Animal Crossing: New Horizons wins Game of the Year at Tokyo Games Show 2020

News by Dom Peppiatt Editor-in-chief

Published on Sept. 28, 2020

Nintendo's laid back life sim, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, has claimed the prestigious Game of the Year award at Tokyo Game Show 2020.

The game won over the judges for its charm, its accessibility, and the comfort it has provided to players all over the world since the Covid-19 pandemic kicked off earlier this year.

"Because we were forced to stay home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a slow-life experience in this game in which you can do everything freely became a comfort to people all over the world," a press release explains.

"Communication with close friends through the game and interaction with other players in events went beyond the bounds of a single game, and the game showed the power of entertainment from Japan, acquiring overwhelming support from many users of all ages, from children to senior citizens, in general voting, and won both the Award for Excellence and the Grand Award with unanimity."

Microsoft's showcase also heaped praise on the cozy island game, with Xbox head Phil Spencer dishing out compliments to the title – and to Japanese game development in general.

"Japan is a creative superpower in this industry with iconic characters and games that are highlights in the gaming histories of hundreds of millions of players across the globe," Spencer said. "Yakuza, Metal Gear, Biohazard, Persona, Dragon Quest, Final Fantasy, and even more recently the phenomenon of Animal Crossing. Japan and its creators have shaped so much of the magic we expect when it’s time to play a game. The culture and community that has had a profound influence on gaming across the world, on all screens, on Xbox fans, and on our team."

The Animal Crossing: New Horizons party isn't over yet, either. The game still has plenty of life left in it, and we're going to be seeing the Nintendo Switch title's next big update arrive via the Animal Crossing Fall Update from September 30th.

If you want to dive back into the game to celebrate the TGS win, or if you're returning to your island after a short break, you can check out our Animal Crossing: New Horizons guide at the link, where you can find the likes of the latest fish prices and how to visit Dream Islands.