Introduction:
Happy Lunar New Year gamers!
Do you feel like you missed out on the Lunar festivities, this year?
Here is a recap of how some major gaming companies made the Lunar New Year extra special for the Year of the Wood Dragon. We are talking EA, Epic Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Sims, and NBA2k all joining the Lunar New Year bash.
Opens in new windowThe Sims
The Sims has been increasing in popularity, especially since COVID-19, as virtual worlds have become commonplace, so it is no stranger to holiday events and content .
During the Lunar New Year, players that stepped into The Sims’ virtual realm were in for an enchanted treat by Electronic Arts (EA).
Forget the usual downloadable content (DLC) price tags – this year, EA broke the mold by showering players with a treasure trove of freebies.
You could deck out your Sims in new clothes, styling them with accessories, and furnish their virtual homes with New Year decorations. Also, Fresh recipes for in-game dinner parties elevated the festive atmosphere.
In addition to celebrating the New Year in real life, players could meet and spend time online with friends through the Sims virtual world.
Epic Games Sale
Epic Games Store, which is known for its many sales and promotions, turned the Lunar New Year into a gaming extravaganza, aligning with the lunar calendar from January 21 to February 20.
Starting on February 9th, many games on the virtual store were discounted.
But, there was more - players that bought games during the sale got 10% back due to the Epic Rewards program.
For Epic, it seems Lunar New Year was not just a time for sales. It was also a smart way to boost their player count during the festive season.
Opens in new windowOverwatch 2
Overwatch, which is famous for celebrating various cultures as game content, also recognized this Lunar New Year as a big opportunity.
Since 2016, Blizzard Entertainment’s Overwatch has created seasonal events every year such as Halloween Terror, Winter Wonderland, Overwatch Anniversary, and more.
Following the tradition of putting on grandiose virtual experiences, Overwatch threw a grand Lunar New Year experience , this year.
The in-game maps got a makeover with Chinese decorations, players could snag exclusive skins and cosmetics by purchasing, but through in-game challenges for free.
Tackling in-game challenges, and playing a certain number of games allowed to get voice lines or spray.
Mischief and Magic is a limited-time New Year Event that was the star of this Overwatch event. Simply put, it was a hide and seek game mode in Overwatch.
Through some challenges such as completing 24 games, and surviving for 300 seconds as a hider, players can spend their Lunar New Year with exciting gameplay and unique rewards.
Opens in new windowNBA 2K24
In the world of sports gaming, fans love to collect their favorite players.
To cater to that, NBA 2k releases specific themed player cards to match with holidays and events
To celebrate the Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, NBA2K24 dropped the Lunar New Year Pack with an exclusive player card including Yao Ming who was one of the greatest basketball players in the NBA from China, and Yi Jianlian who led Chinese basketball team and played in the NBA.
From a community perspective, the cultural representation of Asian players allows fans to see individuals from their own culture succeeding internationally, and this may be a deliverable target to Chinese people.
On the business side, this can be a strategic decision due to the attraction of a larger audience and engaging Chinese fans.
Closing Thoughts
This year’s lunar journey in the gaming universe taught us one thing: weaving in diverse cultures and traditions is not a random move from studios. It is a clever strategy to draw in players from all corners of the globe.
Are these corporate “celebrations” genuine expressions or clever marketing tactics?
It should not just be about making a quick buck. It should be about creating genuine moments that players can truly celebrate.
The mentioned games do present authentic qualities. The Sims provides a life simulation experience, allowing individuals to have control over characters and derive satisfaction from activities beyond real-life possibilities. Overwatch 2 and NBA2K enhance holiday enjoyment through time-limited content. Additionally, Epic Games has endeared itself to players by offering discounted games. Each of these games contributes in its own unique way to creating memorable experiences.
The annual celebrations are also days of increased sales for game companies. Players want new content, and these specific days are a great opportunity to give them what they want.
So, as you hit the power button on your gaming device, envision the vibrant tapestry of cultural experiences waiting for you online. Picture yourself sharing these moments with friends during special events like the Lunar New Year.
It is not just gaming; it is a contribution to the ongoing story of how gaming connects with cultural diversity on a global scale.
Will you be part of the narrative next year?