Nintendo breaks barriers with transgender character Vivian in new Mario remake

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Nintendo has reintroduced Vivian, a transgender character, in the English version of their latest game. This character, originally part of the Japanese release of “Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door”, had her identity altered in previous English localizations. Now, in the Nintendo Switch remake, Vivian’s true identity is finally being acknowledged.

 

Vivian, initially portrayed as a villain, is one of the characters in “The Thousand-Year Door” who works alongside her sisters, Marilyn and Beldam. However, due to constant bullying from Beldam, Vivian decides to leave her sisters and join Mario’s party. This narrative arc provides a nuanced exploration of Vivian’s journey, highlighting her struggles and resilience.

 

The decision to restore Vivian’s original backstory has been met with widespread approval. In the game, Vivian confides in Mario, stating, "Truth is, it took me a while to realize I was their sister… not their brother,". This poignant moment underscores the challenges Vivian faces, making her character more relatable and authentic.

 

Video: GameXplain/YouTube

 

The inclusion of Vivian’s trans identity in all language versions of the game marks a significant step forward in representation within the gaming industry. It demonstrates Nintendo’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity, setting a precedent for other game developers to follow.

 

Fans are mostly embracing the bold reveal, sharing their excitement on social media…

 

 

…while others are less enthusiastic.

 

 

As we celebrate this progressive move by Nintendo, it remains to be seen if the rest of the gaming industry will follow suit in growing beyond current gender stereotypes. We invite you to share your thoughts on this development.

 

 

Read more:

• https://kotaku.com/paper-mario-thousand-year-door-vivian-trans-remake-1851491224
• https://metro.co.uk/2024/05/22/paper-mario-remake-restores-characters-trans-identity-english-version-20890660/
• https://www.pinkvilla.com/trending/world/remake-of-paper-mario-the-thousand-year-door-restores-trans-identity-of-beloved-character-1308372
• https://www.ign.com/articles/paper-mario-the-thousand-year-door-remake-restores-characters-trans-identity
• https://www.mariowiki.com/Vivian

 

Image: Nintendo