After this game became a platform for political dissidents of the Chinese government, China seems to have banned the sale of Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Participants of the famous "Animal Crossing" are Joshua Wong, Secretary-General of the pro-democracy party Demosto in Hong Kong. During the corona virus blockade, Wong has been using "new horizons" to create political commentary and satire.
1 / "I played the game and bought it a few days ago. For many people around the world who play this game, they must integrate their ideal life into the game; for Hong Kong people, we must protest. The movement and the protest in our game Place. " pic.twitter.com/YWyZLSgSgV
— Joshua Wong 黄 之 锋 😷 (@joshuawongcf) April 2, 2020
After pictures appeared on social media last week, the game ’s list has been removed from online stores in China (including Pinduoduo and Taobao), which is owned by Alibaba. Technology news publication Ping West reported that some resellers on Taobao commented that the store instructed them to stop selling the product through the platform.
"Animal Crossing: New Horizons" may be launched in March, but the Chinese government has not yet approved the official sale of the popular Nintendo Switch game. This has led fans to have to rely on other measures to obtain their Animal Crossing solution, which is to import games through these eBay-like websites.
Game industry analyst Daniel Ahmad Point out that Chinese gamers can still find solutions. New Horizons can still be purchased by switching regions on Nintendo's eShop or by privately contacting online sellers and buying games under the table.
This means that gamers in China can no longer buy the imported version of the game directly from Taobao.
However, the game itself is not affected. Players can still play games offline or online on the imported Nintendo Switch console.
-Daniel Ahmad (@ZhugeEX) April 10, 2020
Although there is no evidence so far that this is done in response to pressure from the Chinese government, this is not the first time that a video game has been reviewed in China for political purposes. Earlier this year, the game "Piety" was removed from Steam because it contained art that mocked the Chinese president.
Taiwan ’s Prime Minister Su Zengchang responded to the disappearance of this game in China and pointed out in a Facebook post that “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” will never be banned in Taiwan.
The Taiwanese Prime Minister said: "Taiwan will not censor your game of picking up branches and planting radishes. Players can make fun of the government at will." Democracy and freedom of expression are Taiwan ’s most important values. Everyone can use any medium to say what they want to say. Please cherish this lifestyle and play as much as possible. "
"Animal Crossing: New Horizons" received VG247 five-star evaluation. Read it here, or you can view our full summary of criticisms on the Internet.
