Since the game’s highly-anticipated March 20th release, Nintendo’s critically acclaimed slice-of-life video game has reached the hearts of numerous gamers around the globe. Whether it be brand new fans just recently drawn into the fictional world of Animal Crossing or previous fans returning for a nostalgic experience, both found the game the perfect opportunity to escape from the chaotic events the year 2020 has brought with it.
Starting the player off on an abandoned island containing nothing but barren fields and wild forests, the game follows the player’s journey from living in a flimsy tent to paying off a mansion — with even some money to spare. The game is about growth and management — you even start off the game with truckloads of debt! The rewarding results of the game are undeniable, and is a goal for many Animal Crossing fans when they first start off in the game.
However — are some fans becoming exhausted at the sheer amount of time and effort that goes into that goal?
The answer is: yes.
Even die-hard Animal Crossing fanatics are starting to question their time invested in a fictional island world. Spending hours upon hours pulling weeds, planting flowers, cutting trees, only for them to grow back again the next day, started to become a vicious cycle that would often deter the fun of the game itself. And even when all your weeds are maintained and your trees are nicely arranged in a lovely orchard, the decision fatigue sets in. Should I have put it here? Or here? Then you get all frustrated with yourself and lose motivation.
Sure, there have also been many players that have surpassed the main goal of paying off your house and filling every inch of your island just the way you wanted it be. But the question is — what now? I mean, your island is only so big right?
Luckily, Nintendo began to trickle in updates, additions to your island life that made your experience even better. First, it was swimming, then fishing tourneys, bug-offs; seemingly small and cute updates to satisfy you for the time being. The list goes on. Nintendo intentionally released these at a slower pace in hopes of keeping their fans waiting, and while many did, many lost the energy to log in again, myself included.
The burnout is real, and many people are starting to feel it if they haven’t already. Nintendo has had consistent updates throughout the months, but will soon run out.
All we can hope is that Nintendo will find a way to reel back in the players they are slowly starting to lose.
