This is an assignment for an online course.
“Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Switch)” is a review of the video game Animal Crossing: New Horizons on Christ-Centered Gamer, written by Tyler Ferguson. “Just like its predecessors, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a simulation of various aspects of life. You move to an island and live among anthropomorphic animals. You can work to decorate an island and earn money (called Bells) to pay loans to expand your home, purchase items, and so much more” (Ferguson, par. 3). I will analyze the review in respect of the Church’s seven media keys.
The First Media Key: Balance
To apply the first media key, the first step is to pray for the virtue of temperance, which “is necessary for practicing the key of balance” (Gan, p. 31). “Temperance is the moral virtue that moderates the attraction of pleasures and provides balance in the use of created goods” (CCC 1809).
The author does a good job addressing both the positive and negative sides of the game, and though he has more optimistic view of the game, he acknowledges at the end that others may disagree. He also mentions that “[m]uch like other simulation games, you are meant to play at your own pace” (Ferguson, par. 3), and later he also says that Animal Crossing is a very relaxing game (Ferguson, par. 15). These two aspects of the game make it a lot less addictive than faster-paced action games. I have found that after a busy day, playing Animal Crossing is a nice way to wind down.
The Second Media Key: Attitude Awareness
Praying for the virtue of prudence is first step of applying the second media key. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “Prudence disposes practical reason to discern true good in every circumstance and to choose the right means of achieving it . . .” (CCC 1806). “[W]hen applied, the second media key . . . enables us to more clearly recognize the messages, both subtle and not so subtle, coming at us through media, so that we don’t allow visible lies to override invisible truths” (Gan, p. 40).
The article mentions that “. . . there are a few LGBT references in the English translation. These include two male characters that have some dialogue that implies they are in a relationship (though they also have dialogue that implies they are nothing more than business partners)” (Ferguson, par. 18). I don’t remember coming across any references to this myself, but I don’t doubt they’re still there. Maybe they just went over my head. The article has an overall very optimistic view of the game, but it also does well discussing some of it’s potentially problematic aspects.
The Third Media Key: Dignity of the Human Person
The first step for applying the third media key is to pray for the virtue of justice, which “. . . is the moral virtue that consists in the constant and firm will to give [one’s] due to God and neighbor” (CCC 1807). Dr. Gan says that “[media] should take into consideration all that we are—body and soul, heart and mind—and both reflect and defend that” (Gan, p. 54). That also means that in online discussion forums and the like, we must show respect for others; otherwise, “we can participate in stripping others and ourselves of our God-given dignity” (Gan, p. 57).
The article states that Animal Crossing “. . . is a very peaceful and relaxing game, there is no violence, unless you count getting stung by wasps, bitten by mosquitoes, and attacked by tarantulas and scorpions at night. (Don’t worry, getting attacked by tarantulas and scorpions simply means the screen blacking out and you waking up at your home.)” (Ferguson, par. 15). This is one thing that I really like about this game. However, the author continues with this warning: “Pieces of art can be purchased from a shady character who can sell you forgeries if you’re not careful. The art pieces you can purchase are real and include pieces depicting nudity, such as the Statue of David and Venus de Milo” (Ferguson, par. 16). The purpose of collecting art—as well as bugs, fish, fossils, and other sea creatures—is to donate them to the island’s museum. However, if you would rather not, there is no need to collect art.
The Fourth Media Key: Truth-Filled
Step one of applying the fourth media key is to pray for the virtue of fortitude. “Fortitude is the moral virtue that ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of the good” (CCC 1808). Media has an incredible power to show truth—or falsehood—and make it very convincing.
The review mentions that “[i]n terms of occult content, there are magic wands that can be used to quickly change your appearance, along with magic-themed outfits. There is also a fortune teller that can read your fortune in exchange for Bells” (Ferguson, par. 17). In my own experience of the game, I don’t think the wand is really that much of a problem; I think it is meant to be just a fun way of quickly changing your character’s outfit to a saved “wand outfit.” On the other hand, however, I do think avoiding the fortune teller feature is the best thing to do, and I personally have never used it.
The Fifth Media Key: Inspiring
Praying for the virtue of hope “. . . to be integrated into all media, including your own use of the media” (Gan, p. 95) is the first step of applying the fifth media key. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “Hope is the theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ’s promises and relying not on our own strength, but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit” (CCC 1817).
The article mentions how “[y]ou can do chores for villagers and hang out with them, but you don’t really do so very often” (Ferguson, par. 4). This could encourage stronger friendships in the real world since increasing friendships with the animal villagers in the game is rewarded. The article doesn’t give any more examples that relate to this key.
The Sixth Media Key: Skillfully Developed
Step on of applying the sixth media key is to pray for the virtue of faith “for yourself and for those working in the media industry” (Gan, p. 110). Although “[s]killfully developed isn’t the first media key for the Church . . . [i]t’s still a necessary ingredient for good media. And we need to remember this as we evaluate media, recommend media, and make media” (Gan, p. 100).
The author states in his article, “[Animal Crossing: New Horizons] retains the charming cartoon visuals [of its previous entries], while looking somewhat realistic. Grass now has subtle blades, instead of just being a green plain of shapes. Weeds now look far more realistic, and have variety in designs. Furniture looks especially realistic. Characters have better proportions and animations. . . . The sound effects are very realistic, such as an object being pushed across dirt, or rain pouring onto a rooftop. The first time I heard the sound of waves crashing on the beach and wind rustling through the trees reminded me of my visits to the beaches on the East Coast” (Ferguson, pars. 12-13)
The Seventh Media Key: Motivated by and Relevant to Experience
Step one of applying the seventh media key is to pray for the virtue of charity, which “. . . can promote sympathy for and understanding of others” (Gan, p. 128). “Charity is the theological virtue by which we love God above all things for his own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God” (CCC 1822).
The review says, “Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a simulation of various aspects of life. . . . Much of your time is spent outdoors. Here, you find items lying about, catch creatures, and interact with animal villagers . . . . The most unique mechanic [of the game] is that everything revolves around real time” (Ferguson, pars. 3-6).
Citations
Catholic Church. Catechism of the Catholic Church for the United States of America. 2nd Edition, Our Sunday Visitor, 2023.
Ferguson, Tyler. “Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Switch).” Christ-Centered Gamer, Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Switch) .
Gan, Eugene. Infinite Bandwidth: Encountering Christ in the Media. Emmaus Road Publishing, 2010.