I think it was different for older games in the series. It was pretty rare for them to ask more than 30 minutes per play session from you, so it was easier to keep up with.

I feel like the catalyst was Iwata’s death honestly, with Reggie’s departure being the true turning point. Nintendo’s greed and (with some exceptions) game output haven’t been the same since.

I also have a crippling fear of calling people and my thumb hovered over the call button for four straight days before finally making the call a decade ago. I promise the ends justify the means!!!

It’s funny because every animal crossing game was released at a point in my life when times were hard. Every single one. The series means a lot to me as a result.