I'll never forget the moment I first discovered Animal Crossing. It was 2003, and I was sitting cross-legged on my friend’s bedroom floor, eyes glued to his small silver TV. On-screen, a cheerful little character roamed a vibrant town filled with quirky animal neighbors, blooming flowers, and fruit trees that sometimes dropped bags of money. I was instantly enchanted—and immediately begged my parents for the game.

Now, more than ever, we need escapes like this. With so much uncertainty and isolation, our usual comforts feel out of reach. But video games? They're still here—offering joy, connection, and a much-needed break from reality.

That's why I'm launching Join the Game, a biweekly column where I'll dive into video games and gaming culture as a lifelong player and former gaming YouTuber. Expect reviews (from blockbuster AAA titles to hidden indie gems), spotlights on fascinating creators, and deep dives into how—and why—we play.

And right now, few games deliver comfort and connection better than Animal Crossing: New Horizons, the latest installment in Nintendo's beloved series. As always, you start as the only human in a world of adorable animal villagers. You arrive with nothing but a tent, a handful of supplies, and a debt to the ever-entrepreneurial Tom Nook.

There's no pressure, no rigid goals—just endless possibilities. Fish, catch bugs, dig up fossils, design your dream home, or simply relax under the virtual sun. The choice is yours.

For me, Animal Crossing has always been a retreat. As a kid, it was my happy place after a tough day. Now, as someone with asthma—and therefore high-risk for COVID-19—it’s become a lifeline. Stuck in my apartment, anxious and isolated, booting up New Horizons this weekend was the first time in weeks I forgot about the pandemic.

From the moment I arrived on my deserted island, stress melted away. Timmy and Tommy, Tom Nook's wide-eyed nephews, welcomed me with cheerful enthusiasm. My mission? Turn this untouched paradise into a thriving community.

The tasks were simple but satisfying: gathering branches to craft tools, picking fruit for a bonfire, scouting the perfect spot for my tent. Every sound—the crunch of sand underfoot, the rustle of leaves, the soft jazz soundtrack—was soothing. Time passed in sync with the real world, making each small achievement feel meaningful.

And the villagers? Pure serotonin. When Mira, my rabbit neighbor, gifted me a hat that perfectly matched my outfit, I was genuinely touched. (Yes, even if she's just pixels on a screen.)

Of course, no game is perfect. New Horizons limits players to one island per Nintendo Switch, even with multiple accounts—so families sharing a console can't each have their own paradise. Multiplayer, while fun, can be clunky to set up for larger groups.

But those flaws don't overshadow the magic. My boyfriend and I have visited friends' islands, laughing as we posed for photos in silly outfits. I've reconnected with old pals who just wanted to tour my virtual getaway. In a time of social distancing, these tiny digital hangouts feel priceless.

So if you're craving an escape, I can't recommend New Horizons enough. Download it, disappear into your island, and let yourself breathe. After all, everyone deserves a little paradise right now.

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