Even if you’re not an Animal Crossing fan, it would be hard to miss the joyous celebration its cult following is having on social media right now.
You’ll find Animal Crossing memes on almost every platform: Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok, and Discord. The majority focus on relaxing aspects of the game like its characters and slow pace, but others are more nonsensical. Take, for example, the lovely but rather meaningless froggy chair fan club. On Tik Tok, the biggest creators regularly use K.K. Slider remixes and the game’s soundtrack as background music. Animal Crossing is seemingly everywhere.
Anticipation for Animal Crossing: New Horizons partially fuels the frenzy as fans gear up for the March release. Just last week, stores started announcing pre-order packages that included exclusive merch, character keychains, a Switch mount, and more.
The fervour has made it easy for creators focusing on the new release to grow a fanbase, as demonstrated by the explosion of followers on The Crossing Channel, which dissects as many little details from the upcoming title as possible. The YouTube channel, run by a British fan known only as Ben to protect his privacy, picks apart the little things, like a recent upload examining customization options New Horizons might have.
Ben, who now has 23,000 subscribers, told Nintendo Life in an interview he started the channel because he felt there wasn’t enough Animal Crossing content on YouTube. “People are so excited and so passionate about this game,” he said. “I think [the channel] also reminded people just how great the game really is.”
You might call Ben a Bob fanboy, because the villager is his favourite and plays heavily into the branding on his Discord channel and live streams, where fans can vote on their favourite villagers, too. Ben said he loves Bob, the purple cat, because of his laid-back style and thinks he would make a great friend to hang out with. “Bob embodies what is great about Animal Crossing,” he continues. “[We] could just chill on the sofa, fishing in Animal Crossing with nachos and a slice of pizza in hand.”
Other creators base their accounts, memes and brand around certain villagers, too. Sarah Gonzalez has started and run a few games-based Instagram accounts, but most of them fizzled out over time. She has kept up her Pietro-themed account, though, and is delighted with its success. Gonzalez shares AC-related text posts, Pietro content, and of course, froggy chair memes. This has earned her just under 7,000 followers, and some of her content comes from other Animal Crossing meme accounts; she’s one of many.
“When I started it, I didn’t think there was more than a couple of hundred people in the world who [would] follow,” Gonzalez said. “It also means they like Pietro, which makes me happy.” Pietro is a sheep villager with colourful fur and makeup that makes him look like a clown. Gonzalez said her main concern for New Horizons is whether her favourite is brought back, but she’s also looking forward to updated graphics for details like hair and furniture, as well as placing furniture outside without it being part of a public works project.
New Horizons wasn’t Gonzalez’s sole motivation for opening the account, however; she started the page before any announcement of a new game. Other creators on Tik Tok have been making videos with Animal Crossing soundtrack remixes, and some of them were nostalgic, too, creating content without specifically making it about a new title.
Madeleine Dilley’s Tik Tok is varied. She posts videos having fun with Tik Tok stereotypes, jokes about her cat and cosplay. You’ll also find Animal Crossing peppered throughout, but these videos focus on her avatar, not the villagers. Dilley, who has 267,000 followers, helped start a trend where people dress up as their mayors and mimic their character’s idle animation. As memes go, it’s pretty wholesome.
Dilley said she loved seeing everyone else’s cosplays, but that trend and the others on the app weren’t about New Horizons. Dilley said another of her favourites is the videos of girls licking their salt lamps to see how they’d taste, filmed over tracks from the game and the high-pitched villager vocal styles. She said she appreciates any video that has some chaotic energy and is paired with the lowkey Animal Crossing soundtrack.
A survey of players we conducted in the process of putting together this piece mirrors what you can find on Tik Tok. A solid 80 percent of those surveyed said they’d been playing Animal Crossing for more than five years, and while 90 percent said they planned to play the new game and 87 percent of respondents play New Leaf on the 3DS.
If the social media hype were all about New Horizons – particularly on an app like Tik Tok which is dominated by Gen Z – you’d expect more people to report playing Pocket Camp, Animal Crossing’s mobile title. While some people did report playing Pocket Camp, it wasn’t enough to overtake New Leaf, and almost as many people reported playing Wild World on the DS, too.
Like Gonzalez and Dilley’s posts, low-fi soundtrack remixes and the more nonsensical memes have little to do with the upcoming game and in fact, some of those creators may not have ever played a single release. Dilley has, though, and she does plan to buy New Horizons. “I told myself I would only buy the Switch if they made a new Animal Crossing,” she told us. “I feel god in this GameStop tonight.”
Of all the rabbit holes to fall into, Animal Crossing memes are certainly some of the most positive and harmless the internet has to offer. Fans often discuss how the game improves their mental health and reduces anxiety, and many of the survey responses, which were all anonymous, pointed to “how tranquil it is” as a top reason for playing. But, even when the memes aren’t that deep, they’re usually funny or cute.
Some of these posts are spurred on by New Horizons hype, but that isn’t always the case. It only further proves the lasting power of what is now probably considered a cult classic. The upside is the trove of memes has something for everyone, regardless of which titles someone has, hasn’t, or plans to play.
Ben of the Crossing Channel summed up this lovely online culture nook best. “It’s a really exciting time to be an Animal Crossing fan.”
Comments 43
Me and the AC discord have been going wild, we finally shine! All hail bob
Animal Crossing New Leaf 3DS was the first Animal Crossing games i have very deep interest after 1 - 2 weeks i played the game. Before that, i was skeptical with ACNL due to my last experience with AC City Folk Wii.
Fantastic the animals are so creative and lovely this game will sell systems alone and the game will sell loads.
As everyone loves animals crossing.
It's about time that Animal Crossing gets the spotlight, literally my favorite game series.
I've never played it! It seems like a lot of meandering around no? Is it like Stardew Valley which I LOVED?
I would love to play it, but I get a feeling that I'll get lost in it big time hehe.
New Horizons is going to be absolutely massive, isn’t it? This will sell systems and be right up there with Smash, Pokémon and the rest of Nintendo’s absolute top tier games.
@YozenFroghurt Fair enough assessment, but like you said "some people love that" But i would go further, there is a certain vibe, a certain game play that we don't get anywhere else. The writing is great and K.K. Slider rules. I can't wait for this game!
I've been playing New Leaf for the first time for the past two or three weeks. I am enjoying the 'vibe' that people mention. I'm concerned about longevity though - how will it hold my interest. I know some play the game for many many years.
I'm not normally into games with an emphasis on fashion or decorating BBBUUTTT, there is a nice feeling of belonging to a small community that feels more nurturing and healthy than say, Stardew Valley, for instance. That game I played the in-game equivalent of about 1.5 years and then just stopped. For such a chilled looking game I felt too much pressure to get things done in a day - and to do them right.
Animal Crossing doesn't have that pressure so far. You can log-in, say hello to an animal 'friend', pull up a couple of weeds, maybe collect a couple of peaches and sell them, and log-out again – 10 mins or so - and that feels enough sometimes to be a part of the world. I already have my favourite in game friend - an Elephant called Tucker – who nearly left the town till I asked him to stay
I was definitely one of those kid's that wanted a bunch of talking animal friends – and it seems I still do. And today I found it rather liberating to be able to wear a long flowery dress in game without any real-world social repercussions 'don't judge me here guys' I felt like singing 'the hills are alive..' 'you can judge me for that though'
So I'm going to give New Horizons a good go.
@YozenFroghurt Sure, those are the core mechanics. But there's a host of other really fun activities and events to take part in as well. Not to mention some of the improvements and added features introduced after Happy Home Design that I'm sure are gonna become integral to the franchise here on out. But as you said, not every game is for everyone.
Pietro can die. Have a nice day
This will be my first Animal Crossing game. I hope that I will still love blood and gore after I start playing it. This game doesn't change people right?
Can't wait to play, it's been awhile.
Question for AC players: since the game never ends, why do you stop playing older versions and pick up the newer version?
@Samwise7
Well, pretty much like Story of Seasons or Stardew Valley.
Animal Crossing have some The Sims vibe in term of house decorating and character customize. You will enjoy Animal Crossing New Horizons for Peaceful games and its open ending.
@Xylnox not like blood and gore does. Any changes from AC can only be healthy.
@Trajan Good question. For me, New Leaf was great the first year. Then i bought a 2ds mostly to have another "town" to visit, trade etc. The second year was good and i had fun. But honestly as I started going into year three I did lose interest because by then I knew the game so well it became repetitious. And other games took me away. BUT, that was after 500+ hours and 2+ years.
@Xylnox No, i still like fighting, racing and platforming. But after so much of that, chilling in AC is so refreshing.
Not even a mention of @ac_lyle from Twitter? Blasphemous. Best AC themed Twitter.
@LavaTwilight ok then. I guess at the very least, I might become nicer. Hehe
@dugan ya, I'm hoping Animal Crossing will be a nice relaxing time. I get enough blood and gore from my other games. Heh
@Xylnox
Playing Animal Crossing games is much like being a vegetarian. 😀
I tend to eat more vegetables than meat so games without violence like Animal Crossing is Perfect choice for me.
I can recommend you another No Violence games such as Yonder the Cloud Catcher Chronicles, Nintendogs, Sumikko Gurashi, Style Savvy, Waku Waku Sweets, Little Friends: Dogs & Cats, etc.
Trust me, playing No violence games is more healthier for your brain than playing with intense violence games and also it will develop your religious side of being peaceful, calm and kind.
Ms Hood, thank you for this article! It is very informative and i am happy for the buzz around this game.
Speaking of social media, the past couple days I have contemplated staying away from gaming media for the first month, maybe more, when AC comes out. When i first played AC I was unconnected to gaming media. I want to play New Horizons without the commentary, criticisms or even commendations. While i really like Nintendo Life and the community, i want to experience this game without any distractions.
I am thinking of jumping out a week or two before the release, before reviews come out.
@Anti-Matter I actually bought Yonder the Cloud Catcher but I haven't opened it as I am leaning on keeping it sealed. The Nintendogs looked real cute but I never bought it but I am awaiting an import of a physical copy of that Brain Training game.
As I get older, I am finding that hearing the stories in games is what I like to experience. I still like action games like Dark Souls but I am playing a more diverse set of games nowadays to experience their worlds. To be honest, I am hopefully going to create my own universe and write a couple books. If I am able to do all of that then I would love to make my own game too. It's all a dream though but I need to make some changes in my life first.
@Xylnox
To tell you, I have finished Yonder the Cloud Catcher Chronicles Switch version on July 2018 in just 8 days in a row with average gameplay time 2 hours each day. 😉
Ratchet and Clank PS3 & PS4 games are the only shooting games for kids that i allowed after Metroid Prime Federation Force 3DS.
I have the Metroid collection on wii but haven't played it yet. That's the only Metroid games I have. I may open Yonder and play it one of these days as it did look interesting. My back log of games is pretty big and I've been cutting back my playtime, so that doesn't help. Heh.
Chuggaconroy's Animal Crossing New Leaf series was something very special. I can't wait for the new game, I bet I'll put more time into it than even New Leaf, since I can play on TV or on the go!
@PBandSmelly I'll see you on the Discord! I hang out there sometimes.
@StephanDLW You're right about that! Thanks for reading the piece (:
@DAHstroy Couldn't agree more! Thanks for reading.
@Samwise7 It's different mechanics and art style, but personally I prefer AC. To me it has the potential for more hours of game play, more to do, etc. The characters have more dialogue BUT the Stardew characters do have individual personalities, whereas AC villagers fit into "types."
@Moridin You're right, I found that account after publishing and enjoyed it greatly. It's a shame they all couldn't fit! There's so many.
@dugan Thanks for your kind words! I've seen several players thinking of doing the same. Enjoy the release however you like!
@J-Plap yeesh, who spit in your lunch
@Xylnox
Have you played Baldurs Gate? It’s a classic, excellent on Switch and I would highly recommend it.
@Fandabidozi I played the original when it came out on PC. Such a great game. I have it for Switch but haven't played it yet. I can't wait for #3 to come out!
I am going to play the absolute crap out of that game. Super looking forward to sharing an island with my kids and forcing my wife to move there as well.
@Samwise7 Stardew Valley was in some ways inspired by Animal Crossing. It is quite different, though; but still, you'll probably enjoy it. I got Stardew Valley to hold me over for Animal Crossing, and I love them both. Animal Crossing villagers are a lot more social than Stardew, though.
@Xylnox
I’m playing through BG1 again now, so good! I’m reading Decent Into Avernus too and it’s brilliant as well. 😃👍
@Fandabidozi Nice. Have you ever played Neverwinter Nights 1 or 2? How about Icewind Dale 1 or 2? I would highly recommend those games. They're old graphics but if you can get past that and stick to the stories, they're really good. I think only Neverwinter Nights 1 is on Switch and a dual pack of Planetscape and Icewind Dale 1. You can get the rest on GoG for PC.
@Xylnox
I’ve played both Icewind Dale games yup. I like the more combat oriented approach. I’ve never got far in Planescape Torment but I’ll get it for Switch at some point and make a concerted effort. I’ve played the first Neverwinter a lot, hours messing about and trying out new classes. I’ve got the new version on my laptop.
I’m playing Baldur’s Gate with the ‘story’ party and my Gnome Thief who’s been brought up thinking he’s a halfling.
WTB more hours in the day! 😄
@Fandabidozi Ya, I love all those games. Have you tried out Divinity: Original Sin 1 or 2? Those are really good. Oh and there's also Pillars of Eternity 1 and 2 and also Pathfinder Kingmaker. These last three games I mentioned remind me of Baldur's Gate. I still have to beat them all but I'm real far in most of them. I just have too much of a back log right now. Hehe
@Xylnox
Divinity has been on my radar for a while. I’ll pick it up if it goes for under $20 on Steam. Not familiar with the other two I’ll check em out, thanks. 😃👍
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