The seasonal events and updates for Animal Crossing: New Horizons could possibly be delayed as a result of the international coronavirus pandemic. This new coronavirus (COVID-19) has been sweeping the globe, and by all professional accounts, the massive health crisis is going to get worse before it gets better.
Released just a few days ago, Animal Crossing: New Horizons has already made a huge splash in the industry and is rapidly becoming the most popular Animal Crossing title. Many are saying that the game couldn't have come at a more perfect time, what with the majority of people staying indoors due to the coronavirus outbreak and practicing "social distancing." Screen Rant's review of New Horizons called it "everything fans wanted" and a "must-own exclusive" for the Nintendo Switch. The game introduces a number of significant new features to the Animal Crossing formula, and those features include seasonal events that are slated to appear in the game through updates. However, the development schedule for those exciting new events could be in jeopardy.
In a new interview with the Washington Post, game director Aya Kyogoku and producer Hisashi Nogami discussed Animal Crossing: New Horizons' big changes and its plans for the long term. The two of them said they're having to pay close attention to the pandemic and how it might affect the game's post-launch content. Kyogoku stated that development on these event updates is currently ongoing, but "we have to be flexible" if anything needs to be shifted. Apparently, the development team is working in the office every day, but the team’s hours have changed so employees can avoid rush-hour train traffic. "In terms of the development team, I do have to think about their health and well-being as well," Nogami said.
Despite its generally higher public health standards, Japan has also been hit by the coronavirus. The country now has over 1,000 confirmed cases, and Nintendo has seen supply decrease for the new Animal Crossing-themed Nintendo Switch in Japan as their Chinese manufacturers close down for the foreseeable future. But according to the Washington Post interview, Nintendo said this is a problem specific to Asia, not North America.
New Horizons certainly wouldn't be the only game affected by the pandemic. In fact, a number of other big games could be delayed due to coronavirus. With so many people playing and talking about Animal Crossing at the moment, there's sure to be some disappointment if the seasonal events do end up getting postponed or cancelled. However, the most important thing in that scenario would be the health and safety of the developers, and fans would likely acknowledge that.
Source: Washington Post