Animal Crossingis a franchise from humble beginnings that has now become one of the biggest for Nintendo. While each mainline game’s premise has generally stayed the same,Animal Crossinghas constantly experimented with its settings and mechanics, and found success along the way. As its library grows, so does the number of opportunities it has to try new things. Regarding that, there is one in particular that could createan interesting and boldAnimal Crossingspin-off game, but whose window is closing in fast. While the franchise can choose to let it slide, it would be a waste for it to do so due to the resources already available and all the potential benefits it can bring by making it.
In October 2023, the LEGO company announced that it would be producing and releasing sets forAnimal Crossing. The move was met with success, as to this day, people continue to purchase the products of the toyline and anticipate new releases. With the sets becoming so popular, it opened up the opportunity forAnimal Crossingto have a spin-off game based on them. While the idea is sound, its relevancy is limited in time, as eight of the franchise’s LEGO sets are scheduled to retire by the end of 2025, and a few more a year after. With them eventually being taken off the shelves, Nintendo would need to move forward with a LEGO spin-off sooner rather than later to ensure that it doesn’t end up being outdated and lose out on the current moment.
Why an Animal Crossing LEGO Spin-off Game Should Happen Before the Retirement of the Sets
Whilethe retirement of some of theAnimal CrossingLEGO setsis still far off, the fact that it will start taking place in 2025 means that any spin-off game only has a short release window. As for why it should take place before the toys are no longer in production, it’s for the simple matter of taking advantage of their popularity. By releasing in (or at least near) the sales window of the franchise’s LEGO sets, a spin-off would feel closely tied to the active toy line. Making and releasing the title well past the toys' retirement would mean missing out on the audience the toyline attracted, as it’s likely that by that point, fans will have had reason to move on to other things. So, while the franchise’s LEGOs are still fresh and relevant, Nintendo should capitalize on releasing anAnimal Crossingspin-off game based on them before it’s too late.
How Animal Crossing Can Make a Spin-off Game Based on Its LEGO Sets
While it’s important to create a LEGO spin-off game before the retirement of the toyline, there’s still the question of how it should be gone about. If Nintendo does intend to make such a game before the tail end of 2025, then there are a few ideas it could go for:
Makingthe nextAnimal Crossinggamea LEGO spin-off seems the logical choice, given that the franchise’s sets are bound for retirement. If any of of the potential spin-off avenues were executed right, it could encourage a new partnership deal with LEGO that leads to even more sets in the future.
IfAnimal Crossingwants to continue to be one ofthe biggest Nintendo franchises, then it would be wise to jump at every opportunity. The franchise’s LEGO sets, while they’re still available, offer an amazing one via a possible spin-off title. Hopefully, Nintendo will consider capitalizing on it, as the idea has a ton of potential and provides the company and the franchise with a lot to gain.
