Shacknews Top 10 Games of the Year 2020

#2 Game of the Year 2020 - Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Animal Crossing: New Horizons can looks pretty simple with a cursory glance. The game doesn't really ask much of players, but in that simplicity of gameplay lies the genius of the franchise. Sure, Animal Crossing: New Horizons was one of the best-selling games of 2020, but its impact goes far beyond the Nintendo balance sheet or income statement.

The game launched in late March of 2020, as the pandemic shutdowns began to take hold. For many players, Animal Crossing: New Horizons provided a much needed escape from what was a very difficult year for most people. The game allowed people to get together online, share ideas for island designs, and even brag about cool stuff that they had bought from the Nook Store.

The game also provided players with a routine and sense of normalcy when a lot of the outside world was anything but that. From planting trees, to harvesting fruit, to fishing, to playing the Turnips in the Stalk Market, Animal Crossing: New Horizons gave us a way to escape from the world even for little bits of time here and there. It may not be for everyone, but the game deserves very high praise for helping many people get through a very tough year.

Shack Staff

Shack Staff stories are a collective effort with multiple staff members contributing. Many of our lists often involve entires from several editors, and our weekly Shack Chat is something we all contribute to as a group.