Animal Crossing: Publishing, distribution, digital divergence Flashcards
Who are the publishers of Animal Crossing: New Horizon?
Publishers: Company/entity responsible for distribution, marketing of a product
- Nintendo
- (Published as a 1st party title for the NS)
NS= nintendo switch
1st party title= the game is developed/published by the same company that owns the console its played on.
When was the game released?
- March 2020
How is Animal Crossing: New Horizon distributed?
- Physically
- Digitally
Physical distribution?
- Available as a physical cartridge for the NS.
- Distributed through traditional retail outlets.
Digital distribution?
Available for digital download via the Nintendo eShop.
What is digital convergence?
- The blending of different media platforms, technologies and industries
Evidence of digital convergence in the publishing/distrubution of Animal Crossing
Digital Convergence: the blending of different media platforms and technologies .
- Digital distribution
- Post-launch updates and DLCs
- Nintendo Switch Online
- Social media and cross-platform promotion.
- Synergetic partnerships
- Digital distribution- examples
- Available for digital download via the Nintendo eShop.
- Digital accessibility= Convience, (global) accessible, reduce reliance on physical copies.
- = Example of digital divergence.
2.Post-launch updates and DLCs- Examples
DLCs, updates: these updates are distributed (and announced) digitally.
* Updates= Firework shows, Bunny Day, The Resident Representative can now establish ordinances to further customize the island.
* Happy Home Paradise expantion (2021): Allows players to work as a home designer on a vacation island.
3.Nintendo Switch Online- examples
- Nintendo Switch Online= brings together various forms of media, technology, and services onto one platform
1) Online services + gaming= Multiplayer features/ collabs
2) Cloud-based tech: NSO uses cloud technology to store game data. This integrates cloud computing with gaming. (Accessibility)
3) Cross-Device functionality with the NookLink app: A player can design a custom outfit on their phone using NookLink, scan a QR code, and immediately transfer that outfit to their in-game character
In game Dodo Airport/ Nintendo Online Subscription
5.Social media and cross-platform promotion.
- Nintendo uses social media and online platforms to market and promote Animal Crossing digitally.
( also engage with community and share updates) - X account= 273,000
- Instagram= 400,000
User-generated content: users add to this vortext of publicity. - TikTok= 1.3 million posts on #animalcrossing
6.Crosspromotional efforts (synergetic partnerships)
- PUMA Clothing Collection: Nintendo partnered with PUMA to release an Animal Crossing-themed line of footwear and apparel (2021)
- Build-A-Bear Workshop: Build-A-Bear released an Animal Crossing collection, allowing fans to create plush versions of beloved characters like Tom Nook and Isabelle. (2021)
further boosting the game’s cultural presence.
Post-launch updates and DLCs- converges…
- HOW: Live service gaming and digital content.
- WHAT: Enhances the games replayability, longevity
Social media and cross-platform promotion converges…
HOW: gaming culture with online communities
Crosspromotional efforts (synergetic partnerships) converges..
HOW:
* Gaming and fashion: demonstrating how digital and physical retailing industries converge through product integration.
* Online shopping (e-commerce)
* Marketing across platforms: Brand partnerships are promoted across technological (gaming consoles) and communication (social media) platforms.
DLCs and updates are distributed (and announced)….
Digitally
How is the digital distrubution of the game an example of digital divergence?
- It merges traditional gaming with digital distribution platforms.
How is ACNH’s multiplayer capabilities an example of digital convergence?
- Integrates online networking technology with gaming.
New Horizons encourages online multiplayer interactions, where players visit each other’s islands via the internet,
