Browse our Diary Entries! These compile a selection of the stories that have been sent through to us via our Open Call. Many of the entries may refer to specific in-game terms which you can find explanations for in our Glossary. These entries will form part of the National Videogame Museum’s collection.
They correspond to a specific period of collecting conducted via open call for experiences within the span of a year, starting March 2020.
However, our open call is still open and accepting submissions to form part of the museum’s collections.
Have a story to share? Let us know!
Keeping a Routine
In the game, you can work towards having the best home or you can take it slow and enjoy island life. Either way, the player achieves this through small, everyday acts. In usual times, this could have been a way for players to relax with a slow, low-stakes game. But the start of the pandemic created a huge change in people’s everyday routines…
Making Your Space
2020 showed that for its players, Animal Crossing is more than a game. It is a place where players can live and shape their own universe. This became all the more valuable during a time of lockdowns and travel restrictions…
Representing Yourself
Many games, like Animal Crossing, have a main hero you can customize to look like you. In this version of the game, a first real range of options for skin tones made more players feel included. Island design options also let players represent their own cultural heritage.
Sharing Creativity
While the island does have its own museum of art, insects, fish and fossils, it also has a range of design options. You can create your own outfits, patterns and even games! Players could recreate cultural and artistic events that couldn’t happen in 2020.
Staying in Touch
For many people, the pandemic means social distancing from friends and family. This creates a sense of isolation many struggle with. In the game, welcoming new neighbours to your island placed a big focus on social connections.