The rollout of the summer update wave 2 introduced into Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a feature that once debuted in Animal Crossing: New Leaf, subsequently giving players the ability to visit another player’s island in a dream-like state. Alternatively, via this feature, each player can submit their island for others to visit—but could risk getting removed if reported.
According to user reports, Nintendo is indeed resorting to remove islands that other users describe as having illicit content.
Hacked Content
There have been a few popular hacks that are plaguing Animal Crossing: New Horizons. One most common involves having trees grow stuff instead of fruit, such as star fragment, for example. Although mostly intended for creative purposes, others resort to selling, subsequently proliferating the illegality.
Players may have had gotten away with the illicit method for a while. However, this does not seem to be the case with the Dream Suite, with Nintendo involving other players with the “witch hunt.”
https://twitter.com/wallfloweracnh/status/1289047787330404353
Culprit’s Defense
But not everyone appears to be against the use of hack items. This particularly concerns individuals who were either subject of the punishment or remains to be one.
One particular user tells a story of using hack content as part of her island, aimed at giving other users catalog over certain items. Hers, in particular, is a star fragment tree. Only for her to get a 24-hour response from Nintendo, telling her of her violation leading to the takedown of her island.
In her defense, she points to the non-competitive nature of the game, which she believes warrants no violation over something whose purpose is merely cosmetics. Consequently, finding it both “disappointing” and “frustrating” to not be able to share her own-made island.
Players’ Sentiments
It seems this one particular user is not alone in her plight. Bringing the topic in social media, others shared their sentiments, corroborating to the nature of her concern.
One user even goes saying that there is literally “zero competition” in the game. Therefore, insinuating that “cheating does not exist.” The same commenter continues the statement by asking Nintendo to leave them alone.
More than just the issue of island removal, another pressing issue is the lack of a system for appeal. One, if in place, could significantly set a balance in a scheme that appears one-sided in its current state.
Image used courtesy of TagBackTV/YouTube Screenshot