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# Virtual Video Game Restaurants
KFC Island on Animal Crossing Recreates the Fried Chicken Chain

By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2020-06-19 | Tech
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kfc-island
References: [brandeating](https://www.brandeating.com/2020/06/kfc-philippines-opens-virtual-restaurant-in-animal-crossing.html) & [twitter](https://twitter.com/KFCPhilippines/status/1273093956763439104)

Within the world of [Animal Crossing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/animal-crossing-omnipod): New Horizons, [KFC Philippines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aigenerated-short-films) created KFC Island as a virtual recreation of its restaurant. When visiting the island, players will see a character that reminds them of Colonel Sanders, as well as branded signage. The island will only remain open for a few more days and spots are coveted, as KFC Philippines is only permitting visits to a certain number of players during select hours.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons, which launched during a global pandemic, has become a way for brands to virtually engage the brand's Millennial and Gen Z players. Since the game's launch, brands have set up everything from their own shops to galleries and fashion collections within the new Animal Crossing game.

Image Credit: KFC Philippines

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 4.9/10
- Popularity: 64% | Activity: 73% | Freshness: 9%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial
- Top markets: Asia

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile)

## Key Themes

### Key Themes Behind This Trend

- **Branded Virtual Experiences:** Creating virtual experiences within popular video games allows brands to engage with Millennial and Gen Z players in a unique and immersive way.
- **Limited-time Virtual Events:** Restricting access and hosting limited-time virtual events in video games creates a sense of exclusivity and can generate buzz and demand.
- **Virtual Advertising and Sponsorships:** Brands can explore opportunities for virtual advertising and sponsorships within video games as a way to reach a highly engaged audience.

### Where This Applies

- **Food and Beverage:** Restaurants and food brands can leverage virtual experiences in video games to enhance brand awareness and engage with younger demographics.
- **Gaming and Entertainment:** The gaming industry can capitalize on the demand for virtual branded experiences by collaborating with brands and creating immersive in-game partnerships.
- **Advertising and Marketing:** Advertising and marketing agencies can explore new avenues for virtual advertising and sponsorships within popular video games to reach a highly receptive audience.

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