Material History Virtual World Publication

Feature “Animal Crossing is a game where we go to escape the harsh realities of the real world, but we cannot ignore the fact that systemic racism exists and continues to threaten the lives of black people.” This caption accompanied their debut of a Black Lives Matter hoodie and t-shirt which can be worn by any player in the game simply by copying the code also provided in the caption. The designed platform has allowed Animal Crossing to reflect and engage with rapidly dynamic global events by encouraging user customisation. This is promoted further by the pas- toral, communal world that the player is immersed in; where exploration of the landscape and picking fruit is rewarded just as much as harvesting high-value tarantula farms to become a bell-ionaire. Though capitalism and protest coexist harmoniously in the kinetic, familiar platform of New Horizons this idyllism isn’t reflected offline. New Horizons has become a pixelated expression and extension of our escapist desires during quar- antine, as shown through the revival of designer archival garments worn in the game. Despite its cosily quaint interface and its hometown feeling Ani- mal Crossing New Horizons has managed to absorb prominent social changes. Through its emphasis on customisations and self-expression players are able to make New Horizons as involved with escapism or activism as they want. “Animal Crossing is a game where we go to escape the harsh realities of the real world, but we cannot ignore the fact that systemic racism exists and continues to threaten the lives of black people.” 1. Black Lives Matter Apparel by @ NookStreetMarket on Instagram, May 30, 2020 101

Credits The 2019-2021 cohort of the RCA/V&A History of Design MA would like to thank academic staff for their support and guid- ance throughout such an unprecedented year: Dorothy Armstrong Sarah Cheang Elizabeth Currie Josephine Kane Caroline McCaffrey Cheryl Roberts James Ryan Simon Sladen Spike Sweeting Sarah Teasley Simona Valeriani Thank you to Andrew Hulse (V&A) and Tessa Piggott (RCA) for their administra- tive support and their help in facilitating access to all-important online resources. We also extend our thanks to the many V&A curators, librarians and archi- vists who have contributed to the pro- gramme by sharing their knowledge and passion for the museum’s collection. Thank You 102



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