Ubisoft is Allegedly Creating a Social Sim Similar to Animal Crossing

Rumor has it that Ubisoft is brewing up something special with a new game called ‘Alterra.’ Apparently, they’re diving into the world of voxel-based social sims, drawing inspiration from the beloved Animal Crossing. Given the popularity of games like Stardew Valley, Coral Island, and Castaway Paradise, Ubisoft is stepping into a space with some established competitors on Xbox.

According to Insider Gaming, Alterra aims to blend the charm of Animal Crossing with the creative potential of Minecraft. The game promises an island home populated by whimsical Funko Pop-style characters known as Matterlings. Players can look forward to using Minecraft-esque building mechanics to create their dream island sanctuary.

But that’s not all—Alterra isn’t just about building at home. Expect to journey across various themed worlds rich with different biomes to gather unique materials for your creations. Each world will have its own distinct flair, from Materlings inspired by fantastical creatures and real animals to enemies and resources tailored to the biome’s theme.

The buzz suggests that Ubisoft intends to continue expanding the game’s roster of Matterlings long after its initial release, with plenty of variety in their appearances, such as differing outfits. And while it’s still a bit mysterious, there seems to be a multiplayer element—possibly allowing us to explore each other’s home worlds.

Interestingly, Alterra’s root traces back to another voxel-based project that didn’t make the cut. It’s been under development in Ubisoft Montreal for about a year and a half. Patrick Redding, known for his work on Gotham Knights, is rumored to be the creative director, while longtime Ubisoft talent Fabien Lhéraud leads production.

In lighter Ubisoft news, there’s chatter about intriguing stealth mechanics coming to Assassin’s Creed Shadows. But back to Alterra—what do you think? Does the idea of a social sim from Ubisoft pique your interest? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!