Farming simulation RPG Harvestella included a non-binary option when players choose their preferred gender pronouns. Recently released on PC and Switch, Square Enix aimed to deviate from the casual farming simulator genre by adding action elements and a riveting story.
First revealed at Nintendo Direct earlier this year, Harvestella lets players explore five towns, including Shatolla and Nemea, where they will meet different characters and accomplish missions. Just like other farming sims like Harvest Moon and Stardew Valley, Harvestella will also have seasons. While players will farm crops and catch fish in the game, they are also tasked with saving the world as the deadly plague Quietus threatens crops and the lives of villagers.
There are many exciting features that players are looking forward to in Harvestella. One of them is being able to choose Non-binary in the gender options during character creation. In an interview with Eurogamer, producer Daisuke Taka emphasized that the game is for everyone and that the protagonist of Harvestella is the player. So, it was only natural to give them the freedom to create their own characters using their preferred appearance, name, and pronouns. He also noted that adding gender-neutral pronouns in Harvestella seemed like a small act, but acknowledged that the impact could be huge.
Many gamers appreciated Taka's effort to add in the non-binary option, noting that it felt good to see NPCs and main characters refer to them as "they/them." They also expressed that they're having fun with the game so far. While some criticized Square Enix for allegedly pandering to the LGBTQ+ community, followed by some discriminatory remarks, many defended the Harvestella feature.
The news also coincides with the news that Final Fantasy 16 has a diversity problem. Producer Naoki Yoshida explained that since the game was inspired by medieval Europe, the characters would be mostly white. This stirred controversy among the gaming community, prompting fans to criticize Square Enix for not taking steps to include persons of color in Final Fantasy 16. So, the fact that Harvestella made moves towards inclusivity and diversity with its character creation shows that there could be a disconnect within the company.
LGBTQ+ representation in video games like Harvestella isn't new, and it's important to show a diverse cast of characters that gamers could relate to. Like Taka said, giving players the freedom to express themselves in games, especially those with customization, might be a simple gesture, but it could leave a lasting impression.
Harvestella is now available on PC and Nintendo Switch.
Source: Eurogamer