Speculation is mounting that Swedish furniture giant IKEA could be preparing an exciting collaboration with Nintendo's beloved life simulation game, Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The rumours have been ignited by a cryptic video posted to IKEA France's official TikTok account, which contains multiple clear references to the popular gaming franchise.
Decoding the TikTok Teaser
The intriguing social media post, originally identified by gaming publication Polygon, features several unmistakable nods to Animal Crossing's distinctive aesthetic and gameplay mechanics. The video opens with a leaf falling from the sky that bears a striking resemblance to the iconic Animal Crossing logo, immediately capturing the attention of eagle-eyed fans.
Familiar Furniture and Game Mechanics
As the video progresses, viewers are treated to a cursor flicking through various pieces of IKEA furniture that appear in the background, perfectly mimicking the home designer interface from Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The selection includes several of IKEA's most recognisable products, such as the Malm drawers, Billy bookcase, Kallax storage units, and the Vilme sofa.
Adding to the authenticity of the reference, the video is accompanied by plinky-plonky background music that, while not officially licensed from the game, sounds remarkably similar to Animal Crossing's signature soundtrack. The description beneath the TikTok video reads 'We still don't accept cash bells', directly referencing the in-game currency used throughout the Animal Crossing series.
A Natural Partnership
On paper, an IKEA and Animal Crossing collaboration appears to be a perfect match. The Swedish home furnishings retailer boasts thousands of iconic decor products in its extensive catalogue, many of which would seamlessly integrate with Animal Crossing's core theme of personalising and designing your own virtual island paradise.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons has established itself as a creative sandbox where players can express themselves through interior design and landscaping, making IKEA's vast range of furniture and home accessories an ideal fit for the game's expanding universe of customisation options.
Precedent for Gaming Collaborations
This potential partnership would not represent IKEA's first foray into the world of video game collaborations. Back in 2008, the company partnered with Electronic Arts to create an IKEA Home Stuff pack for The Sims 2, bringing virtual versions of their furniture to another popular life simulation game.
More recently, IKEA Taiwan published a special version of its catalogue using screenshots taken directly from Animal Crossing: New Horizons, demonstrating an existing relationship and familiarity between the brand and Nintendo's gaming ecosystem.
Animal Crossing's History of Crossovers
Nintendo has shown considerable willingness to incorporate crossover content into Animal Crossing: New Horizons, making an IKEA collaboration entirely plausible. The game has previously featured themed items and characters from other Nintendo franchises, including The Legend of Zelda and Splatoon.
Additionally, LEGO launched a significant collaboration alongside the 3.0 version update of New Horizons, introducing block-based furniture items such as LEGO versions of the DIY workbench, fireplace, sofa, and various tables. This established precedent for brand partnerships makes the prospect of an IKEA collaboration even more credible.
Awaiting Official Confirmation
Despite the compelling evidence presented in IKEA's TikTok video, neither Nintendo nor IKEA has officially confirmed any collaboration plans for Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The video may simply represent clever marketing or playful teasing between the two companies.
For now, players will need to continue enjoying the existing 3.0 update content while keeping a watchful eye on official channels for any announcements regarding potential IKEA-themed furniture or decor items coming to their virtual islands.
