Why is it Called Animal Crossing?

"Animal Crossing" refers to the interaction of the player with numerous animals – you‘re essentially "crossing paths" with various animals as you explore the game world. The name captures the dynamic social experience that is the heart of the iconic game series.

Straight from the Developer‘s Mouth

In an IGN interview, Animal Crossing: New Horizons director Aya Kyogoku explained the meaning behind the peculiar name:

"The title refers to the concept of crossing between two worlds or two environments, the human world and the animal world. We live in the human world while there is an animal world within the game. The player serves as the bridge between those two worlds or environments."

Katsuya Eguchi, the director of the original Animal Crossing game back in 2001 for Nintendo 64, described coming up with name in an interview with Edge Magazine:

"The concept of Animal Crossing is communications. You’re living with these animal people in their village and communicating with them every day. We wanted a title that included that essence, that communicated that aspect. That’s when we came up with Kasetsu Dōbutsu no Mori [Animal Forest Expo], with the concept of an animal forest expo, a place animals gather.”

So in the vision of its very creators, "Animal Crossing" is meant capture the magical interactions that transport players into a whimsical world inhabited by carefree animal friends.

Breaking Down the Name

Let‘s analyze each component that makes up this creative name:

Animal – Well, clearly all the characters besides the player are bipedal talking animals like cats, deer or rabbits living in a civilized society. Crossing paths with these animals is the basis for the social simulation gameplay.

Crossing – This refers to the intersecting of two worlds: the player‘s human world and the animal village world. You are crossing over into their domain. There is also a literal crossing of physical bridges when traveling between places.

Why Not "Animal Village"?

Early in development of the first game, it was tentatively called "Animal Village" but the developers felt "Crossing" better conveyed the active experience of encountering its quirky animal residents going about their daily lives. "Village" implied stagnant NPCs wandering a setting, not the spirited and spontaneous exchanges that define Animal Crossing charm.

Community Perspective on the Title

Here is some analysis from Animal Crossing fans discussing the naming choice on Reddit:

"I always thought the name had to do with the animals in the town crossing paths with you, the player, hence you are ‘crossing‘ paths with the animals." [Reddit user: axdwl]

"Kinda like crossing the street but crossing into each other lives instead! At least that’s how I conceptualized it in my brain as a kid!" [Reddit user: Smurfette26]

"Also the theory that all the animals already had an established society, crossing over from ‘our world‘ to immerse with them." [Reddit user: windkirby]

So clearly many fans recognize how crossing between the human and animal realms is key to Animal Crossing, not just animals interacting with a static village setting. The name acts as onomatopoeia for that intermingling experience at the heart of the game.

Sales Show Universal Appeal

With over 38 million units sold to date, the Animal Crossing franchise has clearly captivated audiences worldwide thanks to its inclusive gameplay and charming characters.

The most recent entry, Animal Crossing: New Horizons on Nintendo Switch, has proven especially popular, selling over 10 million copies in its first 11 months. During 2020 pandemic lockdowns, it offered much-needed escapism and human connection in trying times.

The numbers speak for themselves – Animal Crossing has earned widespread appeal across demographics thanks to its innovative social simulation formula.

Enduring Name for an Everlasting Franchise

So clearly the developers felt "Animal Crossing" perfectly encapsulated the essence of communing with spontaneous animal villagers who have minds of their own. It represents the spirit of crossing between one world into another filled with surprises, delights and friendships at every turn.

And given the stellar success of subsequent sequels, it seems "Animal Crossing" was the purr-fect name choice after all! As the franchise celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, may the happy bells of the iconic Animal Crossing theme ring out for decades more!