Aya Kyogoku

Aya Kyogoku (Japanese: 京極あや, Hepburn: Kyōgoku Aya, born 1981 or 1982) is a Japanese video game director and producer. She is best known for her work on Animal Crossing, where she has alternately served as a producer, director, and supervisor since 2008.

Kyogoku began her career at Nintendo, where she worked with development teams on major projects, gaining valuable experience. Her role in the Animal Crossing series has been particularly influential, helping to shape the direction and development of the games. Under her leadership, the series has seen innovative changes and expansions, enhancing its appeal and solidifying its status as a beloved franchise among players around the world

Quotes

• When I was starting in the game industry, it wasn't common to be the only woman on the entire team...I always felt welcome, but it still felt awkward. In my years at Nintendo, I have come to discover that when there are women in a variety of roles on the project, you get a wider [range] of ideas.
  • March 19, 2014 Animal Crossing: New Leaf director says team diversity, communication core to its success