When I first arrived on the blank canvas that was my Island on the 20th March 2020, I had no idea that this small island and all its inhabitants would become so important to me over the next few months and the coming year.
When I had my 35th Birthday in April during the first UK lockdown, it felt weird not to celebrate by going out for a meal or meeting up with family and friends.
What I had was something truly magical, wonderfully silly, and utterly ridiculous; I got to have a birthday party with people I’ve never met, on a digital island with party games.
It was also streamed online by James Farley, a member of The Computer Game Show podcast.
We had a treasure hunt, a disco, and a game of musical tree stumps that became far more competitive than it ever should have done. To do this day, there is a debate over the legitimacy of the winner.
We’ve also got a Discord community as part of the podcast with a channel dedicated to Animal Crossing. Pictures, GIFs, stories, achievements, and diys are shared there, and (although I am biased) it’s one of the kindest and nicest places on social media/the internet.
The constant seasonal events, activities, and updates have been a treat, and I’ve been surprised by just how much design has gone into each one. Bunny Day doesn’t count, even the second time around.
Then there’s Phil. We didn’t get on at first. In fact, I tried to boot him off the island a fair few times but this one character is genuinely the reason I look forward to logging in so much. His stupid mannerisms have me in stiches (N’aww, Stiches, another favourite villager) and I’m so glad he stayed. He gives great advice on fashion and my career, and his positivity and confidence is something to aspire to.
There have been slumps; times where my real life has got a bit too busy and I’ve not logged on for a few days.
I’m always met with huge anxiety from my villagers that they’ve somehow offended me but they genuinely seem glad that I’m back. This always makes me feel like I’ve come back to something familiar and friends that know me.
My nephew turned 6 in March and he got New Horizons for his birthday. It’s been so special to introduce him to everyone on my island, especially Phil. We’ve been fishing, had a treasure hunt, and pulled up weeds on his new island. Sharing this with him whilst we still can’t physically be together has been really beautiful and has meant a lot.
When I told the podcast Discord community that he was starting his island adventure, and asked if they had spare DIYs, everyone donated so much to get him started he was over the moon.
It’s become more than just a game I play; I visit my island like I would visit friends, and since I’ve not been able to do that in real life for a year, it’s been there for me in ways I never knew I needed it to be.