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When Animal Crossing: New Horizons was first announced in 2019, one of the main topics of discussion within the community likely involved the villagers that players would be able to have on their island. The new villagers introduced in Animal Crossing: New Horizons increased the series' database to over 400 characters, and yet Nintendo has yet to introduce a new animal type to the franchise. Recently, a fan designed an original villager concept of a watermelon-themed bat villager, likely in hopes that more animal species will be included in future Animal Crossing games.
The sheer amount of villagers in the Animal Crossing: New Horizons database that players can choose from to invite to their island is probably considered by fans as one of the game's major draws. There are around 25 different animal types in Animal Crossing: New Horizon, and each of these villagers have a variety of personalities depending on their gender. And with players having space to hold up to ten different villagers on their island at one given time, this offers deserted island owners a whole range of interactions and experiences on a daily basis.
Though Animal Crossing: New Horizons already has so many animal species in its villager roster, one fan seems to think that there are more types that Nintendo could add to future games. On Reddit, user ILikeIt_Picasso shared an Animal Crossing: New Horizons villager fan art that they originally created. The new villager was watermelon-themed, and the artist envisioned them as a bat, which is an animal species that is not included in any of the Animal Crossing games. The artist even included a little profile card of their original villager, naming them Melony, and adding tidbits of villager information such as their personality, favorite color, quirks, and catchphrase.
Fellow fans seemed to be very receptive of ILikeIt_Picasso's vision of a bat species villager, replying that it was adorable to have a fruit-themed fruit bat. This also opened up the discussion of Nintendo adding in more species of villagers, especially exotic or nocturnal ones. One comment even jokingly said that bat villagers are perfect to add to the game as they could cover the night shift for Isabelle in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Nevertheless, it seems that Animal Crossing: New Horizons are hoping that Nintendo will consider new animal species to add into future Animal Crossing titles. Considering that the company did not do so in ACNH, it may be a while before fans will see new species in the franchise.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is currently available for the Nintendo Switch.
Source: Reddit
