Animal Crossing Thoughts: What's Next for Nintendo After New Horizons

Recent updates have indicated that the gaming community is eagerly anticipating the next installment in the Animal Crossing series following the immense success of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Despite the fact that updates for New Horizons have ceased, the game remains popular among its dedicated fanbase, although speculations about a new title are growing. The current situation of Animal Crossing: New Horizons had seen a significant success, bolstering players through the pandemic as an escape to adorable virtual island life, attracting both new and veteran players of the series.

Animal Crossing fans wonder whether the next game will be built upon New Horizon's successful formula or if it will present a complete reinvention. Considering New Horizons’ sales figures, it seems likely that Nintendo may choose to use this title as the template for subsequent games. However, there is also curiosity surrounding how much the upcoming game will embrace or deviate from New Horizons' features, such as terraforming and outdoor decoration, which were well-received. A possible focus for the new game could be expanding customization capabilities, addressing the simpler dialogue of NPCs, and possibly revitalizing the game by reintroducing beloved aspects from previous titles, such as various mini-games and upgrading the retail experience through Nook’s store.

The anticipation for the next Animal Crossing game leads to a vast array of player expectations, many desiring minor improvements and nostalgic features, while others look forward to new elements and experiences. It’s expected that Nintendo will opt for a safe route, not straying far from the familiar to cater to the mass appeal brought by New Horizons. Fans predict that the next title could emerge within the next three to four years, and until then, alternatives to New Horizons might help bridge the gap. The article emphasizes the speculation and anticipation within the fan community while reflecting on the series' past and how it could shape the future of Animal Crossing.

While there is no official announcement from Nintendo, fans speculate that it may take another three to four years based on previous development cycles for a new Animal Crossing game to be released.

Background Information:

Animal Crossing is a popular social simulation video game series developed and published by Nintendo. The series started in 2001 and has seen many iterations over the years, each introducing new features and expanding the virtual world where players live among anthropomorphic animals and engage in various activities like fishing, bug catching, and decorating their homes and the environment. Animal Crossing: New Horizons, released for the Nintendo Switch in March 2020, became a global phenomenon, partly due to its timely release at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The game is praised for its relaxing gameplay, customizability, and engaging community aspects. It has also received several updates post-launch, adding more content and features to the game, although updates have tapered off, leading to speculation about the next series entry.