This archive report was first published on 6 May 2020.
Cute Dress. How Many Bells Did You Pay? ¶
As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have turned to the Nintendo game Animal Crossing: New Horizons for a much-needed escape. Released on March 20, the game has become a global phenomenon, with millions of players worldwide creating their own virtual paradise and expressing themselves through fashion.
For Hannah Basile, a 27-year-old fund-raiser for Feeding America, Animal Crossing has become a daily destination. She has created her own island, where she spends her days gardening, decorating, and dressing up in the latest virtual fashion trends.
"It's ironic that you want to try a little harder, and suddenly there is nowhere to go," Basile said, reflecting on how the pandemic has affected her life. "But in Animal Crossing, I can be whoever I want to be, and that's a really liberating feeling."
Basile is not alone in her love for Animal Crossing. The game has become a global sensation, with players of all ages and backgrounds creating their own virtual worlds and expressing themselves through fashion. From the adorable hedgehog sisters who run the virtual shop to the designer Christian Siriano, who has appeared in the game dressed in a tuxedo gown, Animal Crossing has become a platform for self-expression and creativity.
"I shop at the Able sisters' every single day," Basile said, referring to the virtual shop run by the hedgehog sisters. "It's a way for me to express myself and have fun, even when I'm stuck at home."
For many players, Animal Crossing has become a source of comfort and solace during these difficult times. The game's virtual world offers a sense of freedom and creativity that is hard to find in real life.
"When you start the game, it actually is like landing on a deserted island," said Oliver Hong, a 30-year-old game designer in Brooklyn. "You get to create your own world, and that's a really powerful feeling."
As the pandemic continues to affect people's lives, Animal Crossing remains a popular destination for those seeking a much-needed escape. With its virtual world and endless possibilities, the game has become a source of comfort and creativity for millions of players worldwide.
