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.
