Nintendo: ‘Refrain from bringing politics’ into Animal Crossing game

Nintendo updated the guidelines for its popular Switch game Animal Crossing: New Horizons to ask businesses using it for self promotion to avoid any political comments.

“While our services and products are generally for personal use only, we understand there may be situations in which businesses and organizations would like to use or reference the Game in relation to their business,” the new guidelines state, before listing a series of banned activities, including creating offensive content.

“Please also refrain from bringing politics into the Game,” reads one bullet point.

It’s unclear how the new policy will impact lawmakers who have utilized the game for their gain, including the Biden campaign.

During the 2020 election, Biden’s team created campaign signs that Animal Crossing users could add to their yards within the game platform, including ones with the “Team Joe” logo, the “Joe” Pride logo and an image of aviator sunglasses shaded in red, white and blue.

“Animal Crossing is a dynamic, diverse, and powerful platform that brings communities together from across the world,” Christian Tom, director of digital partnerships for the Biden campaign, said in a statement to The Hill. “It is an exciting new opportunity for our campaign to engage and connect Biden-Harris supporters as they build and decorate their islands.”

Democratic New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is another political figure that frequently plays the Animal Crossing video game. In May, she put out a call on Twitter for her follower’s individual game codes, so her game character, dressed in a customized “AOC” campaign shirt, could drop by their virtual “islands” and sign bulletin board notes.