Nintendo Says Animal Crossing New Leaf Development Team Had An Even Gender Split

Animal Crossing: New Leaf producer Katsuya Eguchi and director Aya Kyogoku revealed at this year’s GDC event that the development team behind the game had an even gender split of male and female employees. The team believe that this factor partially helped contribute to the series broad appeal and evolution.

“As a woman on the team, I always felt welcome, and never felt awkward,” she said.

“Development staff were able to contribute to all parts of the design process, submitting ideas for characters which would then be brushed up for inclusion in the game.”

“It opened us up to a variety of tastes and likings,” said Kyogoku. “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.”

“Kyogoku also spoke of how the bond between the developers translated into the game – team members would make Animal Crossing-themed cakes to bring into the office, and would often go on group barbecues. It meant that as the development process came to an end – usually a tense environment in a studio – the team were fresh and cheery.”