Animal Crossing: New Horizons has exceeded its lofty expectations and it seems as though everyone is playing it right now. Though official sales numbers have yet to be announced, it’s looking more and more likely that this is the highest-selling game of 2020 so far.
New Horizons is receiving praise left right and centre for its charming (and relaxing!) gameplay, wonderful style and its inclusivity. Unlike lots of games in which you create your character, AC: NH doesn’t force you to abide by gender norms – “male” characters can dress in “female” clothes and vice-versa. But the forward-thinking doesn’t end there, as it seems an openly gay couple is featured in the game.
As reported by Metro, this is allegedly the first gay couple in the history of Nintendo games, making it a pretty huge deal. The couple in question is the island villager CJ the beaver and his partner, Flick the chameleon.
The game doesn’t outrightly confirm the duo are in a romantic relationship, but as you can see in the following tweet, it’s doesn’t seem as though the pair are business partners…
“My partner’s into makin’ slick collectibles if you want one. He’s soooooo talented!” says CJ.
Admittedly there are Nintendo games out there which allow you to create a homosexual character (looking at you, Fire Emblem), but this is the first time that NPCs are in a gay relationship not of the player’s choosing.
Although you can debate the meaning of the word “partner” until the cows come home (or the beavers and chameleons), you can’t dispute the comments of another villager, Merry the cat.
Merry is seemingly a big fan of comic books, and speaks about her favourite read – a tale about the Princess of Rocketboarding and her ‘true love’ the Princess of Explosions. Check it out in the tweet below.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is absolutely my favourite game of 2020…but then again there’s still 60-ish days until The Last of Us Part 2 so we’ll see.
Featured Image Credit: Nintendo