Nintendo is telling organizations to avoid bringing politics into Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
The rule was introduced on Thursday as part of new guidelines intended to ensure businesses and organizations preserve the Animal Crossing experience for the millions of players enjoying the hit game.
“Please refrain from using the Game inappropriately or creating any content within the Game that would be considered vulgar, discriminatory, or offensive,” the company said in the announcement. “Please also refrain from bringing politics into the Game.”
The rule arrives after President-elect Joe Biden’s campaign created an island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons back in September. Online players can not only visit the island, but also download in-game virtual signs and swag designed to promote Biden’s political campaign.
The stunt may have helped Biden attract some attention from younger voters. But apparently, Nintendo doesn’t want real-world politics to intrude into the carefree world of Animal Crossing again. The company says it may ask groups in violation to stop with the activities or face getting banned from the game.
Nevertheless, the new guidelines say organizations can still invite players to their custom islands. They can also share custom designs, too, and upload screenshots of the gameplay to social media. So there may be some leeway for political candidates to use Animal Crossing as a promotional tool—so long as they don’t take things too far.
The new guidelines also say businesses and organizations should refrain from using Animal Crossing as a marketing platform to redirect players to activities outside the game. Only groups that receive permission from Nintendo are permitted to do so.
We’ve reached out to the Biden campaign for comment, and we’ll update the story if we hear back.