A fan from Nashville, Tennessee, enamored by the TV show “Shoresy,” which revolves around a fictional hockey team based in a genuine northern Ontario city, has embarked on recreating a virtual version of Sudbury. The show features the Sudbury Bulldogs playing at the real Sudbury Arena and frequenting authentic local spots like the Peppi Panini eatery.
Dani Burge meticulously replicated these landmarks in the popular video game “Animal Crossing,” incorporating Sudbury’s iconic sites such as the Superstack and Big Nickel. Expressing her delight, Burge mentioned that the show’s humor inspired her to explore a distinctive creative outlet, finding solace in designing and unleashing her creativity.
Starting with the Sudbury Arena one evening, Burge woke up the next day to an influx of 50 comments from Sudburians eagerly anticipating her creations, some even suggesting what part of the city she should recreate next. Despite the game’s limitations in portraying hockey scenes, she dedicated approximately 50 hours on her virtual “island” in “Animal Crossing,” focusing on crafting original designs due to the absence of hockey-related items in the game.
Burge expressed her astonishment at the overwhelmingly positive response from Sudbury residents, fueling her desire to visit the city in the future. She acknowledged the enthusiasm her virtual rendition of Sudbury has generated within a community she had not yet physically experienced, emphasizing the impact of her creative endeavor.
Including the iconic Superstack in her virtual Sudbury, Burge was surprised to learn about the gradual dismantling of the landmark Smokestack in reality. Despite the project’s modest scale, she emphasized the excitement it has brought to a place she has yet to explore physically.
