Video Game for your Mental Health?

The video game company, Nintendo, introduced Animal Crossing New Horizons in March of 2020. The game became popular, having over 12 million sales worldwide in the first week of being aired. The game then became even more popular and eventually grew to have 37.62 million units sold by February 2022. With Animal Crossing New Horizons being the eleventh version of the game, compared to its first version Dōbutsu no Moriin in 2001, fans were excited to see what in-game improvements Nintendo had in store.

 You may be asking yourself, how does a game become so popular within such little time? Well, here's why.

The calming and gentle nature of Animal Crossing attracts individuals who seek relaxation and or comfort. The anxieties and troubles of life become drowned out while playing, causing one to feel figuratively “in their own world”, and ironically, they actually are. From the article, “The Game We Need Right Now as We Muddle Through So Much Uncertainty and Isolation,” Craig Jerkins expressed the game as an “anti-anxiety oasis” in an article published in Vulture. Despite the uncertainty during the pandemic, the game was helping to give people a sense of security. 

Your learning and relaxation are combined as you capture insects and aquatic creatures, collect famous art pieces, and assess fossils to fill your museum's encyclopedia. By obtaining pieces of furniture both outdoor and indoor a variety of designs exist. Shrubs, flowers and other vegetation grow freely. Constructing inclines/bridges to higher elevations and across flowing rivers, creativity flows throughout your paradise. 

Your island is also inhabited by anthropomorphic animals that preach kindness and compassion. They help you with tasks, give gifts at random and can even teach you social skills as you interact with them. Each villager possesses their own unique personality and lifestyles that they share with you daily. Not to mention their adorable and satisfying appearances. 

So if you are feeling a little stressed out, or want a world that you can control in these very uncertain times, Animal Crossing New Horizons might just be what you are searching for. 

Images: Nintendo