By Talking at GDC 2014 session 'How to turn a New Leaf at the Animal Crossing', director Aya Kyogoku explained how the team tackled "series fatigue" after Wii iteration City Folk.
One of the most important aspects was embracing new forms of communication suitable for the time - such as Twitter image sharing and a dedicated Wii U Plaza app.
The contribution of ideas from a variety of staff members was also important. For example, Nintendo EAD shared a City Folk post-mortem and New Leaf design specifications internally with all staff.
Any member of staff - from producers and designers through to programmers and composers - were also able to contribute ideas "on any aspect of development", including the design of individual items.
Anyone on #NewLeaf team could contribute ideas for characters and furniture via sketches #GDC #GDC2014 pic.twitter.com/rmlTApRmGA
— Digital Spy Gaming (@digitalspygames) March 19, 2014
What to Read Next
"Everyone on the team could share characters, furniture and other ideas," she told GDC attendees including Digital Spy.
"Ultimately the designer decides, but anyone in the team -regardless of their role in the group - could contribute sketches at any time.
"It opened us up to a variety of tastes and likings. Male and females and a variety of ages participated. We were able to leverage our diverse team, which couldn't be possible if one person was making all the decisions."
Additional image of developer sketches for #NewLeaf at #GDC #GDC2014 talk pic.twitter.com/xIheNuhUc5
— Digital Spy Gaming (@digitalspygames) March 19, 2014
Producer Katsuya Eguchi said that since Animal Crossing "allowed players to express individuality", it was important to "make sure the development team was composed from a variety of backgrounds and varying life experiences".
"In hindsight, in seeing the diversity of fans in New Leaf and Animal Crossing as a whole, I feel we made the correct approach," he said.
The talk concluded with the three key elements in developing a franchise, and revealed the statistic that Animal Crossing: New Leaf has managed to sell 7.3 million units worldwide.
Our review of Animal Crossing: New Leaf: 3DS entry is the best yet
Digital Spy is reporting live from GDC 2014 throughout this week
Three key elements in developing a franchise #NewLeaf #GDC14 #GDC2014 pic.twitter.com/1Xv1Wq4v4w
— Digital Spy Gaming (@digitalspygames) March 19, 2014
#NewLeaf has sold 7.38 million units worldwide to date #GDC #GDC2014 pic.twitter.com/VtqjuRKki2
— Digital Spy Gaming (@digitalspygames) March 19, 2014
