The fifth main series title in the Animal Crossing series, New Horizons published by Nintendo for Nintendo Switch that launched in March, has managed to sell millions of copies worldwide making it the highest selling game in the series. While most users have resorted to games as a distraction during this isolation period, demonstrators in Hong Kong are using the life simulation game as a platform to express their frustrations and anger.

Months before the spread of COVID-19, protests exploded on the streets of Hong Kong as an ongoing fight for democracy. After a bill was announced in February 2019 that would allow people from Hong Kong to be extradited to China, people began organizing and protesting which led to thousands of arrests and police attacks. Demonstrations continued up until the pandemic that forced people to quarantine.

Coronavirus may have halted protests on the streets, but demonstrators have found a way to continue expressing the anger they feel towards their government. What may seem like an uncommon way of protest, Animal Crossing has become an outlet for angry citizens in Hong Kong. The game, a place with no political censorship has permitted gamers to create banners such as “Free Hong Kong, Revolution Now” and has served as a tool for self-expression. The virtual island has become a revolutionary utopia for activists who demand change.