Right now the world is a strange and scary place. A global pandemic of this scale is unprecedented, has changed the world in unimaginable ways, and will no doubt continue to do so. Most countries are in various states of lockdown and the vast majority of people have had their lives completely altered in the last few weeks. As we all stay home, in order to stay safe, many people have found solace in gaming and one title stands out in particular, Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
The Appeal Of Animal Crossing
There's a predictability in the game's design that hugely appeals to many, including myself. It's a life simulator but without the chaos our actual lives all contain right now. It's calming, controllable, and uncomplicated. There are no evils to defeat, difficult things to remember or bad things to worry about. The worst that can happen is your face looking interesting after a wasp sting, or fainting and waking up in your house or by the Dodo plane.
On your island, you're in charge and you call the shots. This level of control is hugely appealing when everything else feels so uncontrollable. You can catch fish, hunt for bugs, chop trees, collect resources, visit islands and of course go and see friends. Many players are creating mini-games, dates, and even full-scale events on their islands. Thanks to the customization the game allows your imagination is the limit.
A Changing World
Currently, many people are struggling with mental health issues, and with medical services tied up due to the pandemic, a large number have lost their support systems, just when they're needed most. Even those who usually cope with life are feeling the effects of the current global crisis and it's difficult to manage.
At times like this social media can be both a blessing and a curse. For every bit of support that's out there, someone else is telling us to "use this time wisely," and "enjoy the moment." For many of us just getting dressed is a huge achievement right now but you know what? That's ok.
Many of us simply don't have the brain capacity to "learn something new." Heck, some of us barely have the brain space to remember to put the milk back in the fridge and clean our teeth. The state of the world right now is difficult to process, and for many people, various reasons such as physical and mental health, life changes, and circumstances or neurological differences such as autism make it even harder.
As we try to process finding solace in a game like Animal Crossing is a good thing. It can help us relax, unwind, and grasp back a little bit of that feeling of control.
Animal Crossing As Therapy
For many gamers and non-gamers alike, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a dose of therapy for $50. It's easy to understand, simple to play and you don't need to know anything about the franchise to get something out of it. Also, thanks to the Xbox Adaptive Controller, even gamers who may struggle with the regular controls can play.
You simply turn up, do as Tom Nook asks, and before you know it you're fishing, bug collecting and happily listening to Blathers tell you interesting facts about fossils. All of this in a world inhabited by (mostly) cute anthropomorphic animals. What's not to love?
In these trying times, there's no "right" way to cope. We're all just doing our best to get through to the next day. If the thing that gets you through is the thought of checking your Turnip prices then what's wrong with that?
A Regular Routine
Every morning Isabelle greets me and she's keeping me on track. She tells me what time it is, informs me that there's no news or if there is it's always good, and then talks randomly about tv shows or something similar which I adore. She even encouraged me for making it to Wednesday. It's a cheery and wholesome way to start your day, at least until you realize that Timmy and Tommy are only offering less than 100 bells for turnips, again.
I'm not ashamed to say that right now Animal Crossing is my solace and my support. It's a boost of cheer in the morning and a way to relax each evening. If you're joining me then welcome. It's nice here, check out my new orchard and the candy floss machine I just bought from the Nook Store. Everything on this island was handcrafted or purchased with bells I earnt myself. It gives me a huge sense of achievement to see it all come together. It's not done yet though, I'm taking my time as I don't want this journey to end, it's too important to rush.
Inspired By: Emmycoletti