Nintendo's freestyle innovation culture shapes Animal Crossing

Tradition that values idle chat underlies pandemic-era smash hit

20210122N Animal Crossing

Nintendo's Animal Crossing has helped people feel connected with others during pandemic lockdowns. (Photo courtesy of Nintendo)

NATSUMI KAWASAKI and KENYA AKAMA, Nikkei staff writers

KYOTO, Japan -- Few things reigned supreme in a year dominated by the pandemic quite like Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Nintendo's newest installment of the long-running series that has been credited with saving the mental health of those stuck inside their homes for weeks on end.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.