US Presidential Candidate to Campaign in Animal Crossing

There seems to be no end to what one could do in Animal Crossing. The latest additions coming to the game are campaign yard signs for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Players can deck the yard signs on their island homes on New Horizons.

Given the limitations that came about as a result of the pandemic, Joe Biden and his team largely resorted to live-streams and fundraisers as part of their campaign. These yard signs by Animal Crossing have now introduced a rather innovative way of campaigning. The signs are up for download at the moment. There are a total of four designs that include the official Joe Biden and Kamala Harris logo, team Joe logo, the “Joe” pride logo, and an aviator image that one can get in three shades: red, white, and blue.

Animal Crossing has been a widely played game in the country. Since players have turned to the game for a more relaxed environment amidst the pandemic,  this new update might benefit the parties involved.

In-game events have already been established as successful. Fortnite hosted two such events this year, both of which have brought in a huge number of viewers. Now that has Animal Crossing has adopted a similar strategy, it might work well in their favor.

Start of something new for Animal Crossing?

Animal Crossing: New Horizons set a benchmark in the franchise in terms of sales. With a large audience, there are many benefits to be reaped should the game be utilized effectively.

Christian Tom, director of digital partnerships for the Biden campaign, shared the same thought when he spoke to The Verge. He said, “Animal Crossing is a dynamic, diverse, and powerful platform that brings communities together from across the world. It is an exciting new opportunity for our campaign to engage and connect Biden-Harris supporters as they build and decorate their islands. As we enter the final campaign stretch towards November, this is one way we are finding new creative and innovative ways to meet voters where they are and bring our supporters together.”

Christian further mentioned that this was only the start of their plans. Only time will tell whether similar approaches will follow on Animal Crossing and other platforms.