As an adult, I think it can be easy to start questioning why you’re playing Animal Crossing. Earning money, paying debts, talking with neighbors, decorating houses, planting gardens, buying furniture and clothes… These are all activities adults often do in real life.
That’s not to say you shouldn’t play Animal Crossing. There’s more to the series than just these activities. But as a kid, the game is a liberating experience. The entire premise is the player moving out on their own. You’re starting a new life, with a new house and meeting all new people… Or… Animal people.
In a lot of ways, it creates the same conversation and small talk that normal everyday life would. I remember sitting at the dinner table and chatting with my sister about what we bought, what we caught and how we improved our homes or wallets. My mom was really confused when we were talking about getting mail from friends who, unknowingly to her, didn’t exist.
It’s a safe world for children to pretend to spread their wings. It’s like a kid-friendly version of adult life where debts never have to be paid and no neighbor ever talks behind your back.
I actually didn’t play Animal Crossing all that long. Maybe a month or two at most before falling into a deep Phantasy Star Online addiction.
Nevertheless, it’s one of the few game-related childhood memories that I look back on nostalgically.
(Header Image Source: Moby Games)
