Summary
Whatever direction Tom Nook takes in the nextAnimal Crossinggame, he can’t be reduced to corrupt lender status—not after his escalation inAnimal Crossing: New Horizons. Whatever happens in a futureAnimal Crossinggame, Tom Nook ought to be further developed, with the franchise doubling down on his comically exaggerated businessman persona.
Animal Crossing’s Tom Nookhas long drawn the ire of players, with many considering him to be a greedy, opportunistic capitalist preying upon the economically disadvantaged. From a game design perspective, Nook provides players with the incentive to grow their wealth, as he controls a number of in-universe enterprises. Historically, these enterprises have been focused on the real estate and furniture markets, butNew Horizonstook Nook’s business endeavors to the next level, having him essentially run a remote island, operate a travel agency, and launch a feature-complete mobile app for his company’s rewards program.
Why Tom Nook Can’t Be Reeled In For the Next Animal Crossing
It’s logical to expect thenextAnimal Crossingto expand the series' features, offering new gameplay, roleplaying, and cooperative multiplayer experiences. This is only natural when it comes to franchise-building, but the same philosophy should apply to the game’s handling of Tom Nook, as it would feel like a step backward to return him to the rank of ‘evil landlord’.
Tom Nook Has Achieved Near-Totalitarianism in Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Nook’s economic empire is bigger than ever inNew Horizons. Much of this is due to the fact that, unlike previous games in the series,New Horizonsis set on a desert island. This location is at once ripe for development and far away from any sort of governing entity that would foil the businessman’s attempts at monopolizing.Tom Nook’s life is his business, and this is reflected in just how much power he has, with his company basically serving as a linchpin for all the goings-on of the island.
Tom Nook even approves the player’s changes to the topography of the island, without the need for any permits or adherence to regulations.
With this in mind, it would be difficult to justify a significant decrease in Nook’s power or influence for the nextAnimal Crossinggame. After all, there’s little reason for him to abandon the power he achieved inNew Horizons, and his empire doesn’t appear to be under any real threat from internal or external forces. If the nextAnimal Crossingis just a sequel toNew Horizons, then Nook could simply continue on as usual, but there are ways for his role to be even further developed in a more typicalAnimal Crossingfollow-up.
How the Next Animal Crossing Can Make Tom Nook Even More Powerful
The Nook family has taken their operation global inNew Horizons, with a travel agency, impressively developed app, and a sprawling real estate portfolio. The natural progression of this would be for Nook Inc. to simply become an international corporate entity, taking the over-the-top business to its fullest conclusion. Perhaps Nook Inc. could be something of an Amazon-like corporation, with vehicles and buildings stamped with Nook logos, and large swaths of the populace in its employ. It could even be explicitly unethical, likethe Joja Corporation inStardew Valley. Either way, committing to the global scale of Nook Inc. has a lot of potential.
Making Tom Nook nothing but a landlord in the nextAnimal Crossingcould feel a bit weird, as it would halt the momentum of the character following his appearance inNew Horizons. It might be more interesting to keep growing his power and influence until it topples under its own weight. Then, a futureAnimal Crossingcould feature him rebuilding his company from scratch.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
WHERE TO PLAY
Escape to a deserted island and create your own paradise as you explore, create, and customize in the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game. Your island getaway has a wealth of natural resources that can be used to craft everything from tools to creature comforts. you’re able to hunt down insects at the crack of dawn, decorate your paradise throughout the day, or enjoy sunset on the beach while fishing in the ocean. The time of day and season match real life, so each day on your island is a chance to check in and find new surprises all year round.Show off your island utopia to family and friends—or pack your bags and visit theirs. Whether playing online** or with others beside you***, island living is even better when you can share it. Even without hopping on a flight, you’ll meet a cast of charming animal residents bursting with personality. Friendly faces like Tom Nook and Isabelle will lend their services and happily help you grow your budding community. Escape to your island getaway—however, whenever, and wherever you want.
