The site has quickly established itself among the leading fan websites for Animal Crossing players, and a complex operation is run behind-the-scenes to keep up with rapid growth and demand. Between keeping up with user demand, monitoring the fluctuating Animal Crossing economy and planning for the site’s future, Luu’s “side project" has become something more akin to a second job. Through Nookazon, players can publish listings for items they own in-game, or post a wishlist of the items they’re seeking. Facilitating trades in-game can be nearly impossible unless you coordinate with friends, and the Animal Crossing community’s DIY solutions to these shortcomings were often inadequate or imperfect stopgaps. One of these makeshift solutions was trade channels on the official Animal Crossing: New Horizons Discord, where players would barter for furniture, fruit and different items.

Source: Washington Post May 11, 2020 17:03 UTC