PETA shocked the world by venturing into video game guides with the release of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and it’s safe to say that the internet isn’t a fan of the organization’s efforts.
‘PETA’s Vegan Guide to Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ reminded players that fishing isn’t vegan, and if you don’t fish in real life, you shouldn’t do it in a game, either.
“Sure, unlike in real life, the fish in the game don’t feel pain, but fishing is harmful to animals and the planet,” the guide explained. “This is your island, and it’s your job to protect it.”
This isn’t limited to fish either; according to PETA, “just as fish don’t belong in tanks, insects don’t belong inside cramped cases in a museum for other villagers to gawk at.”
The guide went on to suggest players give their island an “animal-friendly name” to spread animal rights, and answered the age-old question: Is Tom Nook exploiting you? Yes, really.
Surely, right on schedule, the internet blasted PETA for their strange tips.
I’m vegan and even donate to PETA & this is too much lol😂. I play call of duty but don’t shoot people in real life. Fishing in a game is no different than that. Who thought of this?
— Jus Kap (@jus_kap) March 24, 2020
“I’m vegan and even donate to PETA & this is too much,” one Twitter user wrote. “I play Call of Duty, but don’t shoot people in real life. Fishing in a game is no different than that. Who thought of this?”
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“I’m just gonna say that Animal Crossing does not need anyone’s political bullsh*t in it, not even yours,” another commented. “Animal Crossing is about living peacefully and having a good time, two things that even if they somehow aren’t true, you definitely represent in the eyes of the majority.”
I'm just gonna say that Animal Crossing does not need anyone's political bullshit in it, not even yours. Animal Crossing is about living peacefully and having a good time, two things that even if they somehow aren't true, you definitely represent in the eyes of the majority
— Mittens is Existing 🏳️⚧️ (@AmyIsExisting) March 24, 2020
“Finally! My main priority during this time of international pandemic where hundreds of thousands of people are dying was the ethics of animal treatment in this fake world where no feelings exist on either side of the screen!” a critic mocked.
Finally! My main priority during this time of international pandemic where hundreds of thousands of people are dying was the ethics of animal treatment in this fake world where no feelings exist on either side of the screen!
— luκε (@luke_cant_spel) March 24, 2020
This isn’t the first time PETA has been mocked for its take on video games either; In 2012, the organization released a Pokemon Black & White parody game called Pokemon Black & Blue. In the game, Pikachu fights to free his fellow Pokemon from their abusive trainers.
Whatever the case, it seems that PETA has officially jumped the shark – or is that somehow animal abuse, too?