Animal Crossing: New Horizons was almost instantly successful and has managed to retain a lot of its popularity for over a year. New Horizons has had such a positive effect on many people throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a game that already has such an impact could do even more if it included an education component.
One of the most detailed and intricate parts of New Horizons is the museum run by the wordy but lovable Blathers. The building is absolutely beautiful inside and out. And once the player has completed most of their donations, it actually feels like a real museum. The problem is that it isn’t being used to its full potential.
In previous Animal Crossing titles, players could learn about the different creatures in the museum by interacting with the plaque in front of each exhibit, but in New Horizons, the only information given is who donated the creature and when. The original plaques should be brought back to the game - they are still being used in the art gallery, anyway. Sure, players can learn some facts from Blathers, but only when they initially donate the creature, or if they bring another to him. This is a much more complicated process than it needs to be.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ Museum Is Being Underutilized
Considering Animal Crossing is filled with a variety of species, it is a little strange that players don’t learn anything about them. Some of them, like tigers or elephants, are on the endangered species list, and the dodos are actually extinct. There are a lot of kids who play this game - as well as adults - who could benefit from learning more about this and about conservation in general. On the lighter side, there are plenty of cool and interesting facts about these animals that Animal Crossing could share.
This information could be given in a few ways. The villagers could mention facts about their species in dialogue and letters, and could even share facts about the other villagers. More serious information could be delegated to the museum. There is a room in the fossil exhibit that has most of the species lined up against the back wall. This could be expanded to show all of the species and include information about them, too.
There could also be events held in the museum and in the plaza. The Museum Day event isn’t typically that exciting, since players are simply supposed to get three stamps from each wing of the museum, and then they get a little plaque to hang in their house. A different museum event could be used to highlight the creatures players have donated. There could be a scavenger hunt where players have to find different creatures based on clues Blathers gives them, and there could also be themed prizes for each wing of the museum.
Outside of the museum, there could be events like an Earth Day event where Lief comes and teaches players about recycling and making sustainable choices. New DIYs could be added for players to craft that involve recycling and using fewer resources. There would also be new prizes and items, of course. The idea is to include education in a way that is fun and still keep that Animal Crossing vibe.
