You may have heard of Animal Crossing before, but maybe you didn’t know how it saved Gen Z’s sanity. The game is fun and lighthearted, and you can control everything, including the fashion sense of your characters. Despite its social conscience, you’ll probably find yourself playing Animal Crossing again. Here are some reasons why. This game is an antidote to Generation Z’s social anxiety.

Animal Crossing is a video game for unwinding

It’s no secret that Generation Z has become increasingly stressed. The arbitrary admissions process at college, school shootings, and the rapidly deteriorating environment aren’t exactly conducive to unwinding. But Animal Crossing represents a far better world. Gen Z can use this game as a lullaby to get through the day. And with a slow, calm pace, it’s the perfect video game for unwinding.

Many gamers consider Animal Crossing a video game that is both fun and relaxing. Among its core fan base, it serves as a palate-cleanser in between intense games. While it’s possible to get pretty frustrated while playing this game, there’s never a sense of exploitation or victimhood. Instead, Animal Crossing is a friendly, welcoming environment, and the player’s choices are entirely their own.

It has a social conscience

“Animal Crossing has a social conscience that reaches beyond its game’s mechanics.” Writes Kyle Buchanan, a writer for Nerdist magazine. “The game represents a better time, where students are not worried about arbitrary college admissions or school shootings. It represents a new future for Generation Z.”

“You can feel good about yourself.” The character’s expressive aesthetic is exemplified by trans femmes of color and queers of color. As Zoomers grow up, they come to recognize their differences and embrace them as strengths. This generation rejects the idea of mere acceptance and apologies, and they celebrate their quirks and marginality. And they wear genderless garments.

It’s a calming world

A new Nintendo Switch game, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, provides a more relaxing experience with its fantasy village and friendly animal neighbors. It encourages mindful behavior and personal goal-setting. While Millennials have been captivated by Animal Crossing for years, Gen Z players have been drawn to the new game’s more peaceful environment. Whether you play with friends online or offline, Animal Crossing is a great way to pass the time and relax.

The millennial generation is plagued by a variety of concerns, from student loan debt to renting rather than owning. They often see their future as a distant dream and have a less optimistic view of the world. They also harbor a generational cynicism towards corporate interests. They often think that owning a home is out of reach and a faraway dream. For Millennials and Gen Z, Animal Crossing represents a fantasy world where things are much better than they are in real life.

It’s a virtual shopping experience

One of the leading payment and shopping platforms, Klarna, has partnered with gaming star Micah Mahinay to create a virtual shopping experience based on Nintendo’s hit social simulation game, Animal Crossing. Players will be able to buy fashions from Mahinay’s Klarna wish list. Using the game’s technology, Klarna allows retailers to engage with millennials and Gen Z.

The digital natives of Gen Z aren’t easily swayed by brands. Their focus is on video and action, making them natural multi-taskers. This means retailers must capture their attention and make shopping an experience. Moreover, 87% of Gen Z respondents believe that digital shopping experiences improved during the coronavirus crisis. They don’t like to be pushed into a predetermined shopping experience.

It’s a virtual world

There are two distinct generations, Gen Alpha and Gen Z, and it is the former that is likely to have the most influence on the digital world. A recent survey by Hub Entertainment Research found that 45% of Gen Z consumers “hated” the concept of a metaverse, while only a third said that it was a positive thing. Similarly, a third of Gen Z respondents rated it between zero and two out of 10. The survey also showed that a majority of Gen Z consumers spend twice as much time on the metaverse than they do in real life.

The next generation of individuals, Gen Z is focused on individual achievement and making an impact on society. By using virtual reality, a brand can bring these students’ attention spans up while simultaneously creating an authentic story. While a brand can never be too ‘authentic’, Gen Z’ers are eager to engage with a brand when it tells them a story that’s authentic to the brand. That story shouldn’t contradict the brand’s values, but should be in line with it.