Ever since the dawn of 2001, millions of video game enthusiasts have been enamored with the smash hit life-simulator franchise known as 'Animal Crossing' overseas, or 'Doubutsu no Mori' in its native country of origin (Japan). As one would expect with a game series that sold an estimated ~75-80 million units worldwide, there have been many talk about the games from fans ranging from theories of the plot/setting, discussions on what to do in-game, desired or 'dream' villagers, and so much more. 

Speaking of villagers and speculation, an urban legend arose about the first Animal Crossing in the west with online records dating back to 2010. Apparently, it was believed that if the player were to be absent from their beloved virtual village for too long, a purple bulldog of red eyes and yellow sclera with a coat reminiscent of a Boston Terrier would visit the village--a villager known as 'Brutus'. He wore a black shirt with a white 'B' imprinted on it, and he was alleged to speak only in binary as well as his house being able to crash the game upon visitation. 

While this legend is, of course, false--it would be a fantastic love-letter to the fans to include 'Brutus' in any sort of fashion--be it in full (no crashing or binary obviously), referenced, or even a name-drop/cameo somewhere in the newest inevitable title ahead of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Game publishers/developers such as Rockstar Games/Rockstar North are a testament to this sort of developer-fan communication, such as the addition of the mythical Bigfoot into Grand Theft Auto IV as a reference/mention of its mythical status, before subsequently getting a full addition in Grand Theft Auto V/Online. 

While it would not be the end of the world if Brutus were not to be added, his addition in any sort of the aforementioned forms would certain bolster developer-fan/publisher-fan communications in an era where tension between Nintendo and its fans has become increasingly hotter as cases of litigation and suspicions of subsequent concept-plagiarism run rampant. 

With the silent end of Animal Crossing: New Horizons in terms of developer contributions, the game has received contemporary introspection from once-overjoyed players who feel disappointment in the game's overall lack of content as well as the addition of multiple questionable decisions in comparison to its predecessors. With that emptiness left behind, many fans feel that their Quality-of-Life (QoL) suggestions have gone unheard--such as bulk-crafting and infinite uses for what is meant to be an 'ultimate' version of a tool--leaving open a myriad of options and ideas to win back the hearts of those who felt disappointed with the recent aforementioned entry in the series. While it is doubtful that Brutus' addition in any form would be as popular as most other suggestions, it would at the very least show that Nintendo as both a publisher and developer does in fact listen to its fans in some capacity; leaving hope for the addition of major features left behind in the somber wake of Animal Crossing: New Horizons.