Animal Crossing's Perfect Timing

摘要

In the past three weeks, millions of people locked up at home and tired of scanning coronavirus headlines have sought solace in a virtual realm populated by pastel cartoon animals. On a tranquil island dotted with sparkling waterfalls and perky palm trees, the video game Animal Crossing: New Horizons has become a haven where real people are planning weddings, rebuilding their social lives, and even staging pro-democracy demonstrations. The latest iteration of the Nintendo Co. franchise couldn't have come at a better time-for the world's socially distant people or for the Japanese game maker.