Alone but Together: ‘Animal Crossing’ creating togetherness during social isolation (#10)...
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is arguably the most talked about topic (and video game) trending across all social media platforms at the moment… why? The world is in the midst of a stressful and uncertain time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which is why a cute, innocent and cheerful fantasy cartoon video game like Animal Crossing has quickly gained such popularity and is thriving during social isolation.
The game’s purpose is to give players a feeling of empowerment and community, visualized through an adorable and pastel aesthetic. This “warm-hug” environment is particularly appealing and important during times like this, when a global pandemic has dramatically altered everyone’s day-to-day lives.
Therefore, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is an excellent example of social gaming, interactivity and illustrates the power of video games to connect people.
Some key quotes from Imad Khan’s article for The New York Times include…
“The game is played at a relaxed pace, in which the player can do as much or as little as they want on any given day. Upbeat acoustic jams or bossa nova synths play in the background.”
“Dr. Ramzan posits that the opportunities Animal Crossing affords players contribute to its wide appeal. For children, being able to engage in adultlike chores, like building and decorating a house, gives them power often out of reach.”
“For adults, especially millennials who have lived through the Great Recession and current coronavirus-induced economic stress, it offers the white picket fence often associated with the American dream that’s increasingly elusive. Debt, which can accumulate quickly in Animal Crossing, can also be paid off easily. Goals feel attainable and within reach.”
You can read the full article on The New York Times website.
References
Buchanan, K 2020, ‘Animal Crossing is the perfect way to spend quarantine’, The New York Times, 31 March, viewed 23 May 2020, <https://www.nytimes.com/ 2020/03/31/arts/animal-crossingvirus.html?action=click&module= RelatedLinks&pgtype=Article>.
Khan, I 2020, ‘Why Animal Crossing is the game for the Coronavirus moment’, The New York Times, 7 April, viewed 23 May 2020, <https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/07/arts/animal-crossing-covid-coronavirus-popularity-millennials.html>.
