I don't know about you, but my Twitter timeline basically consists of two topics right now: The global COVID-19 pandemic, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons videos. It sure makes for an undeniably ironic juxtaposition, given the happy, outdoorsy, communal nature of the Nintendo Switch release.
This strange timing hasn't escaped the attention of New Horizons' producer Hisashi Nogami and director Aya Kyogoku, who have expressed their hopes that players find a little bit of sunshine within the colourful worlds of Tom Nook, Isabelle, Blathers, and friends.
"We’ve been planning this release for quite some time, so it’s unfortunate that this timing overlapped with what’s currently happening in the world," Nogami said in an interview with The Verge. "I am very disheartened and saddened by the events happening across the world. Considering the timing, we hope that a lot of the Animal Crossing fans will use this as an escape, so they can enjoy themselves during this difficult time."
"It’s the kind of game you want to enjoy with other people, and talk about it, and share the experience with your friends and family,” added Kyogoku. "So I think that a global, simultaneous release is a really good approach for the franchise."
