With the coronavirus pandemic wreaking havoc on America, video game companies have seen a surge in sales. Nintendo global president Shuntaro Furukawa and Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser sat down with Fast Company to discuss why the Switch is such a popular console, how Animal Crossing: New Horizons is so special, and Nintendo’s foray into theme parks, movies, and more.
Why is Animal Crossing: New Horizons so popular?
New Horizons is one of the most popular games on nintendo us animal switchmccracken fastcompany Switch console. Its calming gameplay and creative freedom have earned it critical acclaim. It’s a social game where players create their own island, build their community, and make friends with animal villagers.
There are many reasons why Animal Crossing has become so popular, but one of the biggest factors is the game’s lack of stress and competitiveness. It has no time-sensitive goals, no bosses to fight, and no health bars. Instead, it offers players a chance to relax and unwind in an environment that’s as fun and inviting as a tropical island.
This relaxed nature is what makes the game so popular among millennials and Generation Z. It also appeals to younger gamers who might not otherwise be interested in video games like the Animal Crossing series.
The game’s enchanting art style, realistic-looking graphics, and enticing animations all contribute to its charm. And the real-time clock and calendar allow players to schedule their activities at different times of the day or year, which adds a sense of authenticity to the experience.
Another big reason why the Animal Crossing series is so popular is the anthropomorphic villager characters. This is an aspect of the franchise that’s always been a favorite of Nintendo fans.
Characters like Cherry are often considered “big sisters” to the villagers, and they’ll guide you through the game by offering tips and advice on how to best interact with your neighbors. They’ll also give you medicine if you get stung by a wasp nest or something else that could potentially be dangerous.
Other popular Animal Crossing villagers include Smug, Marshal, and Judy. Smug villagers are usually friendly and polite, but they can also come off as a little snooty from time to time. Marshal is a bit meaner than his brother Smug, but they share the same fondness for the sun.
While a lot of people play Animal Crossing to escape reality, some also find the games relaxing and entertaining. This is especially true when you consider that the game takes place on a remote deserted island.
What makes the Switch so special?
The Nintendo Switch is a small, handheld video game console that’s surprisingly versatile. It can be plugged into your TV to play games on the big screen, or it can be used as a portable system with its Joy-Cons detaching from a grip attached to the side of the console. It’s also got a great range of exclusive first-party titles and a wide array of third-party games that can be played on the go.
While its graphical capabilities are a little behind that of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox One, Nintendo’s unique game franchises have made the Switch one of the most successful consoles of all time. These exclusive franchises, including Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Bros Ultimate and Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, are a key draw for many gamers, and the portable nature of the Switch means that you can easily take these games with you wherever you go.
It’s also a great platform for Nintendo’s Labo toys, which allow you to build pre-set creations or customize your own. Likewise, Mario Kart Live allows you to control actual mini go-karts that can be driven around your home.
However, despite its great library and low cost of entry, the Switch isn’t the perfect game console for everyone. There are three main arenas where it cannot compete with the more powerful consoles: online play, online multiplayer and the price of games.
The Switch’s first-party offerings are great, but there is a lack of high-profile, blockbuster titles compared to the PlayStation 5 and Xbox One. There are only a few notable exceptions, including the upcoming Pokemon Legends: Arceus, which looks to be a reimagining of one of the most successful franchises in video game history.
Fortunately, the Switch does have some very solid third-party offerings that can compete with the Xbox One and PS4 Pro. This includes a strong lineup of RPGs, shooters and strategy games that all offer a compelling experience.
There are some other perks to the Switch, such as its unique tetherless mode, which lets you prop it up on a table and detach the Joy-Cons for more portable gaming. The console has a few drawbacks, though, such as the fact that it requires Wi-Fi details to play and you have to set up a user account with a password before you can use it. It’s also worth mentioning that Nintendo’s online services are a bit weaker than Sony and Microsoft’s, which means you can’t play many first-party games online without paying for a subscription.
What does Animal Crossing: New Horizons have to do with Nintendo’s broader strategy?
Animal Crossing has long been a contemplative series about small moments, like sitting on a tree stump and soaking in the rosy caress of a sunset or listening to the comforting patter of rain under the protective embrace of an umbrella.
Those are the kinds of moments that fans cherish, and they’ve made New Horizons one of Nintendo’s most popular games ever. But the frantic nature of social media and its rapid-fire updates have started to tarnish the game’s idyllic qualities for some players.
For one thing, a lot of fans find that they feel shabby and inadequate when they see other players’ elaborate designs on social media. They also have to deal with a loading screen every time a friend visits their island, which can make letting your friends come and go as you please difficult.
Another annoyance is that the tools you use in the game don’t last forever. You can chop trees to gather wood, fish for bugs or dig up fossils, but if you keep using the same tools over and over again, they’ll break down quickly.
It’s important for games to be designed with the environment in mind, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons has many aspects that promote conservation. For example, villagers can be modelled after different species of animals, including some that are on the IUCN Red List as vulnerable, endangered and critically endangered.
However, it’s important to note that these aspects are influenced by Japanese folklore and cultural traditions rather than being explicitly designed with the natural environment in mind (Figure 1a). There is no meter or visual degradation of items, for example, that demonstrates when they will break down, or a way to tell players how to improve their conservation efforts, such as by increasing the spawn rate of catchable wildlife.
In addition, the game’s star-rating system isn’t based on environmental outcomes. Instead, players’ islands are judged by an automated system that awards points based on short-term activities and longer-term goals, such as donating each of the 200 catchable bugs, fish or sea creatures to the island museum.
How did Animal Crossing: New Horizons become so popular?
The coronavirus pandemic impacted people around the world, which resulted in a massive rise in demand for entertainment. With people confined to their homes for long periods of time, the need for indoor activities increased dramatically. This led to the sales of nintendo us animal switchmccracken fastcompany Switch consoles soaring by a large margin, helping boost the game’s popularity.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a life-simulating game that combines fan-favorite villagers with a unique open world experience. Since its release in March 2020, the game has been one of the best-selling games in the Nintendo Switch franchise.
It offers a relaxing environment with endless opportunities for creativity and enjoyment. This makes the game a favorite among many players, especially those who are looking to escape from their day-to-day routines and enjoy some free time.
There are endless activities that can be completed within the game, including fishing, catching bugs, landscaping, and crafting furniture. Moreover, there are also plenty of events that take place throughout the year, giving players new ways to get involved in the game.
However, it is the social features that have really helped the game’s popularity. In Animal Crossing, you can create a community with other people and share your creations with them. This allows you to build your dream town, from haunted houses to zen gardens to little farmer’s markets and libraries.
You can also build a house with your friends and make memories together. This can make your Animal Crossing experience even more enjoyable, as you can build a community that is fun and welcoming.
Whether you are just passing by the game or you have been playing for a while, the social aspect of New Horizons is what really has got people hooked. It is a great way to meet new people and make friends, while at the same time escaping from your normal everyday routines.
The game’s open-ended nature has also enticed players to play it longer, as they can forge their own paths in the world. This makes the game a perfect choice for gamers who are looking to unwind and relax after a hard day at work or school.
