Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Question 1

what is digitally convergent media

Answer 1

• technology that has the function of many different tools in one
• e.g. video game consoles: can play games, access social media, browse the internet, streams films + TV, upload content

Question 2

outline the context of Nintendo

Answer 2

• worth $2.111 Billion
• began in 1889
• is about providing a fun experience

Question 3

outline the rise of Nintendo

Answer 3

• 1981: Donkey Kong arcade game
• 1983: video game market crashed
• 1985: Super Mario Bros
• 2001: Animal Crossing first release
• 2006: Wii
• 2017: Nintendo Switch
• 2020: Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Question 4

what is the importance about who developed AC NH

Answer 4

• NH was developed by an equal number of male and female developers
• they did this to be representative of those playing the game

Question 5

which age group are the common players of AC

Answer 5

• 20 to 30 year olds
• this challenges our traditional preconceptions of who gamers are (teenage boys)

Question 6

what does AC offer players in 2020

Answer 6

• offers choice + control due to sandbox nature of game
• escapism from a destabilizing and frightening time - with announcements of daily death tolls
• a travel game when players are unable to travel
• international appeal due to gibberish voices - no need for translation

Question 7

give context to the animal crossing franchise/ New Horizons

Answer 7

• the series has been running for over 20 years - original game produced in 2001
• AC: NH was initially announced for he Nintendo switch in 2018
• it was the first console game to reach 5 million digital sales within a month
• the game won Best Family Game award in 2020

Question 8

what are the audience experiences of AC

Answer 8

• socialising with friends through collaborative joint projects
• an escape for those w/ mental health issues - “it has given me back some life joy that i thought i had lost forever”
• sense of community
• immersion
• creative outlet
• achievement

Question 9

what was the impact of the pandemic for AC

Answer 9

• economic success
• social: allowed people to express identity + creation online
• allowed for escapism from household conflicts/ the myriad of issues provided by covid

Question 10

what is the Pegi rating for AC NH

Answer 10

• rated 3 (equivalent to a U)
• its universal, accessible, non-violent, appropriate

Question 11

outline the marketing of AC NH

Answer 11

• a budget friendly, virtual marketing
• Marc Jacobs + Valentino showcased collections on the game
• AOC did virtual house calls on AC instead of in real life
• KFC Philippines created a KFC island, allowing guests to win real life menu items + vouchers

Question 12

when the release date of AC NH was delayed, stock price dropped by _%

Answer 12

• when the release date of AC NH was delayed, stock price dropped by 3%

Question 13

why was NH pushed back

Answer 13

• to ensure Nintendo employee welfare

Question 14

outline Nintendo’s business model

Answer 14

• N is vertically integrated as they keep the development of games in-house
• this maximizes profit and maintains market exclusivity + attracts a loyal gamer fanbase

Question 15

outline the E3 conference

Answer 15

• the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2019
• was where publishers, hardware manufacturers etc of the game presented and previewed new updates + upcoming products

Question 16

outline AC and BLM protests

Answer 16

• AC players brought BLM protests to the game due to real life obstacles presented by Covid
• people raised money through this

Question 17

outline the gameplay of AC NH

Answer 17

• sandbox nature of game: complete freedom for players to spend their time as they choose
• postmodernists: ‘the line between AC life and real life is blurring’
• AC follows the circadian rhythms of real time - its based on a real 24H clock + follows the seasons in the players chosen hemisphere