Is Animal Crossings: New Horizons more than just a virtual social game? Perhaps it’s offering an insight into a future where social distancing just might be the norm.
Released in the early stages of lockdown, New Horizons is the fifth main series title in the Animal Crossing series. With worldwide stay-at-home orders, New Horizons became a form of entertainment for players who were seeking an escape.
From fruit picking and fish & bug catching, to breeding flowers and entering the stalk market, New Horizons gives users the chance to live an alternate life.
The latest July update was anticipated by many. The ability to swim and dive within island perimeters came just in time for summer for Northern Hemisphere players. For Southern Hemisphere players – it may be too cold to hit the waters IRL. But for those missing the beach, you can virtually swim in the game. With the only necessary item being a wetsuit clothing item, players are able to discover the underwater world.
As social distancing became a reality, New Horizons offered a virtual way of socialising. From the comfort of your own home, you can invite friends to your islands, host parties, take photos in scenic arenas, celebrate milestones. Even if you felt unproductive (like many of us during quarantine), social connection could still be found. To add on, a sense of accomplishment could still be warranted through visual progress of your island.
The social simulation game also allowed people to protest during the early months of lockdown. Prior to isolation, millions had participated in anti-government street protests in Hong Kong. Activists used the game to spread pro-democracy messages, by creating slogans and politically sensitive images. They were then shared on social media. Not long after, the game was removed from sale in China.
This is how #hongkong ppl spend our time during coronavirus lockdown – villain hitting in #animalcrossing, the villain is #CarrieLam, the worst governor in #hongkong history.#AnimalCrossingNewHorizons#StandWithHK pic.twitter.com/K5AbOTl9tD
— Studio Incendo (@studioincendo) April 1, 2020
Joshua Wong, now Former Secretary General of Demosisto, a youth activist group in Hong Kong, whom only recently suspended operations end of June 2020, notes that Animal Crossing has become a platform for protestors:
Animal Crossing is Fast Becoming a New Way for Hong Kong Protesters to Fight for Democracy! The #Covid_19 pandemic has halted public demonstrations, so protesters are taking their cause to #AnimalCrossing.https://t.co/A599kjlYsV
(This is my island!) pic.twitter.com/vjBhzw1nUa
— Joshua Wong 黃之鋒 ? (@joshuawongcf) April 2, 2020
Given there is no right way to play the game, one can fish, gossip, design their ideal house, meet with friends – there is not a lot of effort required. Is New Horizons what a socially distant world looks like?
Above all, New Horizons is a game that encourages collaboration and people communication – in a time where interactions are limited. Trading recipes, visiting friends’ islands and hanging out on beaches wishing on shooting stars, have become a safe form of social interaction, something many us are lacking due to the pandemic.
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