
It's hard to avoid news about a certain global pandemic right now, and while the Animal Crossing: New Horizons development team isn't exactly thrilled about this, the producer Hisashi Nogami suggests players make the most of it.
Speaking to The Verge, Nogami took a moment to talk about all the campaigns and fan requests to release New Horizons early. He said Nintendo, like any other company, obviously had no idea the global events would play out as they have. While it's unfortunate, he says he hopes the game can help players out there who may be struggling during this "difficult" time:
We’ve been planning this release for quite some time, so it’s unfortunate that this timing overlapped with what’s currently happening in the world. I am very disheartened and saddened by the events happening across the world. Considering the timing, we hope that a lot of the Animal Crossing fans will use this as an escape, so they can enjoy themselves during this difficult time.
The game's director Aya Kyogoku added to this, mentioning how the game's "global, simultaneous release" very much suited the Animal Crossing series. And given what's unfolding at the moment, it is a great way to socialise with both friends and family.
Have you become so immersed in Animal Crossing before you've forgotten about reality? Leave a comment below.
[source theverge.com]
Comments 28
My kiddie games including Animal Crossing are my escapism from reality.
Sitting at home playing games is my reality at the moment.
Are you kidding me. I can't escape reality like that! The fact remains there is a pandemic out there in the name of covid-19 yes! But regardless, i will be playing some games including animal crossing. All be on alert and keep a good hygiene.
The sun is shining and I would love to take a long walk, but I'm still sick so I'll do some walking in AC instead.
Well spoken Nintendo, yall are the best.
So instead of doing drugs all those years I could have just played Animal Crossing? Good to know!
/s
I am going to escape the reality of being isolated with just a few people and select provisions, by playing a game about being isolated with just a few people and select provisions. I like that thinking!
So far I have got a home, paid off the loan, added 3 more fruit to my island set up and donate enough for the museum, helped start and set up the shop and invite more villagers to my island, and I have only been playing a day and a bit. This game is so addictive.
Also, I do not see the point in achievements in most games but this game has achievements done right. Get an achievement, get Nook Miles.
@Duffman92 it is never too late, you can start now.
Animal Crossing never interrested me. I bought Super Maker 2 and Astral Chain instead this week.
Very scary times. I bury my head into AC when I get chance.
To be fair it’s excellent timing that Animal Crossing was released as now if I need to go into isolation I’ll have something to occupy my time.
@Northwind wow that is heavy!! Best of luck in these trying times.
i’m so glad they delayed the game since everything feels perfect in it.
This is the first time I have been able to sit down and enjoy it. Total newbie to it and seem to be having trouble snagging a fish 🙈 I’m sure it’s not meant to be difficult to do haha! It’s a nice distraction for sure.
I'm glad even they understand how needed this game is right now. Having a lot of fun with it so far!
Indeed we will. This is the perfect game for coping with the crazy things going on in the world right now.
Quarantine on an island? Nintendo really did planned this! They delayed this game so it coincided with the virus crisis.
I like that I reach for Animal Crossing in the morning instead of the news. Thank you Nintendo.
doesn't have 2 tell me twice, i've been self isolating lol
While I don't have Animal Crossing (wanted to pick up Mystery Dungeon) I appreciate the message. I've been busy helping around the house for what's been going on, among other things, so I haven't given much time to get work done, let alone game. Anything's better than being stressed, and because I haven't felt great anyway (sprained my foot running) some escapism is xactly what I need.
I have a special needs child who has lost services indefinitely because of the virus. While I don't want to say that Animal Crossing should be viewed as a therapeutic game, it really has been in this case. For a lot of people (especially young people) facing challenges in a difficult time, the reassuring positiveness of the game coupled with the sense of exploration and compassion will be helpful for many people, I think.
I got Animal Crossing, DOOM 64, DOOM Eternal, and my Mega Man X and Zero collections. I just picked up a set of weights today. I can also work from home. Now if I could just find some chicken breasts and thighs and some rice I'd be set. Thankfully I still have some in reserve...
Now I can play DOOM Eternal while pretending that the demons are the coronavirus. And then unwind in Animal Crossing.
Stay strong, everyone. We'll come out of this tougher than before.
Im glad I picked this up yesterday. Best one in the series
It is the perfect video game for the moment.
I’ve been finding it very relaxing and it does help me to feel less anxious about all the things happening out there. Escapism at its finest form👌
Animal Crossing is always a great escape for me. I will still be checking in on my New Leaf village every once in a while, but New Horizons has been amazing.
I haven't really had much effect from the pandemic yet, being in central US, but things are changing and isolation is becoming more common here now. I am glad to have games such as this to take my mind off of reality.
I wouldn’t say it’s unfortunate this has released now. More like very fortunate. Can’t think of a better time for a new AC game to help escape reality and bring some harmonious peace to people!
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