Charm, Game, Community!

By Ike Chinukwue

Photo: wachiwit - stock.adobe.com

The year 2020 was one of the most challenging years in recent memory. As the Covid-19 pandemic swept across the world, entire nations were brought to a standstill. For many, myself included, quarantine, social distancing, and the pervasive sense of isolation that accompanied them, led to unpredictable bouts of loneliness and a general sense of disorientation. However, amidst all of this, video games became a reliable source of comfort and escape.

Suddenly having what felt like an unlimited amount of time for gaming, I quickly downloaded Animal Crossing: New Horizons, a cozy game that offered a muchneeded escape from the bizarre reality that surrounded me. As a fan of cozy games, I quickly found myself immersed in the game’s charming world, spending hours upon hours decorating my virtual island, collecting items, and interacting with the game’s colorful characters.

Like many other gamers, I hopped on Twitter to share my excitement, posting a snapshot of my cute blue-haired avatar along with the caption, “I’m playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons! Who’s with playing? #ACNH” Little did I know that this one tweet would lead me to a community of queer gamers, all seeking connection and community during these difficult times.

Our shared love for Animal Crossing quickly became the foundation of a close-knit group of friends, who spent countless hours exploring each other’s islands, exchanging gifts, and helping each other out when we got stuck in the game. It was like hanging out with friends when physical gatherings were impossible, and it was a welcome respite from the pervasive sense of loneliness that characterized the times.

As we continued to play together, our online connections deepened, and we began to build meaningful relationships that transcended the game. We started to share more about our personal lives, our struggles, our joys, and our triumphs. Despite never having met in person, we became a tight-knit community, bound together by our shared love of a video game and a desire for connection in a time of social isolation.

Over time, we moved beyond Twitter and created closer bonds through Discord chats. Here, we could share more intimately, support each other through difficult times, and build the kind of relationships that are often hard to find in the “real” world.

Looking back on that tweet and the friendships it brought into my life, I’m amazed at how one simple tweet led to such incredible connections outside of “the apps.” In a year defined by isolation and uncertainty, video games became a bridge to human connection and community, proving that even in the darkest of times, we can find light and hope through the simplest of pleasures.

By iCharlie