【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. conglomerate / kənˈglɒm ər ɪt / (n.) – a large corporation that is made up of different kinds of companies
Example: Media conglomerates are a threat to the growth of small media companies.
2. attraction / əˈtræk ʃən / (n.) – something that serves as public entertainment
Example: The roller coaster remains the park’s most popular attraction.
3. expansive / ɪkˈspæn sɪv / (adj.) – large or wide
Example: Everyone sat comfortably in the mansion’s expansive living room.
4. venture / ˈvɛn tʃər / (v.) – to do something new and risky
Example: She ventured into a clothing business.
5. keep up (with) / kip ʌp / (phrasal v.) – to match the progress of one’s competitors
Example: He was able to keep up with his competitors despite being new in the business.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
In the face of tough competition and declining sales, Nintendo has created new initiatives centered on some of its most popular video games.
Last November, Nintendo officially announced its partnership with Comcast, the American media conglomerate that owns Universal Parks and Resorts. The two companies teamed up to build attractions based on Nintendo’s famous video games like Super Mario inside Universal Studios parks in Orlando, Hollywood, and Osaka.
Nintendo and Comcast are working together to bring the company’s famous characters and adventures to life, with the aim of making guests feel as if they are inside the games. Expansive areas within the Universal Studios parks will be dedicated to Nintendo-featured rides, shops, and restaurants. According to reports, the attractions will be open to the public by 2020.
The theme park project is just one of Nintendo’s initiatives to promote its brand and venture into new ways to increase revenues. The sales of the video game company have declined over the last five years due to the tough competition against other major video game companies such as Sony and Microsoft.
Sales have also been affected by the rising popularity of smartphones as gaming devices. However, to keep up with the trend, Nintendo released Super Mario Run in December last year. It is the first-ever smartphone game that features the iconic hero, which was created by Nintendo 35 years ago for Super Mario Brothers. Super Mario Run was first released exclusively for iOS devices, but Nintendo is expected to launch an Android version at a later date.
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【Viewpoint Discussion】
ディスカッションテーマ
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
· Do you think that
· Who do you think would most likely patronize the Nintendo-themed parks?
Discussion B
· How do you see the evolution of video games a few years from now?
· What can video game companies do to increase awareness of their brand?
