VIDEO GAMES: GLOBALISATION

The Influence of Globalisation on the Video Game Industry: A Case Study of Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Introduction

Globalisation has profoundly shaped the video game industry, transforming it into a highly interconnected and commercially driven global market. The expansion of digital distribution, online gaming, and multinational game development has enabled video games to reach vast international audiences. One game that exemplifies many aspects of globalisation is Animal Crossing: New Horizons (2020), developed by Nintendo. This resource will explore how globalisation has influenced the industry through Animal Crossing: New Horizons and discuss whether it serves as a perfect example or a counterpoint to globalised gaming trends.

The Role of Globalisation in the Video Game Industry

Globalisation in gaming is characterised by:

• Multinational Game Development – Studios collaborate across borders to develop and publish games for global audiences.
• Digital Distribution & Online Connectivity – The rise of online platforms such as Steam, PlayStation Network, and the Nintendo eShop has enabled games to reach international audiences more efficiently.
• Cultural Hybridisation & Localisation – Developers tailor games to different cultural audiences through translation, censorship, and localised content.
• Monetisation & Economic Influence – Microtransactions, downloadable content (DLC), and subscription models have allowed companies to maximise revenue across global markets.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons as a Case Study

1. Global Success and Market Expansion

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a prime example of how a video game can achieve massive global success. The game sold over 40 million copies worldwide, aided by digital distribution and the social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which boosted its popularity as a form of escapism. Nintendo’s strategic marketing and accessibility across different regions contributed to its global appeal.

2. Cultural Hybridisation and Localisation

The game incorporates Japanese aesthetics and values, such as communal harmony, while also adapting to Western sensibilities through seasonal events and localised dialogue. Unlike some franchises that heavily Westernise content, Animal Crossing maintains a distinctly Japanese feel while making minor adjustments to suit different cultural contexts.

3. Limited Monetisation Compared to Global Trends

Unlike many globally successful games, Animal Crossing: New Horizons does not heavily rely on microtransactions or aggressive monetisation. While Nintendo introduced a paid DLC (Happy Home Paradise), the absence of ongoing microtransactions contrasts with the industry trend seen in games like Fortnite or Call of Duty, where in-game purchases generate significant revenue.

4. Community-Driven Online Interactions

The game’s online connectivity enables players worldwide to visit each other’s islands, trade items, and share designs, reinforcing the impact of globalisation in gaming. However, its online features remain somewhat restrictive, requiring Nintendo Switch Online membership and limiting certain real-time interactions compared to fully open-world multiplayer experiences like Minecraft or GTA Online.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons as a Counterpoint to Globalised Gaming

While Animal Crossing: New Horizons demonstrates many hallmarks of globalisation, it also deviates from some industry trends:

• No Cross-Platform Play – Unlike major global titles such as Fortnite, Animal Crossing is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch, limiting its accessibility across multiple hardware platforms.
• Lack of Live-Service Elements – Many modern games employ live-service models with frequent updates and monetisation strategies, whereas Animal Crossing follows a more traditional, albeit expanded, content model.
• Cultural Specificity – Rather than fully adapting to Western gaming conventions, Animal Crossing retains much of its Japanese identity, making it less of a homogenised global product compared to franchises like FIFA or Call of Duty.

Conclusion

Animal Crossing: New Horizons both exemplifies and challenges aspects of globalisation in the video game industry. Its massive global success, digital connectivity, and localisation demonstrate how globalisation enables games to reach wider audiences. However, its resistance to aggressive monetisation, lack of cross-platform play, and cultural specificity set it apart from other globally dominant franchises. As the industry continues to evolve, Animal Crossing serves as both a model and a counterpoint to the effects of globalisation in gaming.