zero escape and AI: The Somnium files writer and director Kotaro Uchikoshi recently tweeted a few tidbits about the gender identity of one of the supporting characters in his latest game. AI: The Somnium Files – Nirvana Initiative.
*Note: This article contains minor spoilers for AI: The Somnium Files – Nirvana Initiative.
His original tweet thread not only delves into the gender identity of Marco (an AI designed to help police solve crimes by delving into the minds of criminals and key witnesses), but also the localization process and why certain decisions were made were how the character was referred to in English.
In the JP version, no pronouns are used in the lines about Marco. But in English, I knew it was difficult to form natural sentences without using pronouns, so we consulted with the localization team and decided to use “he/his”. #ainispoiler
— Kotaro Uchikoshi Eng (@Uchikoshi_Eng) July 30, 2022
Maybe I made a mistake using the word “confuse”. Now suppose your mind is filled with thoughts about the truth of the case. And if another piece of important information (unrelated to the case) comes to mind in this state… #ainispoiler
— Kotaro Uchikoshi Eng (@Uchikoshi_Eng) July 30, 2022
it’s going to be a mix of both and mixed up, right? That’s what I meant by “confused”. It doesn’t mean “confused by misunderstandings of the meaning of them/her”. #ainispoiler
— Kotaro Uchikoshi Eng (@Uchikoshi_Eng) July 30, 2022
Unsurprisingly, the conservative side of the game’s fandom exploded. Some complaints were answered with sarcastic humor.
Wow I didn’t know that! Where can I buy the dictionary you are using? I think it’s very unique and super rare so I’d like to donate it to the museum in Atami.
— Kotaro Uchikoshi Eng (@Uchikoshi_Eng) August 3, 2022
Sincere love was shown to others in the face of hate.
Hello Robert! Thank you for your message! Even if you hate me, no matter what you say to me, I will forgive you with boundless love. All human beings have equal worth and dignity. That is my firm belief. Nobody can change that.
— Kotaro Uchikoshi Eng (@Uchikoshi_Eng) August 2, 2022
But the most interesting thing was when the conversation turned into a philosophical look at gender identity in general.
And that has also been medically confirmed. However, if you are implying that non-binary humans do not exist based on absolute criteria, then I agree. Neither are men and women as gender identities defined on the basis of absolutely universal rules.
— Kotaro Uchikoshi Eng (@Uchikoshi_Eng) August 3, 2022
Gender identity is not defined by the laws of physics. Of course it is not defined by you either. Only the will of each human being can define it in complete freedom. “Man is condemned to be free”. We must accept this responsibility with suffering and struggle.
— Kotaro Uchikoshi Eng (@Uchikoshi_Eng) August 3, 2022
Uchikoshi has expressed support for the LGBTQ+ community in both AI: The Somnium files games. In the original game Mizuki told Marble Bar Owner Mama: “The LGBT community is rich in sensibility, has excellent taste and is full of talented, artistic people. And they share a common struggle… It makes them more sensitive and sympathetic. That is why so many of them are kind and caring. And they choose to live their lives on their own terms. That means they have a strong backbone. So I really respect her. They’re even kinda cool…”
The same feeling is repeated in the sequel, in which Mizuki chastises People who discriminate against LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities and other minorities. The games Encyclopedia entry for LGBTQ+ it also says unmistakably: “The acronym LGBTQ+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer/Questioning. I love them all!”
Source: Kotaro Uchikoshi on twitter
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