in two versions, titled Conquest and Birthright. Who you can marry will depend on which game you purchase.
"In the Conquest edition of the game, there is a male character that the game's player may have his/her male main character marry after they bond in battle." stated Nintendo. "Similarly, the Birthright edition features a female character that a female main character may marry after bonding in battle."
Both titles will be released simultaneously, and will include different storylines, characters, and gameplay challenges. Nintendo has also stated that a third version of Fates will be released as downloadable content in the near future, which will include appearances by several characters from each game.
Nintendo was previously under fire for their response to the video game Tomodachi Life, a 3DS life simulator, for excluding same-sex marriage and even patching out a glitch that allowed same-sex relationships in the game. Nintendo defended their position, stating "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." Nintendo, however, stated that the inclusion of same-sex marriage in future games of the series was a likely possibility.
Nintendo also made a statement regarding the announcement of same-sex marriage in Fire Emblem Fates, stating that "gameplay experiences should reflect the diversity of the communities in which we operate." This is the first time Nintendo will include same-sex relationships of any kind in one of their products officially.
Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest and Birthright will be released on June 25th in Japan, and early next year in the U.S.
Did Nintendo make the right move here? What do you think? Leave your comments below.
