Animal Crossing: New Horizons has given many players some welcome escapism during the testing times of the COVID-19 pandemic. New Horizons has been released to critical and commercial acclaim, yet few players would have imagined that the game would be spoken about by politicians. Nonetheless, in these unconventional times, Australian politician, Tim Watts, has given his opinion on the positive impact the Nintendo title can have.
There have been a number of celebrities and organizations which have shared a version of an Animal Crossing experience, yet few would have expected a governing body or official to support the game. The game has a focus on socializing and creating an idyllic island for the player and the anamorphic villagers who inhabit the area. After eight years without a main title in the series, players have seemed to enjoy the ability to socialize with the characters in the game once more. Particularly when some gamers are isolating themselves because of the coronavirus.
The Labor Member for Gellibrand, Shadow Assistant Minister for Communications & Cybersecurity politician, Tim Watts, gave parents information on how to keep children safe online before discussing Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Watts claimed that "I've found that the promise of an hour of Animal Crossing after school work has been completed has been great for keeping the kids on task, and parents productive and sane." It seems that New Horizons is popular with everyone in the Watts household and while gaming has been previously discouraged, during this pandemic it seems to be becoming an increasingly useful way to keep entertained indoors. These methods of entertainment are not only supported by Tim Watts but by the World Health Organization who are encouraging people to stay at home and game.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons has become increasingly popular during these trying times and it is not only the game that is entertaining players. Many are enjoying the community and the islands and images they produce. It will be interesting to see if the community can continue to thrive and produce interesting content in the future. At the moment it seems that there is plenty of content coming from the players and creators of the game.
With frequent updates, a strong community, and political endorsements it seems that Animal Crossing: New Horizons has plenty of longevity and an increasingly large fan base. Many will hope that the game will continue to deliver plenty of tasks for players to enjoy in the future.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is available now for Nintendo Switch.