U.S. Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden's campaign has entered the realm of smash-hit video game "Animal Crossing: New Horizons" in an effort to reach out to voters in cyber space as the coronavirus pandemic keeps many at home.
In the game for Nintendo Co's Switch console, players are able to download campaign yard signs to put on their virtual properties. The digital signs include "Biden Harris," "Team Joe," as well as "Joe," with the "e" rendered in pride rainbow colors as a call for equality for sexual minorities.
The 77-year-old former U.S. vice president is running with Sen. Kamala Harris, 55, the first black woman and Asian American nominated to be vice president by a major U.S. party.
"Animal Crossing is a dynamic, diverse, and powerful platform that brings communities together from across the world," Christian Tom, who is in charge of digital campaign for Biden, said in a statement.
"This is one way we are finding new creative and innovative ways to meet voters where they are and bring our supporters together," he said.
In the game, players cultivate an untouched island inhabited by anthropomorphized animals through such activities as fishing, farming and building homes. The title had sold 22.4 million copies worldwide by the end of June amid lockdown measures.
This is not the first time a U.S. presidential candidate has used a video game to try and reach voters. In 2016, Hilary Clinton's campaign held an event using the smartphone game app "Pokemon Go."
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