Localization is often seen as a post-production task, but a new diary video for Animal Crossing: New Leaf shows that its cultural nuances were being considered well in the early stages of development.
According to Reiko Ninomiya of Nintendo of America’s Treehouse division, she and other localizers began brainstorming with developers in late 2010 for New Leaf and were involved through the entire process. Actual translation began around March 2012.
Ninomiya noted that ideas for events, items and uses for familiar characters were among the elements discussed with the New Leaf team:
Development teams in Japan are always really open to our feedback, but especially with this franchise I think they really understand that it needs to feel close; it needs to feel comfortable and warm and familiar.
You can watch the full development diary video below, which includes additional localizers with a long history in the Animal Crossing series.
Is it the “comfortable, warm and familiar” aspect that draws you to Animal Crossing — or maybe something else or nothing at all? Let us know.
Comments 15
@nole001
What a weird song!
Wow, Totaka's song continues to makes it rounds even now.
The thing that draws me to Animal Crossing: New Leaf is simply the fact that it is Animal Crossing: New Leaf. That, to me, is reason enough.
Forget Tom Nook, it is Animal Crossing itself the one who enslaves you day and night. Why is this thing so addictive?
Man, I was getting so annoyed that the game took so long to release here after Japan...but I guess if they really change THAT much in localization, it might make sense...
It's Animal Crossing! Do we need more of a reason than that?
I'm starting to worry about completely losing summer this year.
This is the game that I held out getting a 3DS for.
I love you all. I want this game. My Body is ready.l
I love you all. I want this game. My Body is ready.l
I've never played one of these games and honestly don't know what all the hype is about. I hate to sound like a noob, but I'm just being real. I was told its a great series/ franchise but what the heck do you actually DO in these games. Someone please help me understand.
@DanielHPoetry You pull up weeds, you plant flowers and trees. You hit rocks and hope one of them is the bell rock. You catch fish and insects - you can sell these or donate them to the town museum. You dig up fossils and give these to the museum or sell them. You make friends with the animals living your town, then they leave and someone new moves in. You buy a house, you extend your house, you furnish your house. You buy clothes, design clothes. So not a lot actually happens, but Animal Crossing Wild World is one of my favourite games. And I'm expecting Animal Crossing New Leaf to be a new favourite. It's addictive and fun and I can't say exactly why, but it's just brilliant!
@Stumpweasel to be honest, that sounds absolutely boring in my opinion. But, at the same time, I think the simplistic gameplay is brilliant. The way this game has also captivated so many people also says a lot. I'm considering the purchase, but I'm still very much so on the fence about it. I'll try the demo, if released, and make a decision from there. Maybe I might get addicted myself, who knows?! Thanks for the info. It was helpful
@DanielHPoetry oh you're right, it does sound boring and I usually hate sims. But there's something utterly captivating about Animal Crossing and even now I still pick up the DS version and while away a couple of hours. I hope if you try the demo that it wins you over.
@Stumpweasel we'll see. I'll keep an open mind.
Can me and my other friend please come to someone's town and have lots of fun together?? My friend code is 1375-7630-2467. My friend's friend code is 0989-2485-7221.
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