Animal Crossing fans, who can’t wait to play Animal Crossing: New Horizons, have created a petition asking Nintendo to release the game early.

The reason? Because the coronavirus is keeping many people home, and their entertainment options are “shrinking”, so they are becoming bored. Brad G, creator of the petition, believes Nintendo will do a great service to loyal fans and gamers if they release the game ahead of its March 20, 2020 release date.

Here are his reasons for moving ahead the game’s release date:

“Nintendo should release Animal Crossing ahead of its scheduled March 20, 2020 release date. Due to the mounting concerns over the coronavirus, there is no better time for Nintendo to release Animal Crossing for the world to enjoy.

Over the last few days, we’ve seen bold measures to attempt to reduce the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). With large gatherings of people being discouraged by our leaders and lawmakers, we’ve seen serious responses from countries to reduce international travel as a means of preventing the spread of the virus. In America alone, sports leagues like the NBA, NHL, MLB, as well large festivals like SXSW and Coachella, have postponed operations while experts do their best to develop effective means of testing, treating, and stunting the spread of the virus that has caused the world to pause and take caution. In an unprecedented move, the Walt Disney Company has even decided to cease operations within their theme parks, a move that has come as a shock from a company who is known for its reputation of remaining open through all manner of disasters and panic.

This public response that has left consumers with an ever shrinking list of options for where they can spend their time and money leads me to my ultimate point that Nintendo should release Animal Crossing, effective immediately. People are staying indoors as a result of the public concern that this virus has caused and more than ever, people need an escape worthy of the magnitude of our current crisis.

Animal Crossing can provide hours and hours of entertainment for those people who find themselves with a lack of options for other forms of entertainment. Those who fear travel, or otherwise find themselves unable to travel in the wake of recent events, can make their escape to their own paradise and forget the troubles they face in our gloomy reality. Those who are cautious to attend social gatherings, can gather with their virtual neighbors around a comforting campfire while DJ K.K. charms everyone with a song.

I encourage Nintendo to listen to the desires of the people, their loyal fans, who would appreciate the gesture of releasing Animal Crossing ahead of its scheduled release date, because now, more than we can comprehend, we could all benefit from that feeling of community and creativity that Animal Crossing can provide.”

As of March 15, 2,151 people have signed the petition.

Visit the petition page here.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments!