The Animal Crossing Series is a popular video game franchise developed by Nintendo. Players take on the role of a character who moves to a deserted island or a village inhabited by anthropomorphic animals. The gameplay is open-ended, allowing players to engage in various activities such as fishing, bug catching, and gardening, all while building and customizing their living space. Each game in the series features real-time gameplay, meaning that the in-game time and seasons reflect the real world. Players can interact with their animal neighbors, participate in seasonal events, and visit other players' islands or villages through online play. The series promotes creativity and relaxation, making it appealing to a wide audience.