by Charlie Kaneer, Staff Writer
The following story was written by a student on the staff of The Jaguar Times as part of Hilliard Bradley High School’s Journalism Production course.
COVID-19 is a serious virus directly affecting the sick, old, and mourning across the world as well as indirectly affecting everyone in some way. A country-wide ban has been put on any large congregation, including all schools and recreational activities outside the home. In these trying times with slim to no social interaction allowed, one “social” activity still holds strong: video games. Specifically, in this case, Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons was released this year on March 20th, soon after most schools had been out for at least a week. Despite the depressing media at every corner of the internet, Animal Crossing added a ray of light for many. Braden Evans (11) notes, “the game is so calm that it offers a very therapeutic, temporary release from reality, which has made me less upset about the events going on in the world right now.” Animal Crossing is a testament to the importance of video games in the modern day world.
Animal Crossing is a real-time based game that gives students more of a reason to wake up early and start their day. In consequence of being a real-time game, Animal Crossing is designed to kill time. “Animal Crossing gave me something to do over these past few weeks,” Laney Purcell (10) replies. With fish and bugs that only come out in the morning, plus the excitement of waking up to a new villager or an upgraded town helps many with their mental health over the break. Mr. Redman (U.S. history teacher) declares, “It's simple and engaging, the play is repetitive in a way that's reassuring but not boring” … “It's full of little opportunities that make you feel like you've accomplished something productive but you never feel like you're working hard enough that it's stressful.” … “I also think it's specifically great for the anxiety we're all experiencing during this COVID-19 crisis.” In isolation, when people can feel the most unmotivated or stressed, Animal Crossing takes strides to alleviate that stress.
In addition to its other features, there is a multiplayer option as well. The player can play with local or online friends, given you pay the fee for online play. As Mr. Allen (U.S. history teacher) adds, “It is a great way for people to stay in contact, feel connected, and actually get to do something with other people - even if it is virtual and not in person.” The player can visit their friend’s islands as well as send/receive gifts, giving the game a social aspect during a time of social-distancing.
It is a game that is, at its core, simple, cute, and easy to play. The player has the freedom to design their clothes, home, and town and most importantly, surround themselves with happiness; and happiness is what everyone needs right now.