Nintendo has issued a statement apologizing for not including same-sex relationships in the 3DS game Tomodachi Life, and vowing to do better the next time. The company stepped in controversy this week, when it issued a statement about the game attempting to distance itself from making any kind of social statement.

Critics argued that the statement treated heterosexual relationships as the default, inadvertently creating a social position without meaning to. Nintendo has apparently heard those criticisms and had a change of heart.

We apologize for disappointing many people by failing to include same-sex relationships in Tomodachi Life. 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.