Nintendo's Animal Crossing: New Horizons has definitely been the game of the moment and in light of recent rules about physical distancing, the game has become a place where users celebrate important life milestones—a New York City couple, for example, had their virtual wedding in the game.
Although Sharmin Asha and Nazmul Ahmed had to cancel the real event due to COVID-19, they still gathered with five of their closest friends in Animal Crossing for a virtual beachside wedding on March 22nd. The custom-friendly interface of the game made it possible for the couple to tailor the virtual wedding to their exact specifications—from a personalized suit for the groom and a carpet runner embroidered with the couple's initials to a beach lined with tiki torches and potted flowers.
Virtual Beachside Weddings
A Couple Opts for a Virtual Wedding in Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Trend Themes
1. Virtual Celebrations - The rise of virtual celebrations in games like Animal Crossing presents opportunities for businesses to create virtual event planning services.
2. Customized Virtual Experiences - The ability to tailor virtual weddings and events in games like Animal Crossing opens up new avenues for businesses to offer personalized virtual experiences.
3. Alternative Socializing Platforms - The use of virtual worlds as socializing platforms, like Animal Crossing, suggests potential for businesses to create and monetize alternative online social spaces.
Industry Implications
1. Event Planning - Event planning companies can tap into the growing demand for virtual wedding and event services in games like Animal Crossing.
2. Virtual Reality - Virtual reality companies can explore opportunities to enhance the immersive experience of virtual weddings and events in games like Animal Crossing.
3. Social Media - Social media platforms can consider integrating virtual world experiences, like those in Animal Crossing, to provide users with alternative ways to interact and connect with others.