Animal Crossing: New Horizons was released in March. The game continues to roll out new content throughout the year, but companies are using the game in other ways. Some businesses have released some of their clothing designs as free patterns. Others have used the game to promote their countries for tourism purposes buy inviting potential visitors.
The Tokyo Fire Department in Japan has been using Animal Crossing: New Horizons to share important information. The department previously held in-person events to share disaster prevention information. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 situation, most in-person events have been canceled across the world.
The fire department is using the online tools readily available to them, such as social media and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. On Twitter, the fire department states they have temporarily relocated to an island to release information while ensuring the safety of the island and its residents.
One of the tips focuses on paying attention to the current rainy season in Japan and participating in Summer activities. The fire department recommends keeping hydrated, wearing a hat, and using a fan or air conditioner. These tips may seem obvious, but Summer accident prevention is often promoted across the world.
As an additional bonus, the Tokyo Fire Department has released design patterns. The items range from the Tokyo Fire Department uniforms, plus a casual hat. Although only a handful of designs have been released so far, the department plans to roll out more in the future.
Even if players aren’t interested in the Tokyo Fire Department branding, fans have given input on the designs. The designs are high quality, and one includes a firefighter jacket for those looking for more work uniforms for their villagers.
Of course, the designs are cosmetic-only. Players can role-play as a firefighter, but there are no dangerous fires to put out on the safety of the Animal Crossing islands.
Players who have access to the Able Sister’s design kiosk and an active Nintendo Switch Online account can now download the patterns. The Twitter account for the fire department has released the creator and design code. Players who want more designs can follow the Tokyo Fire Department on Twitter, but the account only posts in Japanese. The screenshots to download outfits have universal codes that can be used in all Animal Crossing: New Horizons games.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a Nintendo Switch-exclusive title available now.
