Due to the pandemic, the world as we know it has changed drastically. With the world economy taking a major hit, the average consumer spending curve has been shifted to a great extent. Amidst all this, the digital platform industries, especially the gaming industries, have seen an increase in their profits.
Recently, Japan’s Universal Studios has announced its plan of opening a $580 million Nintendo attraction on Feb 4. The real-world theme park was delayed due to the pandemic, but now the attraction will finally be opened for visitors. According to sources, the Super Nintendo World is built on the existing Universal Studios Japan site. It is a life-sized replica of Nintendo Co.’s most popular games with rides, shops, and walk-through activities.
As everyone might have guessed, one of the first attractions will be a Mario Kart ride inside a recreation of Bowser’s Castle. Visitors can collect virtual coins by wearing a dedicated wristband as they go about exploring the area and interact with park features via a Switch console.
The theme park was originally slated for a summer opening, but it was postponed due to the pandemic. But there is still uncertainty with the opening of the theme park. According to recent reports, Japan is grappled with the recent Coronavirus outbreak. And the location of the theme park, Osaka, is one of the worst affected cities in the country.
During the pandemic, the company, even though making profits with its digital gaming, has been struggling to acquire revenue in its other sectors. Hence the opening of the Super Nintendo World is very crucial for the company. But the major hurdle is the ongoing debate as to whether to promote domestic tourism in Japan. According to recent sources, Comcast Corp.’s NBCUniversal, the owner of the Osaka park, has suspended its plan of opening another Nintendo area in Orlando. Even Universal Studios Japan is operating only at half of its full capacity to help curb the spread of the virus.
