BuzzFeed to acquire HuffPost, YouTube launches audio ads, and Nintendo issues marketing rules for ‘Animal Crossing’

Hello, communicators:

As Nintendo’s “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” continues to grow, more brands are hopping on the bandwaggon, through creating virtual clothing and artwork, interacting with players or sharing game-related content across social media platforms. Even President-elect Joe Biden’s campaign created virtual signs players could use.

Now, Nintendo is laying down ground rules—which includes not sharing misinformation about Animal Crossing, “bringing politics into the game,” earning marketing revenue with the game’s virtual content or using it as another marketing platform.

In a blog post, Nintendo wrote: