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Nob Ogasawara, the long-time translator behind many mainline Pokémon games, apologizes for not incorporating more inclusive language in older titles.
Nob Ogasawara, the long-time translator of the Pokémon game franchise, has apologized for the game’s early lack of inclusivity.
Speaking in a tweet, Ogasawara commented on modern Pokémon games doing anyway with the binary selection of playable male and female characters. “Damnit. I wish I was more aware back then. I missed an opportunity to help make the franchise more inclusive, and for that I’m sorry,” reads their tweet.
Damnit. I wish I was more aware back then.
I missed an opportunity to help make the franchise more inclusive, and for that I’m sorry.— Nob Ogasawara (@DougDinsdale) June 27, 2021
Many fans reassured Ogasawara, commenting that the original Japanese versions of the games did not provide them with much freedom in terms of translation options. “I at least had the ears of people who could’ve made a difference. It upsets me now realizing how cruel and insensitive that question was,” continues Ogasawara.
Launching in 1996, the Pokémon franchise has always started games by asking players to select their character. Older entries in the series presented players with a decision between and male and female character, asking if they’re either a “boy” or a “girl.” Recent Pokémon games, like Sword and Shield, now provide players with a more diverse (albeit still limited) range of selections. Players are now asked to simply choose their appearance from a photo while Pokémon Go asks players to choose a “style.”
Ogasawara is responsible for the English translation on every core Pokémon game before Pokémon Platinum. They have also translated various Pokémon spin-offs, including Pokémon Stadium 2, Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky. Ogasawara is also credited with creating the names of several Pokémon, including Hoppip, Sliploom and Jumpluff. Outside of the Pokémon franchise, Ogasawara has also provided translation work for Castlevania, Yakuza and Yu-Gi-Oh.
“I’m at least glad things are gradually changing for the better. Just last year I surprised myself when I reacted negatively to hearing a primary school teacher calling to her students, “Boys and girls,” explains Ogasawara.
The latest entry in the mainline Pokémon franchise, Sword and Shield, is now available for Nintendo Switch. Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, remakes of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, launch on Nov. 19. A new spin-off game, Pokémon Legends: Arceus launches on Jan. 28, 2022.
Source: Twitter
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